His life took a turn, though, as he became a victim of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as stints with manic depression that found him hospitalized in a mental health facility. He had almost disappeared entirely when he started performing again on rare occasions in the early 1990s, often working with Tyrone Davis or Otis Clay.
Carr had suffered from lung cancer for many years, spending the end of his life in a nursing home in Memphis. At the age of 58, James Carr died there from his battle with the disease on January 7, 2001. It is said that he had been analphabetic.
Dark End Of The Street
James Carr Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That's where we always meet
Hiding in shadows where we don't belong
Living in darkness to hide our wrong
You and me, at the dark end of the street
You and me
I know time is gonna take its toll
It's a sin and we know it's wrong
Oh but our love keeps coming on strong
Steal away, to the dark end of the street, mmm mmm
They're gonna find us
They're gonna find us
They're gonna find us, oh someday
You and me, at the dark end of the street
You and me
And when the daylight hour rolls around
And by chance we're both downtown
If we should meet, just walk on by
Oh darling, please don't cry
Tonight we'll meet
At the dark end of the street, mmm mmm
The lyrics to James Carr's "Dark End Of The Street" tell the story of a couple who are engaged in an affair and must sneak around to be together. The "dark end of the street" symbolizes the secrecy and hidden nature of their relationship, and the shadows in which they must hide represent the shame and guilt they feel about their actions. The singer acknowledges that what they're doing is wrong, calling it a sin, but their love is too strong to resist.
The lyrics also touch on the consequences of their actions, as the singer knows that eventually they will be caught and punished for what they've done. Despite this, their passion for each other drives them to continue meeting in secret, even if it means risking exposure. The final verse seems to offer a sense of resignation, as the singer acknowledges that their relationship is doomed to remain hidden and asks their lover not to cry if they cross paths during the day.
Overall, "Dark End Of The Street" is a poignant and emotional portrayal of a forbidden love, shedding light on the secrecy and heartache that often come with such relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
At the dark end of the street
We always meet in the shadiest part of the city
That's where we always meet
We can't help but meet in secret
Hiding in shadows where we don't belong
We are concealing ourselves in places where we ought not to be
Living in darkness to hide our wrong
We are living in obscurity to conceal our sin
You and me, at the dark end of the street
Only the two of us share this secret rendezvous
I know time is gonna take its toll
We understand that eventually our actions will catch up with us
We're have pay for the love we stole
We will be held accountable for taking what we shouldn't have
It's a sin and we know it's wrong
We are aware that what we are doing is morally incorrect
Oh but our love keeps coming on strong
Despite everything, our love continues to bloom
Steal away, to the dark end of the street, mmm mmm
We must sneak away to our forbidden place in secret
They're gonna find us
We know that eventually someone will discover us
They're gonna find us
We can't hide forever and it's inevitable that we'll be caught
They're gonna find us, oh someday
The truth will reveal itself someday
You and me, at the dark end of the street
Our secret romance only exists in this dark place
And when the daylight hour rolls around
When daytime comes
And by chance we're both downtown
If we happen to be in the city at the same time
If we should meet, just walk on by
If we run into each other, act as if we don't know each other
Oh darling, please don't cry
Don't show any sadness if we can't acknowledge each other
Tonight we'll meet
Tonight we'll sneak off to the dark end of the street
At the dark end of the street, mmm mmm
To our secret place we always escape
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Chips Moman, Dan Penn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mykolas.youtube
Lyrics:
At the dark end of the street
That's where we always meet
Hiding in shadows where we don't belong
Living in darkness to hide our wrong
You and me
At the dark end
Of the street
You and me
I know time is gonna take it's toll
We have to pay for the love that we stole
It's a sin and we know it's wrong
Oh, but our love keeps coming on strong
Steal away
To the dark end
Of the street
They're gonna to find us
They're gonna to find us
They're gonna to find us lord, someday
You and me
At the dark end
Of the street
You and me
And when the daylight hours roll round
And by chance we're both downtown
If we should meet just walk on by
Oh, darling, please don't cry
Tonight, we'll meet
At the dark end
Of the street
@kennethcarr2480
Thanks to all the fans of my dad who loved and yet supports his music! May God continue to keep and bless you all during this pandemic.
@OffRampTourist
This has always been for me the definitive soul ballad, and the very best rendition.
Wishing you and yours all the best.
@landroverwriterusa
His voice, his performance, his composure was a blessing. His voice and conviction never fails to move me.
@kennethcarr2480
@Jeff Aronson you are so kind for those words of encouragement! You can also listen to his grandson âDozzy Danielâ Guard up is the name of the project. Be safe and happy holidays to you and your family!
@cjaquilino
This is one of the great songs ever.
Thank you, your father, and God bless the family.
@RobertSusz
I love this song and sing it too but there's no one who can do it after you hear James Carr doing it.
@adamantium242
Wolverine's melancholy captured perfectly in this song. Can't wait!
@christopherjohnson1135
Came here for it never new this song
@itsjay6287
Came from wolverine trailer, such an amazing song.. ! HI all and have a nice day!
@jean-gerardbeauport6915
I thought Iâd be the only one to comment on that but wow! Even though I do like the Wolverine as a character, I watched that teaser and heard this song and immediately knew they hit the jackpot! Absolute perfect choice and excellent song! Love discovering music and artists this way. Thank you Mr. Carr. I will listen to more of your work đđŸ