He was performing very much in the rock n roll piano style of his cousin Jerry Lee Lewis (and another cousin, the Reverend Jimmy Swaggart). He formed his own label, Astro in 1964 and cut an album named after a Lewis success "Down the Line". Re-issued on Paula, the album was a regional hit. The big time, however, continued to elude him although he had a minor hit with "Now I Can Live Again" from the album. At an Astro session he laid down a version of George Morgan's old hit "Room Full of Roses" which attracted airplay locally and was picked up for national release by Hugh Heffner's Playboy label. It hit No. 1 in the Country charts. After 12 further hits with the label, Playboy was taken over by Epic and Gilley moved there for his most consistent run of album and singles success.
He was now performing straight-up piano-led Country material. Gradually, he moved towards a more pop-orientated sound in the 1980s, which brought him further success on not just the Country charts, but also the Pop charts. Before that, however, he had a string of Country hits throughout the 70s, often revivals like "I Overlooked An Orchid" (Carl Smith - No. 1, 1974), "City Lights" (Bill Anderson - No. 1 1975), "Window Up Above" (George Jones - No. 1 1975), "Bring It On Home" (Sam Cooke - No. 1 1976). His mix of rockabilly, honky tonk and uptown Country provided more hits with "Chains of Love" (No. 9, 1977) "Honky Tonk Memories" (No. 4, 1977) and "Here Comes The Hurt Again" (No. 9,1978).
In all, Gilley had 33 Top 10 singles, 17 of which reached No. 1, on the US Country chart between 1974 and 1986. Amongst the biggest hits were "Don't the Girls All Get Prettier at Closing Time,"(No. 1) "Overnight Sensation" (No. 7, both 1976), remakes of the Ben E King hit "Stand By Me" and Buddy Holly's "True Love Ways" (both No. 1s in 1980).
In 1971 he lent his name to the opening the famous country nightclub Gilley's in Pasadena, Texas. His career received a big boost when both the club and his music featured prominently in the 1980 film "Urban Cowboy". The soundtrack included the Buddy Holly cover which went to No. 1. The club closed in 1989 and the building was heavily damaged by arson later that year. A new Gilley's club opened in 2003 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. And Gilley's Theatre and Diner in Branson saw the singer take up a successful residency in that Missouri city.
His most recent successful recording activity was in 1988 when he released "Chasin' Rainbows" on Airborne which produced his last Top 40 single to date when "She Reminded Me Of You" reached No 23 in the Country charts.
In July 2009, Gilly suffered a back injury in a fall and was airlifted to Houston for medical treatment but subsequently returned to Branson and performing in his theatre there. He has a Facebook information page on which he sends regular video messages to members. A recent joint biography about the three cousins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jimmy Swaggert and Mickey, called "Unconquered" by J D Davis is a must for any fan of their music, rock n roll, Country and gospel music.
Bring It On Home To Me
Mickey Gilley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
About leavin', leavin' me behind
Oh, Bring it to me
Bring your sweet lovin'
Bring it on home to me.
I know at lied when you left
And I know I only hurt myself
Bring your sweet lovin'
Bring it on home to me
Yeah, (yeah,) yeah, (yeah,) yeah, (yeah)
I'll give you jewelry and money, too
That ain't all, that ain't all I'm gonna do for you
Baby, bring it to me
Bring your sweet lovin'
Bring it on home to me.
Just one more time.
You know I've tried to treat you right
I just stayed out, just to stay out late at night
I want you to bring it to me
Bring your sweet lovin'
Bring it on home to me.
Yeah, (yeah,) yeah, (yeah,) yeah, (yeah.)
Yeah, (yeah,) yeah, (yeah,) yeah, (yeah)...
In Mickey Gilley's song Bring It On Home To Me, the lyrics reflect a plea to a loved one who has left. The singer is begging the person to come back to them, to bring their sweet love and bring it on home to him. The first verse starts with the singer saying that if their loved one ever changes their mind about leaving, they should bring their love back to him. The second verse shows some regret that the singer has, knowing that he lied and only hurt himself when the loved one left. The chorus repeats the plea, with the singer promising jewelry and money, and stating that he has tried to treat them right.
The final verse expresses the singer's desire for their love to come back to him once more. He admits that he has stayed out late at night before, but he still wants them to bring their love back to him. The repetition of "yeah" at the end of each stanza highlights the emotional urgency of the singer's plea, emphasizing the depth of his longing.
Overall, the song reflects the universal human experience of wanting to be loved and to have someone return to our side when they have left. The lyrics communicate a sense of vulnerability and desperation, expressing a heartfelt sense of loss and the hope that the loved one will come back.
Line by Line Meaning
If you ever change your mind
In the event that you reconsider and rethink your decision
About leavin', leavin' me behind
Regarding the act of departing and leaving me alone
Oh, Bring it to me
Please return to me with the intention of continuing our relationship
Bring your sweet lovin'
Please bring your affection and fondness as well
Bring it on home to me.
Please come home to me and stay
I know at lied when you left
I realize I deceived you when you departed
And I know I only hurt myself
I acknowledge that my actions have caused me pain and grief
Yeah, (yeah,) yeah, (yeah,) yeah, (yeah)
An expression of agreement, affirmation and excitement
I'll give you jewelry and money, too
I will offer you valuable material possessions as an expression of my affection
That ain't all, that ain't all I'm gonna do for you
Additionally, I will do whatever else is necessary to demonstrate my love and commitment
Baby, bring it to me
My dear, please come and be with me
Just one more time.
If it is possible, I would like to have one more chance with you
You know I've tried to treat you right
You are aware that I have attempted to behave correctly towards you
I just stayed out, just to stay out late at night
I was absent from home, simply because I wished to be away at night
I want you to bring it to me
I desire you to return to me with your love and commitment
Yeah, (yeah,) yeah, (yeah,) yeah, (yeah.)
An expression of agreement, affirmation and excitement
Yeah, (yeah,) yeah, (yeah,) yeah, (yeah)...
An expression of agreement, affirmation and excitement
Contributed by Callie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@annetteparker3471
Mackey is and will always be viewed as an Important Musician
@sandy6660
Nice rendition of a great song. Bring it to me bring it on home to me.yeah. Good dancing music. Thanks for sharing. 🩰🎶❤️
@JohnLantia-em4nr
Mickey gilley is a good musician. From Louisiana
@marythompson5458
Mickey is up there with jerry they both are great
@strangersound
Godspeed, Mickey Gilley. You had it going on in this world. RIP
@kevinmiller6380
RIP Mickey. 😭😭😭😭😭😭
@maryrupe
Rest In Peace 😇
@shaywestlake9709
One of my favorites regardless if Sam Cooke or Mickey singing it.
@rebeccad5988
Mickey Gilley. Great Singer great entertainer and piano. Thank you Wilburscott. Fabulous
@kathycopeland3270
Love this song! One of my favorites! Sing it Mickey