Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Bonds was living in Norfolk, Virginia in the 1950's when he began singing publicly in church, and with a group called The Turks. He joined record producer Frank Guida's small Legrand label and Guida changed his name to U.S. Bonds in hopes that it would be confused with a public service announcement advertising the sale of government bonds and thus get more airtime. Bonds' first hit was the song "New Orleans", which was followed by "Not Me", a flop for Bonds, but later a hit for The Orlons, and then by his only Number One hit, "Quarter To Three" in June 1961. Subsequent hits, under the name Gary (U.S.) Bonds, included "School Is Out", "Dear Lady Twist" and "Twist, Twist, Senora" in the early 1960s. In a 1963 tour of Europe, he headlined above The Beatles. Eventually, the singer came to be known as Gary U.S. Bonds.
"Quarter To Three" appears on The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll list.
In the early 1980s, Bonds had a career resurgence, working off collaborations with Bruce Springsteen, Steven Van Zandt, and the E Street Band. Later hits included "This Little Girl", "Jolé Blon" and "Out Of Work". Bonds continues to release albums sporadically, and today is a mainstay of the nostalgia concert circuit.
While Gary U.S. Bonds is mostly known for achievements within Rhythm and Blues and Rock 'n' roll, he often transcends these genres, e.g. he has been nominated for the Country Music Association's "Songwriter of the Year" distinction. He is also a honoree of the Rhythm & Blues Foundation. Bonds is an accomplished golfer and often plays celebrity PGA events.
He was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame on Oct 15, 2006.
Fannie Mae
Gary "U.S." Bonds Lyrics
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Said I want somebody to tell me what's wrong with me
I feel so much trouble, I got such a misery
Yes I do
And I can hear your name a ringin' all down the line
I can hear your name a ringin' all down the line
I wanna know do you love me
I wonder
Fannie Mae, baby, won't you please come home
Fannie Mae, baby, won't you please come home
Let the seventh debt I cover
I don't wanna be alone
I know, whooa...poor me
I know, whooa...poor me
Said my heart is through with trouble
It's such an aching misery
Fannie Mae, baby, won't you please come home
Fannie Mae, baby, won't you please come home
Let the seventh debt I cover
I don't wanna be alone
Fannie mae, baby, won't you please come home
Fannie mae, baby, won't you please come home
Let the seventh debt I cover
I don't wanna be alone
Fannie Mae
Fannie Mae
Fannie Mae
In Gary "U.S." Bonds's song, "Fannie Mae," the lyrics express the singer's woes of feeling troubled and miserable. He pleads for someone to tell him what's wrong with him and wonders if the woman he loves truly loves him back or if he is wasting his time. The repetition of her name ringing "all down the line" reinforces his longing for her attention and affection. The chorus repeats the phrase "Fannie Mae, baby, won't you please come home?" The singer is willing to cover the seventh debt, meaning he is willing to do whatever it takes for her to come back to him because he does not want to be alone anymore. He ends by saying his heart is done with trouble and misery, alluding to the possibility of finding happiness if Fannie Mae returns.
The song was first recorded in 1959, and Gary "U.S." Bonds's version became a hit in 1960. "Fannie Mae" is considered an early example of American rhythm and blues or rock and roll. The track highlights the African American tradition of call-and-response, where the singer calls out and the backup vocals respond. It also features a repetitive guitar riff, which became the signature sound for Gary "U.S." Bonds. The song's lyrics depict a common theme in blues music, which is the expression of heartaches, loneliness, and wanting someone to come back home. The name, Fannie Mae, is a common nickname for a woman and does not refer to the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) as some may assume.
Line by Line Meaning
Said I want somebody to tell me what's wrong with me
Expressing a desire for someone to diagnose the feelings of distress and sadness being experienced.
I feel so much trouble, I got such a misery
Acknowledging the intensity of emotional turmoil currently being endured.
And I can hear your name a ringin' all down the line
Awareness of persistent thoughts and reminders related to a particular person.
I wanna know do you love me or am I just wasting my time
Expressing a desire for clarity in a romantic relationship and questioning if efforts are being done in vain.
Fannie Mae, baby, won't you please come home
Addressing a person and requesting their presence and companionship.
Let the seventh debt I cover, I don't wanna be alone
Expressing a willingness to endure financial struggles in order to avoid loneliness.
Said my heart is through with trouble, it's such an aching misery
Declaring an intent to move away from emotional distress and acknowledging the pain involved in such experience.
Fannie Mae, baby, won't you please come home
Repeating the request for the presence of someone who is yearned for.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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