Donaldson had been composing and recording since 1964. He rocketed to popularity in 1971 with his winning entry in the annual Jamaican Festival Song Competition, "Cherry Oh Baby". He went on to win the festival again in in 1977, 1978, 1984 and 1993. The "Cherry Oh Baby" has been very popular, and has been covered more than thirty times, including covers by The Rolling Stones and UB40.
Cherry oh baby
Eric Donaldson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't you know I'm in need of thee?
If you don't believe it's true
What have you left me to do?
So long I've been waiting
For you to come right in
And now that we are together
Please make my joys come over, oh
Oh, cherry oh, cherry oh, baby
Don't you know I'm in love with you?
If you don't believe I do
Then why don't you try me?
I will never let you down
I will never make you wear no frown
If you say that you love me madly
Oh, baby, I will receive you gladly
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Oh, cherry, oh, cherry, oh, baby
Don't you see I'm in love with you?
If you don't believe I do
Then why don't you try me?
I will never gonna let you down
I will never make you wear no frown
If you say that you love me madly
Oh, baby, I will receive you gladly, yeah
In the song "Cherry Oh Baby" by Eric Donaldson, the singer expresses his need and love for his significant other. He sings "Don't you know I'm in need of thee?" and "Don't you know I'm in love with you?" which show the depth of his feelings. He also mentions that he has been waiting for a long time for his partner to come into his life and that he wants to make their time together full of joy. The lyrics also suggest that there may have been some doubt from the partner's side, but the singer reassures them that he will never let them down and will always be there to make them happy.
The song is a classic reggae tune and was originally recorded by Eric Donaldson in 1971. The lyrics were written by Winston "Charlie" Marley, who is the cousin of Bob Marley. The song gained international popularity in 1976 when it was covered by the British band, UB40. Their version reached number 12 on the UK Singles Chart and introduced the song to a new generation of fans. Since then, the song has been covered by various artists, including The Rolling Stones, RICO, and Laid Back.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, cherry, oh, cherry, oh, baby
The singer is using 'cherry' as a term of endearment for their loved one, expressing their deep affection and connection.
Don't you know I'm in need of thee?
The singer is admitting their vulnerability and dependence on their loved one to feel whole and happy.
If you don't believe it's true
The singer is expressing doubt or skepticism from their loved one about the intensity of their feelings.
What have you left me to do?
The singer is asking their loved one for a way to prove their love and demonstrate their sincerity.
So long I've been waiting
The singer has been waiting patiently for their loved one to reciprocate their feelings, suggesting a long-standing love.
For you to come right in
The singer desires their loved one's presence in their life and longs for them to make a commitment.
And now that we are together
The singer is celebrating finally being in a committed relationship with their loved one.
Please make my joys come over, oh
The singer is asking their loved one to make them happy and fulfill them emotionally and romantically.
Don't you know I'm in love with you?
The singer is reiterating the depth of their love and devotion to their loved one.
If you don't believe I do
The singer is once again acknowledging their loved one's doubts or skepticism about their feelings.
Then why don't you try me?
The singer is offering their loved one the chance to test their love and confirm its validity.
I will never let you down
The singer promises to remain loyal and reliable in their love, suggesting trust and devotion.
I will never make you wear no frown
The singer promises to keep their loved one happy and fulfilled, suggesting a desire to maintain a positive and healthy relationship.
If you say that you love me madly
The singer is expressing a desire for their loved one to reciprocate their strong emotions and declare their love unequivocally.
Oh, baby, I will receive you gladly
The singer promises to welcome their loved one into their life and heart with open arms.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
This is a celebratory interjection showing the singer's joy and happiness at being in love.
Don't you see I'm in love with you?
The singer is once again reminding their loved one of the depth of their feelings and expressing a desire for their love to be reciprocated.
If you don't believe I do
The singer is still grappling with their loved one's doubts about their love, suggesting a need for reassurance or proof.
Then why don't you try me?
The singer is once again extending an invitation to their loved one to test their love and confirm its validity.
I will never gonna let you down
The singer reiterates their steadfastness and loyalty, promising never to disappoint their loved one or fail them emotionally.
I will never make you wear no frown
The singer restates their promise to maintain a healthy, positive, and fulfilling relationship with their loved one, never causing them emotional pain or distress.
If you say that you love me madly
The singer emphasizes their desire for their loved one to declare their love boldly and unequivocally.
Oh, baby, I will receive you gladly, yeah
The singer reiterates their willingness to welcome their loved one into their life and make them happy, expressing joy and affection.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ERIC DONALDSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@godfredamankwah3812
This was when childhood was filled with innocence and love. Houses were homes, and parents were valued. This song takes me back some 3 decades. Awesome memories 🙂
@VicInNocal
As Aerosmith once sang, "There's something wrong with the world today".
@lberia6681
All I can do is smile thinking back about my second home Jamaica with family there coming up good times😊
@Simora6779
Makes my heart cry when I listen these songs. Good old days, gone but not forgotten.!
@tumwesigye.godfrey8839
For sure da song kills me, I listen hundred times
@user-uu6pb1uh8q
Pourquoi CE n'est pas telegeargearble
@shanoibiggs3528
My grandfather use to play this on his big music system every sunday afternoon snd hold my grandma and danced lol im 22 now and still loving it❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
@shivansingh1633
Enjoy
@squamish4244
Live your life!
@shivansingh1633
Well said