Eddie and Ernie were an American soul music duo in the 1960s, comprising Ed… Read Full Bio ↴Eddie and Ernie were an American soul music duo in the 1960s, comprising Eddie Campbell (born William Edgar Campbell, 23 December 1940, Marion County, Texas – died 10 July 1994, Los Angeles) and Ernie Johnson Jnr. (born 22 October 1943, Grimes County, Texas – died 20 August 2005, Phoenix, Arizona)
They sang in gospel groups before working as backing vocalists from the early-1960s. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, they made their first recordings as a duo (initially as Ernie & Eddie) in 1963, also making solo recordings. Although they recorded for several labels, some quite large such as Columbia, Chess, and Buddah, they never had any significant chart success, their biggest R&B hit being Time Waits For No One on Eastern records in 1965. In 1971, they both joined a local group, Phoenix Express.
Their recordings later became popular with aficionados such as Dave Godin, on whose Deep Soul compilations several of their tracks appear. A compilation CD was released on Ace Records (UK) in 2002.

What Can I Do
Eddie & Ernie Lyrics

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I don't know why, I made you cry
I'm sorry sweetheart and yet
Though you shouldn't be lenient with me
I hope you'll forgive and forget

What can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry?
What can I do to prove it to you, I'm sorry?
I didn't mean to ever be mean to you

If I didn't care I wouldn't feel like I do
I was all wrong but right or wrong I don't blame you
Why should I take somebody like you and shame you
I know that I made you cry, and I'm so sorry dear
So what can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry?

You made me glad, I made you sad
I made you lonesome and blue
And who ever knew
Who'd ever think that I would be crying to you

What can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry?
What can I do to prove it to you, I'm sorry?
I didn't mean to ever be mean to you
If I didn't care I wouldn't feel like I do
I was all wrong but right or wrong I don't blame you
Why should I take somebody like you and shame you

I know that I made you cry, and I'm so sorry dear
So what can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Eddie & Ernie's song "What Can I Do" delve into the theme of regret and seeking forgiveness in a relationship. It begins with the singer expressing their confusion and remorse over causing their partner to cry, apologizing sincerely. The singer acknowledges that they do not deserve leniency but hopes for forgiveness and the ability to move past their mistakes.

The chorus sets the tone for the song, with the singer questioning what they can do or say to demonstrate their sincerity and prove their remorse. They admit that they never intended to be mean to their partner, emphasizing their feelings of care and concern. The singer takes responsibility for their actions, understanding that they were entirely in the wrong and that blaming their partner would be unfair. They express their regret for causing their partner pain and shame, highlighting their deep remorse for their actions.

The second verse flips the perspective, revealing that the singer's actions had a negative impact on them as well. They caused their partner happiness and joy but ended up making them sad and lonely instead. This realization emphasizes the consequences of their actions and further fuels their desire to make amends and seek forgiveness.

Overall, "What Can I Do" explores the complexities of relationships and the inherent human tendency to make mistakes. It reflects on the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions, asking for forgiveness, and working towards reconciliation.

Line by Line Meaning

I don't know why, I made you cry
I genuinely don't understand the reasons behind causing your tears

I'm sorry sweetheart and yet
Despite my apology, I understand that it may not be enough

Though you shouldn't be lenient with me
You shouldn't easily forgive my mistakes

I hope you'll forgive and forget
I hold a desire for your forgiveness and the ability to move on from this

What can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry?
What words can I express, my love, beyond acknowledging my remorse?

What can I do to prove it to you, I'm sorry?
How can I demonstrate my apology's sincerity?

I didn't mean to ever be mean to you
My intentions never involved causing you harm or pain

If I didn't care I wouldn't feel like I do
The depth of my remorse is evidence of my genuine concern for you

I was all wrong but right or wrong I don't blame you
I accept my mistakes, and regardless of the circumstances, I don't hold you responsible

Why should I take somebody like you and shame you
There is no justification for me to humiliate and bring disgrace upon someone as wonderful as you

I know that I made you cry, and I'm so sorry dear
I am fully aware that my actions led to your tears, and I express heartfelt regret

So what can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry?
Therefore, what other words of comfort can I offer, my love, apart from my apology?

You made me glad, I made you sad
You brought happiness into my life, but unfortunately, my actions brought sadness into yours

I made you lonesome and blue
Regrettably, I caused you to feel isolated and melancholic

And who ever knew
Who could have predicted this turn of events?

Who'd ever think that I would be crying to you
Who would have imagined that I, the causer of pain, would be seeking solace from you?

Lyrics © DONALDSON PUBLISHING CO, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Walter Donaldson, Abe Lyman

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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