A big man with an incredible amount of energy, Nappy soon became famous for his wild stage antics. Touring with the likes of Little Richard and Jackie Wilson, Nappy always got the crowds involved in his performances, often getting in the audience down on his knees and singing or dancing with the ladies.
Between 1955 and 1959, Brown appeared over and over on Billboard's R&B charts, with hits like "Don't Be Angry," which reached number two nationwide. Other big songs for Nappy included "Pitter Patter" in 1955, "It Don't Hurt No More" in 1958, and I Cried Like A Baby in 1959. But probably the song that had the biggest impact for Nappy was a tune he wrote and recorded, but is best remembered as a hit for Ray Charles--"Night Time Is The Right Time."
In the early 1960s, Nappy continued to record and tour, but eventually ended his association with Savoy Records. Except for a lone album done in 1969 on Elephant Records, Nappy remained unrecorded for years. Settling down in a small town outside of Columbia, South Carolina, he concentrated his singing efforts towards gospel during the 1970s and early 1980s. But renewed interest in his R&B recordings abroad and the re-release of a number of his early songs on albums in Europe resulted in a highly successful Scandinavian tour in 1983.
Interest in his early recordings remains strong, as many of them have been reissued on CD. He regularly appeared at blues festivals, where his huge voice and slightly ribald stage antics never failed to bring down the house. On June 1 2008 following a performance at the Crawfish Festival in Augusta, New Jersey, he fell ill due to series of ailments and was hospitalized. He died in his sleep on September 20 2008 at Mercy Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Don't Be Angry
Nappy Brown Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And drive me away
I know I was wrong
Please let me stay
Well, I've been a fool, dear
For you I know
But I realize now
If you will forgive me
For causing you this pain
I promise you, my darling
I won't hurt you again
Don't be angry
Please hear what I say
Well, give me a chance, dear
Don't drive me away
Give me just one more chance
To prove my love is true
You won't regret it, dear
But I'll make it up to you
Don't be angry
Please hear what I say
Well, give me a chance, dear
Don't drive me away
Don't drive me away
Don't drive me away...
The lyrics to Nappy Brown's song "Don't be Angry" showcase a lover pleading for forgiveness and another chance. The song begins with the singer recognizing and admitting to their wrongdoing, expressing remorse for their actions and the resulting hurt caused to their lover. They beg for forgiveness and plead not to be driven away, professing their love and desire to make things right. The singer promises to not cause any more pain, asserting that the love they share is genuine and worth holding onto.
The song's emotional intensity is driven by Brown's soulful voice and the repetition of the plea not to be driven away. The song is a classic example of a blues ballad, expressing deep regret, sorrow and the hope for reconciliation. Its simple structure adds to the song's emotional impact, as Brown's voice is accompanied only by a guitar and occasional piano riffs.
Nappy Brown's "Don't be Angry" has become a timeless classic and continues to be covered and referenced in popular culture. The song's powerful message resonates with listeners across music genres, and the song has been used in movies and television shows, introducing it to new audiences over the years.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't be angry
Please do not feel resentful towards me
And drive me away
Do not force me to leave your side
I know I was wrong
I acknowledge that I made an error
Please let me stay
Allow me to remain with you
Well, I've been a fool, dear
I have acted foolishly, my beloved
For you I know
Because my love for you is so strong
But I realize now
I have come to understand that
That I love you so
My love for you is immense
If you will forgive me
If you can find it in your heart to pardon me
For causing you this pain
For inflicting sorrow upon you
I promise you, my darling
I vow to you, my love
I won't hurt you again
I will not cause you any more pain
Give me just one more chance
Please grant me an opportunity
To prove my love is true
To demonstrate the sincerity of my love
You won't regret it, dear
You will not be sorry, my cherished one
But I'll make it up to you
I will make amends for my wrongdoing
Don't drive me away
Please do not force me to depart
Please hear what I say
Please listen to me carefully
Don't drive me away
Please do not force me to depart
Don't drive me away...
Please do not force me to depart...
Contributed by Alexander M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
ava gd
Worked for Mr Brown videoing some of his church choir programs. Was unaware he had made this recording. He was more famous than I knew.
bree flowers inherhair
This song was in the movie "Pollock" about painter Jackson Pollock 💜❤🖌
billy smith
The great Nappy Brown - loved this one - Bronx '55
Steve Vilinsky
GREAT SONG FROM EARLY 1955. BLAZING SAXOPHONE SOLO BY THE LEGENDARY SAM THE MAN TAYLOR, MICKEY BAKER ON GUITAR, THE BEST OF THE NEW YORK SESSIONARES ON BOARD.
ginny white
who was the drummer
Steve Vilinsky
TO GINNY WHITE, THE DRUMMER IS DAVID BAILEY, WHO I'M SURPRISED. USUALLY, PANAMA FRANCIS PLAYS IN UNISON WITH THE USUAL NEW YORK SESSIONARES.
ginny white
@Steve Vilinsky ok thanks I know Panama played on a number of my fav Four Seasons tunes as well
Steve Vilinsky
TRUE, HIM AND BERNARD PURDIE WERE THE MOST IN DEMAND SESSION DRUMMERS.
ginny white
@Steve Vilinsky thanks for another name If I had my way and someone could do it, there would be a web page just for studio musicians
he'stheMaster
Great tune. Lil,lil,lil,lil,lil,lil ,lil,lil,lil don't be angry!