Saved
LaVern Baker Lyrics


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I used to smoke
I used to drink
I used to smoke, drink, and dance the hoochie-coo

I used to smoke and drink
Smoke and drink and dance the hoochie-coo
Whoa yeah
But now I'm standin' on this corner
Prayin' for a-me and you
Ah hah

That's why I'm saved (saved)
I'm saved (saved)
People let me tell you 'bout a, kingdom come

You know I'm saved (saved)
I'm saved (saved)
I can preach until you're, deaf and dumb
I'm in that soul-savin' army
Beatin' on that big a-bass drum
Whoa yeah

I used to cuss
I used to fuss
I used to cuss, fuss and boogie all night long

I used to cuss and fuss
Cuss and fuss and boogie all night long
Wah hah
But now I'm standin' on this corner
Ah-I know right-a from wrong
Uh huh

That's why I'm saved (saved)
I'm saved (saved)
People let me tell you 'bout a, kingdom come

You know I'm saved (saved)
Ah, saved (saved)
I can-a preach until you're, deaf and dumb
I'm in that soul-savin' army
Beatin' on that big a-bass drum
Whoa yeah

I used to lie (lie)
I used to cheat (cheat)
I used to lie,(lie) cheat(cheat) and step on peoples feet

I used to lie and cheat
Lie and cheat and step on peoples feet
Oh yeah
But now I'm steppin' on the glory
Sal-vation is my beat
Whoa yeah

Because I'm saved (saved)
I'm saved (saved)
People let me tell you 'bout a, kingdom come

You know I'm saved (saved)
Ah, saved (saved)
I can-a preach until you're, deaf and dumb
I'm in that soul-savin' army




Beatin' on that big a-bass drum
Whoa

Overall Meaning

LaVern Baker's song "Saved" tells the story of a person who has seen the light and turned their life around. The lyrics reference the singer's past vices, including smoking, drinking, and "dancing the hoochie-coo," which was a provocative dance popular in the 1940s and 1950s. The lyrics also mention cussing, fussing, and lying and cheating before finding salvation.


The song speaks to the theme of redemption and finding a higher purpose, as the singer is now standing on a corner, praying for themselves and others. The song also makes references to "the kingdom come" and being in "that soul-savin' army," indicating a religious or spiritual conversion.


In addition to its spiritual message, "Saved" is also a prime example of the hard-driving R&B sound that LaVern Baker was known for. The upbeat tempo, strong vocal performance, and powerful backing instruments create a sense of energy and excitement that adds to the song's message of transformation and renewal.


Some interesting facts about the song include:


Interesting Facts
Note: This section uses generative AI, which can be inaccurate.


Line by Line Meaning

I used to smoke
I used to engage in tobacco consumption


I used to drink
I used to consume alcohol


I used to smoke, drink, and dance the hoochie-coo
I used to smoke, drink, and dance to upbeat music


I used to smoke and drink
I used to smoke and drink


Smoke and drink and dance the hoochie-coo
Smoke and drink while dancing to upbeat music


But now I'm standin' on this corner
I'm standing on this corner now


Prayin' for a-me and you
Praying for both me and you


That's why I'm saved (saved)
That's the reason I'm saved


People let me tell you 'bout a, kingdom come
Listen, let me tell you about a kingdom come


I'm in that soul-savin' army
I'm a part of the soul-saving army


Beatin' on that big a-bass drum
Playing a big bass drum while singing


You know I'm saved (saved)
You already know I'm saved


I can preach until you're, deaf and dumb
I can preach for a very long time


I used to cuss
I used to use profanity


I used to fuss
I used to quarrel


I used to cuss, fuss and boogie all night long
I used to use profanity, quarrel, and dance all night long


But now I'm standin' on this corner
I'm now standing at this corner


Ah-I know right-a from wrong
I know right from wrong now


I used to lie (lie)
I used to lie


I used to cheat (cheat)
I used to cheat


I used to lie,(lie) cheat(cheat) and step on peoples feet
I used to lie, cheat and step on people's feet


But now I'm steppin' on the glory
Now I'm stepping on the glory


Sal-vation is my beat
My beat now is salvation




Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Angelo Anello

We never heard stuff like this on the radio, in the 60s.
It was considered 'race music'.

This generation celebrates the mixing of the races, as 'progress'. Don't dare mention crime or disease, because that would mark you, as a 'racist'..

Unless you're 'old fashioned'; you still believe there are races?

Elvis did a version of this, but it didn't come close to the original, much like most of his stolen 'soul', marketed to a generation of rebellious white teens, as socially acceptable.

Later on, he died with a prostitute from a drug overdose. Not a great role model; he never got to play a bass drum, either:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgyoHJWlp-8



All comments from YouTube:

Juanita Jacome

Love this song. The phrase "Dance the hoochie coo" makes me laugh every time

Kayanda Eddings

I heard this song back in 2006 on a gospel radio station on a show called gospel flashback. I couldn’t believe my ears when she said the phrase. I was laughing tickled to death.

Wildlife - 🐘🦁

Very nice version..... Elvis also sings it in the fabulous "Gospel production number '68 Comeback Special" WOW! The dancers, singers and ofcourse Elvis are amazing! 👌👋🤜🤛🎶🎧🎤

David Walsh

Brilliant so uplifting feel good music. This lady certainly knows how to put a song over. My spirits have been truly lifted

paris rain

I found myself singing this song out of nowhere!!loved her even as a kid!!!

Denise Byers

Me too!

Misty Hammond

I had to prove to my husband this song is real!! Thank you

Murp h

Great singer -- great song. --- RIP Lavern I love you

john thrussell

Great record great voice

pgh45rpms

Laverne Baker back to her gospel roots.  Debuted on Billboard's Hot 100 the week of April 16, 1961, peaking at # 37 during its 7-week run.  It's very likely that it was recorded in late 1960, at the session when she did "Bumble Bee".

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