Erma's best known record is the original version of Piece of My Heart. The song was covered in different arrangements by Janis Joplin, Faith Hill, Beverley Knight, and Dusty Springfield, and used as the basis of a song by Shaggy.
She was born in Shelby, Mississippi, but moved several times during her childhood before settling in Detroit, Michigan. Her mother Barbara, who was a gospel singer, left the family when Erma, her two sisters, and her brother were young children.
Though her sister Aretha went on to great fame, Carolyn, like Erma, was a struggling musician. Their brother, Cecil, became a minister like their father and managed Aretha's career for a while.
Her career was hampered by misfortune and by contracts with recording companies who could not find appropriate material for her. In the 1970s she left the music business, apart from engagements with her sister Aretha. She died in 2002 at the age of 64 after a long battle with throat cancer. In addition to Aretha, she was survived by her daughter Sabrina.
Big Boss Man
Erma Franklin Lyrics
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Can′t you hear me when I call?
(Calling, calling, calling, calling, calling)
Big boss man
Can't you hear me when I call?
(Calling, calling, calling, calling, calling)
Somebody told you that you are big
No, no, no, that you′re just tall, that's all
(Big boss man, yeah, yeah)
You got me working, baby
I working 'round the clock
But If you really love me
I do believe you can make me stop
Big boss man
(Big boss man, yeah, yeah)
I gonna tell you
I know you hear me
I gonna hear you
When I go
Somebody told you that you are big
But don′t you believe (no, no, no)
No, no, no, that you′re just tall, that's all
(Big boss man, yeah, yeah)
I gonna find me another man
(Gonna find him)
One who will treat me right
(You got to find him)
Gonna work hard in the day time
And rest easy at night
Big boss man
(Big boss man, yeah, yeah)
I know you hear me
You know I hear you
I gonna hear you
When I go
Somebody told you that you are big
Don′t you believe (no, no, no)
No, no, no, that you're just tall, that′s all
(Big boss man, yeah, yeah)
Big boss man, yeah
Big boss man, yeah
(Big boss man)
Oh, baby
(Big boss man, yeah)
Oh, baby
(Big boss man)
My baby
(Big boss man, yeah, yeah)
Yeah, baby
(Big boss man)
My baby
The lyrics to Erma Franklin's song "Big Boss Man" portray the frustration and yearning of a woman who is in a relationship with a powerful and authoritative man. Through her repeated pleas of "Can't you hear me when I call?" and "I gonna tell you, I know you hear me," she expresses her desire for his attention and understanding. The phrase "Somebody told you that you are big, but don't you believe, no, no, no, that you're just tall, that's all" suggests that the man may have a inflated sense of self-importance, while the woman sees through his façade and desires a genuine connection.
The song also touches upon the woman's dedication and loyalty to the relationship despite her grievances. She acknowledges that he keeps her working tirelessly, but still holds onto the hope that if he truly loves her, he has the power to make her stop. The line "I gonna find me another man, one who will treat me right, gonna work hard in the day time and rest easy at night" indicates her contemplation of seeking happiness elsewhere if her current partner fails to meet her needs.
Overall, "Big Boss Man" conveys a sense of longing, dissatisfaction, and yearning for a more equal and fulfilling relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Big boss man
Referring to the person in power or authority
Can't you hear me when I call? (Calling, calling, calling, calling, calling)
Asking if the boss pays attention to the singer's requests and needs
Somebody told you that you are big
Indicating that someone gave the boss an inflated sense of importance
I can show you (no, no, no)
Rejecting the notion that the boss is truly significant
No, no, no, that you're just tall, that's all
Explaining that the boss's height is the only thing exceptional about them
You got me working, baby I working 'round the clock
Expressing the singer's dedication and long hours of work
But If you really love me, I do believe you can make me stop
Suggesting that the boss's love and support could lead to a better work-life balance
I gonna tell you I know you hear me
Asserting that the boss is capable of understanding the artist's message
I gonna hear you When I go
Implying that the artist will listen to the boss's response when they leave
I gonna find me another man (Gonna find him)
Deciding to seek a new partner or employer
One who will treat me right (You got to find him)
Desiring someone who will treat the singer with respect and fairness
Gonna work hard in the daytime And rest easy at night
Planning to have a balanced and fulfilling work-life routine
I know you hear me You know I hear you
Acknowledging mutual communication
Somebody told you that you are big
Highlighting that someone falsely inflated the boss's ego
But don't you believe (no, no, no)
Advising the boss not to believe those claims
No, no, no, that you're just tall, that's all
Reiterating that the boss's height is their only remarkable trait
Big boss man, yeah
Repeating the reference to the person in power or authority
Oh, baby
Affectionate term for the boss
My baby
Emphasizing a personal connection to the boss
Writer(s): Luther Dixon, Al Smith
Contributed by Aiden F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.