Before beginning his Country Music career, he tried to break into R&B. Although he was unable to secure a recording contract as a soul singer himself, he did pen several songs recorded by James Carr, including the title songs to Carr's albums "You've Got My Mind Messed Up" and "A Man Needs a Woman."
Known to refer to himself as the "Chocolate Cowboy", McClinton sucessfully marketed his album called 'The Only One' on television long before the practice was commonplace. Featuring his first country chart single 'Don't Let The Green Grass Fool You', a top 40 song in 1972, he considered it to be his finest work.
He died on September 23, 1987 after a year-long battle with cancer.
Don't Let The Green Grass Fool You
O.B. McClinton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We stuck together just you and me
It took a long time to get what we got today
But now you wanna leave me for another man
I'm begging you don't let the green grass fool you
Don't let it change your mind
It might look greener on the other side
{ steel }
Girl try to remember when you was on your sickbed
I was the one to see you through
And I know he's feeding you a whole lot of sweet talk
But everything shiny girl sure ain't gold
I begging you don't let the green grass fool you....
In O.B. McClinton's song "Don't Let The Green Grass Fool You," the singer is pleading with his girlfriend not to be fooled by the superficial glitz and glamour of another man. He implores her to remember the tough times they've been through together and to not let the allure of something seemingly better sway her. The use of the phrase "green grass" in the title and throughout the song is a metaphor for the superficial attractions that can often distract us from what truly matters. The singer acknowledges that things might seem better on the other side, but he insists that his girlfriend's true home is with him.
The lyrics speak to a timeless theme of the grass always looking greener on the other side. The singer is acknowledging that there may be some things about their relationship that aren't perfect, but he's urging his girlfriend to remember the bond they've built and to not be swayed by superficial charm. The use of personal anecdotes, such as remembering when his girlfriend didn't have shoes or when she was sick, also adds to the authenticity and emotional weight of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Girl try to remember when you didn't have no shoes
Think back to when we had nothing; we relied on each other to survive
We stuck together just you and me
We stood by each other, through thick and thin
It took a long time to get what we got today
We've worked hard to build what we have now
But now you wanna leave me for another man
Despite everything, you're considering leaving me for someone else
I'm begging you don't let the green grass fool you
Please don't be fooled by the allure of something new and seemingly better
Don't let it change your mind
Don't let the promise of something different make you forget what we have
It might look greener on the other side
The grass might seem greener on the other side, but it's not always the case
But in my arms is where you belong
You belong with me, despite any temptation or distraction
Girl try to remember when you was on your sickbed
Think back to when you were sick and I took care of you
I was the one to see you through
I helped you overcome your illness and supported you throughout
And I know he's feeding you a whole lot of sweet talk
I'm aware that he's sweet-talking you to try and win you over
But everything shiny girl sure ain't gold
Not everything that looks good is truly valuable or worth having
Contributed by Kayla E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@CARLWISE2008
O B started me promoting my Music through his talents . I signed my first Autograph with O B
@krbyhoward1985
This is my Great Uncle!!!!! So proud of you!
@carolwilliams2028
Hope you were bless with the same talant.
@kerbyhoward3102
@@carolwilliams2028 no I wish! I love music but I dont have the voice like aome in our family! I actually habe a cousin who does music. He is a grear singer! I can see him following in Uncle OB steps!
@c.a.m7346
He's my cousin
@robertsoto6157
My great granpa had a caset box of him laying in his house and im here now ,great voice đź‘Ś
@HALOHunting
My grandad Rev. John McClinton was his son I believe. He married my Grandma Emma Lou. We hunted in Senatobia on O.B. McClinton rd years ago. Loved hunting there! Miss it so much!
@randallwatson8760
To the two gentlemen that were related to this fine singer let me say this..From all of us who know what good country music sounds like, Thank you and your family for sharing him with us.
@tjasaashanise6720
Randall Watson that’s also my great uncle ♥️ they named our road after him out here
@c.a.m7346
@@tjasaashanise6720 sureee. He's my cousin