Donald Randolph was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, United States. His father a Baptist preacher died when Don was eight. Covay resettled in Washington D.C. during the early 1950s and initially sang in the Cherry Keys, his family's gospel quartet. He crossed over to secular music with the Rainbows, a formative group which also included Marvin Gaye and Billy Stewart. Covay's solo career began in 1957 as part of the Little Richard Revue.
A single "Bip Bop Bip" was released on Atlantic and produced by Little Richard, on which Covay was billed as "Pretty Boy". It also featured his backing band the Upsetters. Over the next few years Covay drifted from label to label, but a further dance-oriented track called "Popeye Waddle" was a hit in 1962. He also wrote and recorded "Pony Time" which later became a US #1 single for Chubby Checker. Covay meanwhile honed his songwriting skills by penning a hit for Solomon Burke, "I'm Hanging Up My Heart for You", while Gladys Knight & The Pips reached the US Top 20 with "Letter Full of Tears".
Covay's singing career continued to falter until 1964, when he signed to the Rosemart label. His debut single there with the Goodtimers, "Mercy Mercy" (accompanied by a young Jimi Hendrix on guitar), established his earthy bluesy style. Atlantic bought his contract, but, while several R&B hits followed, it was a year before Covay returned to the pop chart. "See Saw", co-written with Steve Cropper and recorded at Stax, paved the way for more hits.
Don Covay's songs still remain successful: Aretha Franklin won a Grammy for her performance of his composition "Chain of Fools". He is a legendary composer and singer, best known for his R&B classic compositions "Mercy Mercy", "Chain of Fools", "See Saw" and "Sookie Sookie". Covay had success as a singer as Don Covay and The Goodtimers, and his compositions have been recorded by such varied artists as Steppenwolf, Bobby Womack, The Rolling Stones, Wilson Pickett, The Small Faces, Grant Green, Peter Wolf and many more.
Don Covay had a stroke in 1992, and the following year Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones appeared, with Iggy Pop, Todd Rundgren and others on a Covay tribute album Back to the Streets: Celebrating the Music of Don Covay. The same year he was presented by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation with one of its Pioneer Awards.
He released an album Adlib in 2000 on the Cannonball label, his first album in 23 years. Collaborating musicians included Paul Rodgers, Wilson Pickett, Lee Konitz, Otis Clay, Kim Simmonds, Ann Peebles, Syl Johnson, Paul Shaffer, Huey Lewis, and Dan Penn. The cover art was by Ronnie Wood.
Covay died on January 30, 2015 at the age of 76.
Seesaw
Don Covay Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your love is like a see-saw, baby, see-saw
First it's up and then it's down
It changes so fast, it never hits the ground
It goes up, down, and up Like a see-saw
When you said you'd be my baby, see-saw
When you said you'd be my baby, see-saw
I thought your love was sincere
It goes up, down and up, like a see-saw
Monday it's a huggin and a kissin
And Tuesday somethin' I've been missin'
Wednesday ev'rything is fine
Thursday you done changed your mind
Friday it's the day we make up
Saturday the day we break up
Sunday things are goin all right
Monday you want to start up fightin'
Your love is like a see-saw baby
Your love is like a see-saw baby
First you're glad and then yo're mad
You're the strangest girl I ever had
It goes up, down and up, like a see-saw
The song "See-Saw" by Don Covay is a soulful exploration of the ups and downs of a tumultuous relationship. The metaphor of a see-saw is used to describe the fluctuating emotions and actions of the person the singer is in a relationship with - one moment they are affectionate and loving, and the next they are distant and cold. The lyrics describe the frustrations of trying to navigate a relationship that is constantly changing and unstable, with the singer expressing his confusion and disappointment at how quickly things can turn from good to bad, and vice versa.
The opening lines of the song establish the central image of the see-saw, with the singer stating that his love is like a see-saw, constantly shifting and changing. The imagery of the see-saw is used throughout the song to represent the volatile nature of the relationship - it goes "up, down, and up" like a see-saw. The singer had initially believed that his partner's love was sincere, but as the song progresses, he becomes increasingly disillusioned and frustrated with the instability of their relationship.
The song is a classic example of soul music from the 1960s, with a catchy melody and a strong, emotive vocal performance from Covay. Its lyrics are timeless in their exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the difficulties of navigating the ups and downs of love.
Line by Line Meaning
Your love is like a see-saw baby, see-saw
The singer is comparing the highs and lows of his relationship to a see-saw that goes up and down.
First it's up and then it's down
The singer is describing how his relationship with his partner will be good and then suddenly turn bad.
It changes so fast, it never hits the ground
The singer is implying that his relationship is constantly changing so quickly that it never seems to reach a stable point.
It goes up, down, and up Like a see-saw
Reiterating that the artist's relationship is like a see-saw.
When you said you'd be my baby, see-saw
The artist is referencing the moment his partner agreed to be in a relationship with him and comparing it to a see-saw.
I thought your love was sincere
The singer believed that his partner's love for him was genuine and honest.
But at this rate, it won't last a year
The singer is worried that the relationship won't last because of the constant back and forth of emotions.
Monday it's a huggin and a kissin
The artist is explaining how the relationship is great on Mondays with lots of displays of affection.
And Tuesday somethin' I've been missin'
On Tuesday, however, the artist feels like something is missing and the relationship isn't as fulfilling.
Wednesday ev'rything is fine
Wednesday brings a return to normalcy for the couple, and everything seems alright again.
Thursday you done changed your mind
Thursday marks a shift back to negativity, and the singer's partner can't seem to make up their mind about their feelings.
Friday it's the day we make up
By Friday, the couple has reconciled and made up for their fighting.
Saturday the day we break up
Unfortunately, the make up was short-lived, and the couple breaks up again on Saturday.
Sunday things are goin all right
Sunday is a good day, and the couple seems to be getting along once more.
Monday you want to start up fightin'
However, the cycle of ups and downs starts again on Monday, with the singer's partner looking for a fight.
Your love is like a see-saw baby
Reiterating the comparison of the artist's partner's emotions to that of a see-saw.
First you're glad and then yo're mad
The artist is explaining how the relationship is a constant cycle of his partner being happy one moment and angry the next.
You're the strangest girl I ever had
The singer is reflecting on how unique his partner is and how difficult their relationship can be.
It goes up, down and up, like a see-saw
Reiterating again the comparison of the singer's relationship to a see-saw.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Don Covay, Steve Cropper
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dave Owen
Heard this first at Benidorm Soul Fiesta 2018 ... I loved it so much, got it played around our local soul scene , now everyone loves it .... class soul.
t40onbass
It's got a great beat and it's easy to dance to!
beat pete
Hit it!😊
Regina Hyde
Should have been a much bigger hit.
philip g ashman
choooooooooon, luv it still have my copy
louis hubbard
good song