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: " .
Soul of a Man
Irma Thomas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Answer if you can
Won't somebody tell me
Tell me what is the soul of a man?
I'm going to ask the question
Please answer if you can
Is there anybody's children can tell me
Won't somebody tell me
Answer if you can
Won't somebody tell me
Tell me what is the soul of a man?
I've travelled different countries
Travelled to the furthest lands
Couldn't find nobody could tell me
What is the soul of a man
Won't somebody tell me
Answer if you can
Won't somebody tell me
Tell me what is the soul of a man?
I saw a crowd stand talking
I just came up in time
Was teaching the lawyers and the doctors
That a man ain't nothing but his mind
Won't somebody tell me
Answer if you can
Won't somebody tell me
Tell me what is the soul of a man?
I read the Bible often
I try to read it right
As far as I can understand
It's nothing but a burning light
Won't somebody tell me
Answer if you can
Won't somebody tell me
Tell me what is the soul of a man?
When Christ taught in the temple
The people all stood amazed
Was teaching the lawyers and the doctors
How to raise a man from the grave
Won't somebody tell me
Answer if you can
Won't somebody tell me
Tell me what is the soul of a man?
In the song "Soul of a Man" by Irma Thomas, the singer is searching for the true essence of humanity. The repeated plea, "Won't somebody tell me, tell me what is the soul of a man?" speaks to a deep desire for understanding and connection. Despite traveling the world and reading religious texts, the singer still feels lost and unable to grasp the true meaning of existence.
The verse about witnessing a crowd of lawyers and doctors being taught that a man is nothing but his mind adds a layer of commentary on societal values and the worth of a human being. The line "I read the Bible often, I try to read it right, as far as I can understand, it's nothing but a burning light" suggests that perhaps the answers the singer seeks cannot be found in religious doctrine alone.
Overall, "Soul of a Man" is a heartfelt plea for insight and purpose, with Irma Thomas using her soulful voice to convey the yearning for something more.
Line by Line Meaning
Won't somebody tell me
The artist is asking for someone to share knowledge with her.
Answer if you can
The artist wants the person with knowledge to respond to her plea.
Tell me what is the soul of a man?
The artist is specifically seeking the definition of the soul of a human male.
I'm going to ask the question
The artist is determined to find an answer to her question.
Please answer if you can
The artist is politely asking for a response.
Is there anybody's children can tell me
The artist is asking if there are any young people who can offer an answer.
I've travelled different countries
The artist has journeyed to various nations.
Travelled to the furthest lands
The artist has visited remote areas.
Couldn't find nobody could tell me
Despite her travels, the artist has not yet found someone who can provide her with the answer she seeks.
I saw a crowd stand talking
The artist observed a group of people conversing.
I just came up in time
The artist arrived at the gathering at a fortuitous moment.
Was teaching the lawyers and the doctors
An individual was educating members of the legal and medical professions.
That a man ain't nothing but his mind
The lesson being imparted is that a person's intellect is the most important aspect of their being.
I read the Bible often
The artist frequently reads religious scripture.
I try to read it right
The artist attempts to understand the Bible's teachings accurately.
As far as I can understand
The artist's comprehension of the Bible is limited.
It's nothing but a burning light
The Bible is metaphorically described as a source of illumination.
When Christ taught in the temple
The artist is referring to a religious event from the Christian faith.
The people all stood amazed
Those in attendance were impressed by Christ's teachings.
How to raise a man from the grave
Christ was instructing people on how to perform a resurrection.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Willie Johnson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
demetrakis7t2
Ahhhh why is this so under rated?! She is magic
Yasin Ö. Şahin
This is straight up magical.
Kim Solheim
Love this :) Thank you for posting.
Grima Wormtongue
The shallowness of the expression of such a profound question proves the real talent that went behind this song.
RENO WEED
GOOD SONG GREAT VOICE !
demetrakis7t2
Why? Why so few positive comments? She is superb!
Daniel Poursac
la aussi une artiste de légende peut connue du grand public & qui devrait l'être car sa voix nous ramène aux son magique de cette musique qu'ai le Blues
bendysan
what a great song!
AL Foti
Deadwood- hell of a place- hell of a song
grizz22604
irma singin them blues. hard to get better...