Born Ocie Lee Smith in Mansfield, Louisiana, Smith moved with his parents to Little Rock, Arkansas, before their divorce saw Smith and his mother move to Los Angeles.
After completing a psychology degree at Southern University, Smith joined the Air Force, and served throughout the US, Europe and Asia. While in the Air Force, Smith began entering talent contests and toured with Horace Heidt. On his discharge in July, 1955, Smith went into jazz music to pay the bills.
Smith gained his first break as a singer with Sy Oliver and made an appearance on Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts. His success on that show led to a recording contract with Cadence Records.
Smith's debut release was a cover of the Little Richard hit "Tutti Frutti" in December, 1955. The song was not a hit, but convinced MGM Records to sign Smith to a solo contract, resulting in three more releases, but still no hits.
In 1961, Smith was recruited by Count Basie to be his vocalist, a position he held until 1965. He also continued to record with different labels, but a hit remained elusive. (His highest chart position was number 127, for his 1967 release, "That's Life"). By 1968, Smith's then label, Columbia Records, was ready to release him from his contract, when he entered the charts for the first time with "Son of Hickory Holler's Tramp".
"Son of Hickory Holler's Tramp" is a sentimental recollection of a Mom who turns to prostitution to support her family after they are abandoned by the alcoholic father. It was originally recorded by country artist Johnny Darrell, but Smith's cover had much greater success.
Smith changed the first part of his name to O.C. and recorded a cover of the Bobby Russell song "Little Green Apples", which shot to number 2 on the pop charts and won Smith a 1969 Grammy Award for "Best Song".
While Smith was unable to scale these heights again, he continued to record, reaching number 34 with "Daddy's Little Man", before retiring from music to study divinity. In 1985, Smith became Dr. O.C. Smith, pastor of the City of Angels Science of Mind Centre in Los Angeles, and he continued to preach until his death in 2001.
Lighthouse
O.C. Smith Lyrics
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Make yourself a sail
Float into the ocean
To nowhere
Yeah, I see you looking
Looking for a sign
Praying for a beacon
So here's the light
My arms will be wide open
For the moment you arrive, arrive
When you set sail on your journey
And happiness is far away
Love will guide you 'til the morning
Lead your heart down to the bay
Don't resist the rain and storm
I'll never leave you lost at sea
I will be your lighthouse keeper
Bring you safely home to me
I will be your lighthouse keeper
Bring you safely home
Yeah, I see you're lonely
Going in alone
Fire up the engine
Stoke the coal
Floating on a feeling
Fighting with the tide
Hoping you'll be home for Christmas time
My arms will be wide open
For the moment you arrive, arrive
When you set sail on your journey
And happiness is far away
Love will guide you 'til the morning
Lead your heart down to the bay
Don't resist the rain and storm
I'll never leave you lost at sea
I will be your lighthouse keeper
Bring you safely home to me
I will be your lighthouse keeper
Bring you safely home to me
The lyrics to O.C. Smith's song "Lighthouse" seem to be about a person who is searching for guidance and a sense of direction in their life, much like a sailor navigating the seas. The singer urges the listener to "build yourself a boat" and "make yourself a sail" in order to embark on a journey that will take them to a place of happiness. The lighthouse symbolizes a guiding light in the darkness, and the singer promises to be the listener's "lighthouse keeper" who will bring them safely home.
Throughout the song, the singer emphasizes the importance of perseverance and not giving up in the face of adversity. He encourages the listener to "not resist the rain and storm" and to keep fighting against the tide. The line "floating on a feeling" implies that the journey may not always be easy or straightforward, but there is a sense of hope and optimism that comes from following one's heart.
Overall, the lyrics to "Lighthouse" express a message of love, support, and encouragement to those who feel lost or uncertain in their lives. The song offers a sense of solace and comfort, reminding us that we are not alone and that there is always a way forward, even in the darkest of times.
Line by Line Meaning
Build yourself a boat, babe
Create something to embark upon your journey, whether it be a physical vessel or mental preparation
Make yourself a sail
Equip yourself with the tools necessary for the journey
Float into the ocean
Embark on your journey, whether it be into the unknown or uncertain waters of life
To nowhere
Without a definite destination, but with the freedom to explore and discover
Yeah, I see you looking
Acknowledgment of the person's search for guidance and direction
Looking for a sign
The person seeks clarity about the direction to take
Praying for a beacon
Seeking guidance, support, or a source of hope
So here's the light
Offering help and direction in the form of love and support
My arms will be wide open
Offering love and support readily and without hesitation
For the moment you arrive, arrive
Anticipating the person's arrival with love and support ready
When you set sail on your journey
Beginning the journey into the unknown or uncertain waters of life
And happiness is far away
Acknowledgment of the challenges and struggles that may occur during the journey
Love will guide you 'til the morning
Love will be the guiding force throughout the journey, providing comfort and support throughout the night until morning comes
Lead your heart down to the bay
Directing the person towards safety and security during the journey
Don't resist the rain and storm
Accepting and facing the challenges and difficulties that come with the journey
I'll never leave you lost at sea
Promise to always be supportive and provide guidance throughout the journey
I will be your lighthouse keeper
A metaphorical reference to providing guidance and support during the journey
Bring you safely home to me
Promise to always be there to provide safety and support throughout the journey, and ultimately bring the person back to a place of security and love
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Sam Smith, Timothy McKenzie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
SOULSKABIS
Salut mon petit Laurent. Je te retrouve ici par hasard ??? Belle version. Amitié. Tony
Laurent Perina
Merci Tony Amitié