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: " .
Looking Back
Irma Thomas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I see where I've caused you strife,
But I know, oh, yes, I know
I'd never make that same mistake again.
Looking back over my deeds
I can see signs wise men heed
And if I just had a chance
Once my cup was overflowing,
But I gave nothing in return.
Now I can't begin to tell you
What a lesson I have learned.
Looking back over mistakes
I can see love turn to hate, and if
I just had a chance, I'd never make that same mistake again.
Now, I know, yes I know
I'd never make that same mistake again.
Oooh, ooh...
Irma Thomas's "Looking Back" is a soulful tune about regret, reflection, and the desire for redemption. The first verse begins with the singer acknowledging their past mistakes and taking responsibility for causing strife in their relationship. However, they declare that they have learned their lesson and would not repeat the same mistake. The second verse emphasizes the singer's newfound wisdom and their understanding of the signs that wise men heed, implying that they have matured and grown in their self-awareness. The chorus repeats the message of regret and the desire for a second chance to make things right, and the song ends with the singer insisting that they have learned their lesson and would not make that same mistake again.
The lyrics reflect a universal human experience of making mistakes, looking back on them with regret, and longing for a chance to make amends. The song's message of self-reflection, growth, and redemption is relatable to anyone who has made mistakes in relationships, work or personal life, and is seeking to learn from them and become a better person. The soulful delivery of Irma Thomas, combined with the lyrics, the melody, and the musical arrangement, creates an emotional resonance that touches the heart and soul of the listener.
Line by Line Meaning
Looking back over my life
Reflecting upon my past actions and experiences
I see where I've caused you strife,
I recognize the ways I have caused you pain and difficulty
But I know, oh, yes, I know
I am aware, with certainty, of the nature of my mistakes
I'd never make that same mistake again.
I have learned from my previous errors and will avoid repeating them
Looking back over my deeds
Reflecting upon the actions I have taken
I can see signs wise men heed
I recognize indicators and cautionary tales of potential future mistakes
And if I just had a chance
Given an opportunity
I'd never make that mistake again.
I would apply the knowledge and insight I gained from my prior error
Once my cup was overflowing,
In the past, I experienced abundance and prosperity
But I gave nothing in return.
Yet I did not reciprocate generosity or kindness
Now I can't begin to tell you
It is difficult to express the gravity of the situation
What a lesson I have learned.
I deeply understand the value of giving and reciprocation now
Looking back over mistakes
Reflecting upon prior errors and regrets
I can see love turn to hate, and if
I recognize the downward spiral of a relationship and the consequences of mistakes
I just had a chance, I'd never make that same mistake again.
Given a second chance, I am inspired to avoid the same mistakes
Now, I know, yes I know
I am now certain
I'd never make that same mistake again.
That I would not make the same mistake again
Oooh, ooh...
Vocalization
Writer(s): Belford Hendricks, Brook Benton, Clyde Lovern Otis
Contributed by Bailey B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jesse Mueller
on These Honey Dos
Irma Thomas - These Honey Dos lyrics
V1/
Honey, do you see
While you're sittin' there
Two good legs, two good arms
Your butt stuck in that chair
It's get me this, reach me that
Fry the bacon, feed the cat
You're still in that chair, that's where yer at
C1/
I tried to satisfy
All your wishes and your wants
Soon these Honey Dos
Gonna turn into Don'ts
So honey you'd better choose
Do you want me, or these Honey Dos?
V2/
Honey, when I'm away
You always got to know
Who I see, what I do
And everywhere I go
And it's, while yer out, here's the list
Drop off that, pick up this
Yer still in that chair, that's where you is
C2/
Please don't make me try
To get away from you
I'm right here for ya, baby
But ya gotta give me somethin' too
Honey you'd better choose
Do you want me, or these Honey Dos?
B/
I'd do most everything
That I ever could do
All the love I got
I only give ta you
Honey, if you knew
A lover from a crutch
You'd know that everything yer doin'
Don't amount ta much
V1/
Honey, do you see
While you're sitting there
With two good legs, and two good arms
And your butt still stuck in that chair
It's get me this, reach me that
Fry the bacon, feed the cat
You're still in that chair, just gettin' fat
C1/
Tried to satisfy
All your wishes and your wants
Soon these Honey Dos
Are gonna turn into Don'ts
So honey you'd better choose
Do you want me, or these Honey Dos?
{Honey you'd better choose
Do you want me, or these Honey Dos?} ( 2x )
Spoken:
Honey do this, honey do that
Reach for this, reach for that
Now where is please?
Where is thank you?
Yer making a very large assumption
And you know what they say about the word assumption
Now you know you king of this castle
(As long as I'm in it)
But you gotta put a little please in there sometimes
And every now 'n' then think of some Honey Don'ts to say
Y'know? You got me
I wouldn't stay here, if I didn't love ya
But every now and then, put in some please and thank yous
Do ya Honey Do?
Turn 'em into Honey Don'ts
Moses Davis
on Hurt's All Gone
my goodness ump I cant get enough