1) Jerry Butler, Jr… Read Full Bio ↴There are multiple artists called Jerry Butler:
1) Jerry Butler, Jr. (born December 8, 1939 in Sunflower, Mississippi) is an American soul singer also known as "The Ice Man" because of his cool demeanour while singing often intensely emotional lyrics.
Butler was dubbed the "Iceman" by a Philadelphia disc jockey while performing in a Philadelphia theater. However, Butler achieved what eluded many earlier Doo Wop groups during the 1950s and 1960s — longevity. Butler’s solo career had a string of hits, including "He Will Break Your Heart," "Moon River," "Make It Easy On Yourself," "Let It Be Me" (the Everly Brothers classic re-done as a duet with Betty Everett), "Brand New Me," "Ain’t Understanding Mellow," (duet with Brenda Lee Eager), and "Never Gonna Give You Up," followed by two hugely successful albums The Iceman Cometh in 1968 and Ice On Ice in 1970. The Iceman Cometh garnered Butler three Grammy nominations. Jerry Butler further made recordings for Philadelphia International Records in the 80's. His most noted song for the label was "Cooling Out"
I'm Telling You
Jerry Butler Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm a telling you
I'm a telling you
I'm a telling you
I got up, I go to work
I try real hard to do my job
But before the day is done
I'm a telling you
I'm a telling you
I'm a telling you
I'm a telling you
Days are getting longer and
My nights are getting shorter
And my way gets darker
And my work gets harder
Now when I get home
The wife is mad
The little girl
She's feeling bad
Little junior
He's got the blues
Says he needs a
Pair of baseball shoes
I'm a telling you
I'm a telling you
I'm a telling you
I'm a telling you
Days are getting longer and
My nights are getting shorter
And my way gets darker
And my work gets harder
Now in everything that I do
I'm trying to make
One dream come true
And maybe someday
Lord, I'll find
Satisfaction and
Peace of mind
I'm a telling you
I'm a telling you
I'm a telling you
I'm a telling you
Days are getting longer and
My nights are getting shorter
And my way gets darker
And my work gets harder
The lyrics of Jerry Butler's song "I'm Telling You" depict the struggles of an average working-class man who is trying his best to provide for his family, but despite his efforts, he constantly encounters setbacks at work and at home. The repetition of the phrase "I'm telling you" emphasizes the singer's frustration and desperation to communicate his struggles to someone who can empathize with him. The opening lines describe the singer's daily routine, where he goes to work and tries to do his job, but always seems to make mistakes. This suggests that the singer is likely overworked or lacking proper training, which could be contributing to his difficulties.
As the song progresses, the singer describes how his days are getting longer, and his nights shorter, indicating that he is likely taking on additional work, or working overtime to support his family. He also mentions that his way is getting darker, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for a lack of direction or purpose in his life. At home, the situation is no better. His wife is angry with him, his daughter is feeling bad, and his son needs new baseball shoes. All of these problems add to the singer's burden.
However, despite the difficulties he faces, the singer remains optimistic that his hard work will eventually pay off. He mentions that he is trying to make one dream come true, and hopes that someday he will find satisfaction and peace of mind. The song ends with the repetition of the phrase "I'm telling you," suggesting that the singer is still seeking someone to listen and understand his struggles.
Overall, "I'm Telling You" is a poignant reflection on the struggles of the working-class and the importance of perseverance in the face of hardship.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a telling you
I need you to hear me, pay attention to what I'm saying
I got up, I go to work
Everyday, I wake up and head to work
I try real hard to do my job
I put in effort to do my work well
But before the day is done
However, by the end of the day
I find out I done something wrong
I realize that I made a mistake
Days are getting longer and
Time seems to be dragging on
My nights are getting shorter
I have less time to rest and recover
And my way gets darker
My path in life seems more difficult and unclear
And my work gets harder
My job becomes more demanding and challenging
Now when I get home
After a long day at work
The wife is mad
My spouse is angry about something
The little girl
My daughter
She's feeling bad
She's upset or not feeling well
Little junior
My son
He's got the blues
He's feeling sad or upset
Says he needs a
He tells me that he wants
Pair of baseball shoes
A new pair of shoes for playing baseball
Now in everything that I do
In all aspects of my life
I'm trying to make
I am attempting to accomplish
One dream come true
A personal goal or aspiration
And maybe someday
Perhaps in the future
Lord, I'll find
I will discover
Satisfaction and
Fulfillment and happiness
Peace of mind
A calm and contented state of being
Contributed by Charlie T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Millisia Gardner
Memories getting stronger, from 1968 to 2022. Tell us Ice Man ❤🎶
Karl Mahlmann
I remember this magical tune as a kid. This is one of great songs, pre Civil Rights Act of 1964, with a subtle message about the dream for equality.
G K
love this tune.
wade sprynczynatyk
Nice 👍
William Kablach
It's about life's humdrum and toil.
Kaizer-Man
reminds me of Joe Tex - I'll Never Do You Wrong
Mrpachuko13
Reminds me of curtis Mayfield.
flomurdock
@Mrpachuko13 Because he co-wrote the song with Jerry, plays guitar on it and is singing harmony!!
flomurdock
I like Joe Tex, but would never compare him to Jerry - different as night and day.
Lyndia Robinson
My narc x sent me this ... 😜