The Famous Flames appeared less and less often on record as Brown's music moved beyond his original R&B style and into the realm of funk; he later claimed that "[t]hey were a good stage act, but they couldn't really sing all that good." Their last studio recording with Brown was "Maybe the Last Time", the B-side of his 1964 proto-funk single "Out of Sight". They continued to appear with him on stage until 1968. After briefly leaving him in the late 60s, Byrd continued with Brown in a supporting vocal role into the 70s and beyond.
Just Won't Do Right
James Brown And His Famous Flames Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I drink and gamble every night
Girl, I drink and gamble every night
Whoa, oh, oh, oh, oh
Just won't do right
Tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me
Am I the one?
Am I the one?
Tell me, tell me, am I the one?
Since you've been gone
I've been all alone
Waitin' and watchin' for you, oh
My heart is cryin', slowly I'm dyin'
Still I'm feelin' for you
(Still, still, still you, baby)
Oh, I drink and gamble every night
Whoa, oh, oh, oh, oh
Just won't do right
Too-dup, woo-ooh, why
The lyrics to "Just Won't Do Right" by James Brown and Lyn Collins speak to the pain and heartache of a person who has been left behind by a lover. The phrase "since you've been gone" serves as a marker of time, indicating that the singer's life has fallen apart in the absence of their beloved. The repetition of the line "I drink and gamble every night" reveals the depth of their despair, as they turn to vices in order to cope. The phrase "just won't do right" could be interpreted as a self-deprecating realization that their behavior is not healthy or productive.
The repeated lines "tell me, tell me, tell me" suggest that the singer is seeking answers and validation from their lover. They want to know if they were the one who was loved and if there is any hope for reconciliation. The line "since you've been gone, I've been all alone" reinforces the idea of isolation and loneliness. The singer is waiting and watching for their lover's return, but in the meantime their heart is hurting, slowly dying.
Overall, the song portrays a sense of desperation and longing for a lost love, while emphasizing the destructive behavior that can often result from heartbreak.
Line by Line Meaning
Since you've been gone
Ever since you left
I drink and gamble every night
I drown my sorrows and take chances with my money every evening
Girl, I drink and gamble every night
My dear, I continue to drink and gamble every night without stopping
Whoa, oh, oh, oh, oh
An expression of despair and hopelessness
Just won't do right
I am unable to do what is correct, to keep myself in line
Tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me
I beseech you repeatedly
Am I the one?
Is it me that you need or want?
Since you've been gone
Ever since you left
I've been all alone
I am entirely by myself
Waitin' and watchin' for you, oh
I am anticipating your return by watching attentively
My heart is cryin', slowly I'm dyin'
My emotions are causing me unbearable pain, and I am withering away inside gradually
Still I'm feelin' for you
Despite everything, I still have strong feelings for you
(Still, still, still you, baby)
You, my dear, are still the one I want
Oh, I drink and gamble every night
I am telling you again that I continue to drink and gamble every night
Too-dup, woo-ooh, why
A vocalization that follows no grammatical structure and may express frustration or anxiety
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JAMES BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind