Releasing her first single in 1959, she struggled to launch her career from segregated New Orleans as a teenage waitress with 4 children in the early 60's. Now, finally undergoing a late career renaissance on the Rounder label, much of her most enduring work was produced in the early 1960's by Allen Toussaint for Minit Records, and she also recorded for other labels including Imperial, Chess, and Atlantic, eventually retiring for a period before reviving her career in earnest in the late 1980's.
Thomas is perhaps best known outside of New Orleans for her recording of "Time Is On My Side," which predated the hit version by the Rolling Stones. Otis Redding's hit "Pain In My Heart" was built on an earlier song, "Ruler of My Heart," recorded by Thomas.
Thomas is still active as a performer, appearing annually at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and various tour dates in the US and Europe. She has reigned as Queen of the Krewe du Vieux for the 1998 New Orleans Mardi Gras season and often headlined at her own club, the Lion's Den, which is now out of business due to the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Irma Thomas has participated in numerous post-Katrina charity projects including The New Orleans Social Club, and won numerous awards including the Offbeat Magazine Award, Mojo Magazine's Legends award, Big Easy Award, a Family Services Award and many more. In 2009, Scott Billington compiled a Rounder records retrospective "Irma Thomas: A 50th Anniversary Celebration of The Soul Queen of New Orleans: " .
Good To Me
Irma Thomas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But you're so good to me
I don't what you're doing wrong to me baby
But you're so good to me
I've been loving you honey for a long time
And you're still good to me
I've been loving you baby for 20 long years
'Cause I've got that will to try, huh
I remember those sweet kisses you give me last night
And they we're so good to me
All of that good, good, good old loving you give me baby
It was so good to me
I've been loving you man for 20 long years
If it takes forty more
You know I've got the will to try
I don't know what you're doing to me baby
But it sure is good to me
Whatever you do wrong honey
I don't care baby
Because you're still good to me
Gonna keep on loving you baby
For twenty more years
After that I'm going to try for forty
'You know I got my will to try
I don't know what you're doing to me baby
But it sure is good to me
Whatever you do wrong
I don't care baby
But be so good to me
The song "Good to Me" by Irma Thomas is a love song that celebrates the goodness and longevity of a romantic relationship. The singer expresses her gratitude and admiration for her partner, stating that they always treat her well even though she may not know what they're doing right. She reminisces about the sweet moments they have shared, such as the kisses from the previous night, and says that every good thing her partner does for her makes her feel blessed and happy. Interestingly, the singer acknowledges that her partner might sometimes do wrong or make mistakes, but she is willing to accept them and continue loving them anyway. The final lines of the song convey a sense of hope and commitment, as the singer promises to love her partner for another twenty years and then forty more if possible, as she has the will and desire to try.
Overall, the song's message is one of gratitude, loyalty, and endurance. It highlights the importance of cherishing and valuing a partner even when times get tough, and emphasizes the power of love to overcome obstacles and maintain happiness in a long-term relationship. The singer's soulful and passionate delivery adds emotional depth and authenticity to the lyrics, making "Good to Me" a timeless classic that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know what you got baby
I am not sure what you possess, my dear
But you're so good to me
However, you treat me very well
I don't what you're doing wrong to me baby
I am unaware of what mistakes you are making, my love
But you're so good to me
Yet, you treat me incredibly well
I've been loving you honey for a long time
I have been fond of you, my dear, for quite some time now
And you're still good to me
And still, you treat me kindly
I've been loving you baby for 20 long years
I have been affectionate towards you, my darling, for two entire decades
I'll love you 20 more
I will continue to love you for another 20 years
'Cause I've got that will to try, huh
Because I possess that determination to continue
I remember those sweet kisses you give me last night
I recall those fond pecks you bestowed upon me last night
And they we're so good to me
And they were exceedingly pleasurable for me
All of that good, good, good old loving you give me baby
All of that wonderful, delightful, long-standing affection you give me, my dear
It was so good to me
Was highly satisfying for me
I've been loving you man for 20 long years
I have been enamored with you, my man, for 20 long years
If it takes forty more
Even if it takes another four decades
You know I've got the will to try
Know that I possess the strength to persevere
I don't know what you're doing to me baby
I am uncertain what effect you are having on me, my love
But it sure is good to me
But it is certainly pleasing for me
Whatever you do wrong honey
No matter what may be your mistakes, my dear
I don't care baby
I remain unfazed, my love
Because you're still good to me
As you continue to treat me lovingly
Gonna keep on loving you baby
I intend to endlessly love you, my dear
For twenty more years
For another two long decades
After that I'm going to try for forty
Subsequently, I shall then attempt to love you for another four decades
'You know I got my will to try
You understand that I have the determination to persist
But you're so good to me
Yet, you continue to treat me kindly
Whatever you do wrong
No matter what your errors might be
I don't care baby
I remain unconcerned, my love
But be so good to me
As long as you continue to be very kind to me
Writer(s): Otis Redding, Julius Green
Contributed by Mason F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@danielpadilla1365
Alright Soulful love it thank you so much for sharing
@carltoncollymore5317
Very good alternative to Otis' version.The brass is very sexy.
@Lula2030
Awesome
@srercrcr
The Queen of Memphis
@anclark2063
SOUL & Blues Queen of New Orleans.
@ernestoclaudodip9671
Irma and Carla Thomas are relatives?