Born in Lufkin, Texas, he joined the Cavaliers after his discharge from Goodfellow Air Force Base (San Angelo, Texas) in 1962. The Cavaliers' first number-one hit was Last Kiss. First released on Le Cam (722) and then on Tamara (761), it was released in June of 1964 on Josie Records (Josie 923). It reached the Top 10 in October — eventually earning the band a gold record.
Last Kiss was written by Wayne Cochran, who had based the song on a car accident in Barnesville, Georgia near where he lived. The song was originally performed by Wayne Cochran & the C.C. Riders with little success.
While they recorded many more songs [1], the band charted with only one other song, Hey, Little One, which reached #85.
Wilson, with or without the Cavaliers, continued to release records at least through 1978. While he continued to tour and play he, like Del Shannon, never got over his disappointment with his sagging career. Wilson died on October 4th, 1991, from prolonged alcoholism.
Sea Of Love
J. Frank Wilson & The Cavaliers Lyrics
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Forget all that you know
Release the shield i'll lift it for yah
Heavy like bricks of gold
Release your grip just surrender
It's time to let go
The past doesn't last forever that is not how you grow
Siften through the weeds
Melanated queens
Ancient DNA genes
Fresh coffee beans superfoods cacao cream
Now chasing dreams while my human side screams
Thoughts attack my cool behavior letting out streams
Of emotions hidden deep in my psyche
Unlikely I'll just do it like it's Nike
Meditating on the daily wisely
There was a time I wasn't feeling the love
It was a crime I needed healing above
Over time when the push came to shove
I realized I was always enough
There was a time I wasn't feeling the love
It was a crime I needed healing above
Over time when the push came to shove
I realized I was always enough
The past don't last forever, silly teachers teach our sons
Ronnie fucked around at school students laughed and called him dumb
He grew up thinking its true so the dumb shit he would do
He perpetuated thoughts until his anthem turned to blues
They told Ronnie to get over it, but they don't see
Even on the greener grass all perception defeats
Take me for example see Black Seas he the greatest
Ain't no way that Nigga falling off when light skin make it
But really I failed first and fell in the dirt
While defending my pride, ego with lies cuz I hurt
Despite that, I'm always confident in my ability
When you see top and bottom top again you learn agility
There was a time I wasn't feeling the love
It was a crime I needed healing above
Over time when the push came to shove
I realized I was always enough
Ain't it funny how the truth hurts
Programmed from the beginning of birth
I recall the time I thought it was worth
Suppressing my gifts to fit in always finishing third
Now I see the reasons I was deterred
The demons I would exert
That weakened my love for this earth
Lesions full of pain that would hurt
I'de do it all again cause I comprehend what the lessons were worth
Life's takin on a new perspective
Liven from my heart proven to be effective
Imperfections I don't view defective
I love myself for who I am I've become receptive
To accepting my past cause I know that it don't last
Life has the tendency to go fast
Love the moments have a blast with the ones that you love
Before you know it it's all over and you never lived once
The lyrics of "Sea Of Love" by J. Frank Wilson & The Cavaliers can be interpreted as a call to let go of past burdens and to be true to oneself. The opening lines suggest shedding preconceived notions and defenses, allowing oneself to be vulnerable and open to growth. The imagery of releasing heavy burdens like "bricks of gold" and surrendering to the flow of life emphasizes the importance of releasing the grip on the past in order to move forward.
The following verses delve into themes of self-discovery and empowerment. References to nature and cultural symbols like "ancient DNA genes" and "Melanated queens" evoke a sense of connection to heritage and inner strength. The mention of overcoming self-doubt and embracing one's worth through difficult times conveys a message of resilience and self-acceptance.
The narrative of a character named Ronnie who struggles with external perceptions and self-doubt reflects a broader theme of societal pressures and the internal battle to find self-worth. The lyrics delve into the complexities of identity and the journey towards self-empowerment, overcoming past traumas and societal expectations to find one's true value.
The closing verses emphasize the importance of self-love and acceptance, acknowledging the pain and challenges that shape us while also celebrating the beauty of life's fleeting moments. The lyrics encourage embracing imperfections and living authentically, cherishing love and connection with others. Overall, the song conveys a message of growth, self-discovery, and finding strength in vulnerability and acceptance.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Joshua Martinez, Melvin Benson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ricky Smalling
Franklin Pierce, Thank You for posting this song. J Frank Wilson did some awesome remakes. They were posted before but were removed except "Last Kiss".