During World War II, Wesley Prince left the group and Cole replaced him with Johnny Miller. The King Cole Trio signed with the fledgling Capitol Records in 1943.
In 1947, Irving Ashby replaced Oscar Moore. The trio split up in 1955 after Nat's solo career took frontstage.
Slow Down
King Cole Trio Lyrics
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You've been travellin' too fast!
I warn ya, yes warn ya,
Say how long will it last?
You'd better slow down
Before there is a showdown,
Or else our love is gonna break down
Baby, I've told ya,
I do not wanna scold ya,
These arms of mine just wanna hold ya,
Until you slow down.
You see a handsome face,
And you forget your place
Here beside me;
While all I do is pray
That there will come a day
When you are free.
Free, free to love me,
No other loves above me;
Sweetheart, you know that you can have me
If you slow down!
You see a handsome face,
And you forget your place
Here beside me;
While all I do is pray
That there will come a day
When you are free.
Free, free to love me,
No other loves up above me;
Sweetheart, you know that you can have me
If you please slow down, down, down, down well!
The lyrics of "Slow down" by the King Cole Trio are essentially a plea to a woman who is moving too quickly in her relationships with men. The singer, who is most likely Nat King Cole, is warning her that if she doesn't slow down, their own love will be in jeopardy. He asks her to take her time, to reconsider her choices and to be with him if she chooses to slow down. Throughout the song, he reminds her that she can have him if she makes the right decision.
The song's lyrics are fairly straightforward but the theme is a timeless one that is still relevant today. It is a call to slow down, reflect and be aware of the choices we make, especially in relationships. It is also a meditation on how easy it is to be swept up in the tide of attraction and infatuation, to forget who we are and what we want, and how important it is to hold on to our sense of self.
The song is a perfect vehicle for Nat King Cole's smooth, velvety voice, and the simplicity of the lyrics allows listeners to focus on the melody and atmosphere of the music. The song has a relaxed, gentle pace, and the muted trumpet, stand-up bass, and restrained piano playing create a warm and comforting backdrop.
Line by Line Meaning
Say sister, whoa sister!
Addressing the woman, a warning is given with urgency.
You've been travellin' too fast!
Her lifestyle is unsustainable and she is heading towards a problem.
I warn ya, yes warn ya,
The warning is repeated with emphasis.
Say how long will it last?
The dire outcome of her actions is questioned.
You'd better slow down
Advice is given to reduce speed.
Before there is a showdown,
The consequences of her actions will be negative without change.
Or else our love is gonna break down
The relationship is at risk due to her reckless behavior.
If you don't slow down!
Emphasis is given to the importance of reducing speed.
Baby, I've told ya,
The message has been given before.
I do not wanna scold ya,
The intention is not to criticize, but to help.
These arms of mine just wanna hold ya,
The desire is to show affection and support.
Until you slow down.
The partner will continue to offer love and support.
You see a handsome face,
Her attention is easily distracted by other men.
And you forget your place
She is neglecting her position in the relationship.
Here beside me;
Reminding her of where she should be.
While all I do is pray
Hope is expressed for a positive outcome.
That there will come a day
A time of change is anticipated.
When you are free.
She will escape the reckless lifestyle.
Free, free to love me,
Without distractions, she can fully commit to the relationship.
No other loves above me;
The partner wants to be the sole focus of her affection.
Sweetheart, you know that you can have me
The partner is ready and willing to be with her fully.
If you please slow down, down, down, down well!
The repeated plea for her to reduce her speed and focus on the relationship.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: REDD EVANS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind