James Purify was born May 12, 1944 in Pensacola, Florida. "Bobby Purify" was actually two different singers; the first was James's cousin Robert Lee Dickey (Sep 2nd 1939 - Dec 29th 2011), who adopted the Purify name for performing, and sang on their early records. The I'm Your Puppet Songfacts states that after retiring, Dickey returned to his hometown of Tallahassee, Florida, in 1972 where he became a custodial crew supervisor at the Tallahassee Police Department. He continued singing with his church and as a member of the Bethlehem Male Singers. Dickey died on December 29, 2011.
The second Bobby was vocalist Ben Moore, who replaced Dickey when he suffered health problems. ("I'm Your Puppet" was written and produced by Dan Penn, who introduced Purify and Moore.) The duo continued into the 1980s, with no other big hits, but remained popular on the tour circuit. When Purify faced legal problems (not career-related), Moore went solo, though still using the name "Bobby Purify" occasionally. In 1983, he was nominated for a Grammy award, for a gospel recording.
Everybody Needs Somebody
James & Bobby Purify Lyrics
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The world is the biggest school
As you live, you learn though a torch will burn
Everybody's somebody's fool
You go through life making fools of others
Pretending you're giving them love
But remember sister or brother
It's beautiful to watch love begin
But oh so sad when it ends
As you got through life remember this rule
Everybody's somebody's fool
It's beautiful to watch love begin
But oh so sad when it ends
As you got through life remember this rule
Everybody's somebody's fool
The lyrics to James & Bobby Purify's song Everybody Needs Somebody speak to the universality of human experience, where everyone is somebody's fool at some point in their lives. The world is compared to a school, where everyone is constantly learning, but learns only through pain and hardship ("though a torch will burn"). The song urges people to remember that they will one day have to answer to a higher power for the way they have treated others.
The song also notes the bittersweet nature of love, where it is beautiful to watch it begin but also very sad when it ends. The final verse reminds listeners to remember the rule that everyone is somebody's fool, and to treat others with kindness and respect.
Overall, the message of the song is a poignant one that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds. It is a timeless reminder that every human being is connected to one another and that we should treat others with empathy and compassion.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody's somebody's fool
In life, everyone will inevitably make foolish mistakes that cause them pain or regret.
The world is the biggest school
Life is an ongoing learning experience, where we are constantly acquiring knowledge and wisdom through trial and error.
As you live, you learn though a torch will burn
Although life may be filled with hardships and challenges, we must continue to push forward and gain knowledge, even if it means enduring some pain along the way.
You go through life making fools of others
Many people navigate life by manipulating or deceiving others to get what they want.
Pretending you're giving them love
These people often feign affection in order to gain the trust and loyalty of those around them.
But remember sister or brother
However, we must remember that we are all interconnected as humans, and our actions have consequences for others.
You all have to answer to the one you above
Ultimately, we must answer to a higher power or moral authority for our actions, whether it be God or our own conscience.
It's beautiful to watch love begin
The experience of falling in love is magical and awe-inspiring.
But oh so sad when it ends
However, the end of a romantic relationship can be devastating and painful for everyone involved.
As you got through life remember this rule
As we navigate the ups and downs of life, it's important to keep in mind that everyone is flawed and makes mistakes, and we should strive to treat each other with empathy and understanding – knowing that we are all somebody's fool.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BUNZO MUSIC CO, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gladys Hampton, Regina Adams, Stanley Adams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind