Boothe seemed, at the time, to have the makings of an international, long-lasting, hit maker, certainly when compared to most of the other latter-day reggae acts. His smoother style gave him a wider appeal, rather like UB40 and Aswad. Boothe's choice of songs also showed the breadth of his musical taste. But for all that, he only managed one more hit in the UK Chart, "Crying over You", which made Number 11.
In more recent times, Boothe has also recorded for Bunny Lee, Phil Pratt, King Jammy, Pete Weston, Jack Ruby, Hugh "Red Man" James, Castro Brown, and Tappa Zukie. Plus in 1995, he teamed up with Shaggy, for a new styled version of his old track, "The Train Is Coming", which appeared on the soundtrack of the film, Money Train.
A double-disc overview of Boothe's Trojan years, Crying over You, was released by the label in 2001.
Boothe's official Web site is at www.kenboothemusic.com
Speak Softly Love
Ken Boothe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Miscellaneous
You Gave Your Love To Me Softly
You gave your love to me softly
I heard your heart beating true
Still your Bijon lingers on and on and on
You gave your love to me softly
All I have to do is think of you
We had just one night but it lingers on and on and on
You gave your love to me softly
La la la you sang to me
Baby don't you cry
Put your arms around me child
And lay with me tonight
You gave your love to me softly
La la la you sang to me
Baby don't you cry
Put your arms around me child
And lay with me tonight
La la la
La la la
La la la la la la la
The Ken Boothe song "Speak Softly Love" served as the inspiration for this Weezer song, with the opening line even referencing it. However, the lyrics diverge from the original song's romantic declarations and instead focus on a relationship that has already ended. The repetition of "You gave your love to me softly" emphasizes the gentle nature of the love that was given, but it is clear that it was not enough to keep the relationship going. The singer finds solace in the memories of that one night spent together, and uses them to alleviate loneliness when feeling down. The repeated "La la la" in the chorus gives the song a dreamlike quality, as if the singer is lost in a nostalgic reverie.
Despite the melancholic themes present in the lyrics, the song has a bright and upbeat pop sound. The combination of catchy guitar riffs, upbeat drums, and harmonized backing vocals give the song an energetic feel that belies the sadness in the lyrics. The contrast between the sound and lyrics creates an interesting tension that keeps the listener engaged.
Line by Line Meaning
You gave your love to me softly
You showed me affection in a gentle and subtle way.
I heard your heart beating true
I sensed your sincerity and faithfulness.
Still your Bijon lingers on and on and on
Yet your memory and influence remains present and constant.
When I'm feeling blue and lonely
During times when I'm sad and in solitude.
All I have to do is think of you
Just reminiscing about you is enough to ease my emotions.
We had just one night but it lingers on and on and on
Although we only spent one evening together, its effects continue to endure.
La la la you sang to me
You expressed yourself through melody before me.
Baby don't you cry
Darling, please don't shed tears.
Put your arms around me child
Encompass me in your embrace, my love.
And lay with me tonight
Come to bed with me and spend the night.
La la la
Vocals of the refrain.
La la la
Vocals of the refrain.
La la la la la la la
Vocals of the refrain.
Contributed by Aaron R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@rastandaa.k.a.rasdandelion470
Speak softly, love
And hold me warm against your heart
I feel the words
The tender trembling moments start
My life is yours and now because
You came into my world with love so softly love
Wine-coloured days warmed by the sun
Deep velvet nights when we are one
Speak softly, love
So no one hears us but the sky
The vows of love we make
Will live until we die
My life is yours and now because
You came into my world with love so softly love
Wine-coloured days warmed by the sun
Deep velvet nights when we are one
Speak softly, love
So no one hears us but the sky
The vows of love we make will live until we die
My life is yours and now because
You came into my world with love so softly love
You came into my world with love so softly love
You came into my world with love so softly love
You came into my world with love so softly love
@bernberns4980
❤🇯🇲❤ Absolutely the Legendary Voice of Jamaica 🙏🏼 God Bless Mr. Ken Boothe 💕
@bajangalish
Absolutely love Ken Boothe's voice, he sings with passion and spirit. Great rendition!
@OneLove-zc7sk
Ken Boothe's rendition of "Speak Softly Love" is a remarkable demonstration of his timeless talent and ability to infuse deep emotions into his music. His soulful voice and impeccable phrasing beautifully capture the essence of the song's heartfelt lyrics. By approaching the song with such grace and sincerity, Ken Boothe delivers a rendition that pays the utmost respect to the original while adding his own unique touch. His rendition of "Speak Softly Love" stands as a testament to his musical prowess and his ability to connect with listeners on a profound level.
@Jamacianmistake2010
Magnificent, words can’t describe the quality of this work . Please Mr B talk to our younger people in the music 🙏
@professorpopkiss
When i listen to KB "Everything I own" amongst others, I get a feeling of honest truthful word and feelings, you can feel it in the inflection in the vocals making the point. I heard Speak Softly love by KB for the first time tonight and I know its a song that goes way back, but the same effort of feelings are there, this is so beautiful nice one Mr. Boothe.
@rivercidal
The God Fathers Theme done extremely perfect. Ken Boothe always amazing all of us. Massive respect!
@ricardodiscjocksingersuave5177
What an awesome masterpiece from Jamaica's champion evergreen singer Ken Boothe beautiful lyrics & superb instrumentation.
@kazumyleija8264
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@odainrattray8304
Beautiful
@sugerlipsxjamiewright4170
I luv the gangster intro first rate O G style