Born in Leno, Tennessee, Wright, as a youngster, began singing in the church. In 1956, while still in high school, he joined The Sunset Travelers as one of the lead singers for the gospel group. He later fronted a gospel music group, the Harmony Echoes. It was during this time that he was discovered (along with James Carr) by Roosevelt Jamison a songwriter and manager. Their first pop recording in 1964 was "That's How Strong My Love Is," a ballad later covered by Otis Redding and the Rolling Stones. It was issued on Goldwax, the label Wright signed to after leaving his gospel career. It was later determined that Don Robey still had him under a recording contract, due to his gospel group having recorded for Peacock. After his contract was shifted to Don Robey’s Back Beat label, further R&B hits followed. Working with record producer Willie Mitchell, success continued on songs including "Ace of Spades" and "A Nickel and a Nail".
Wright's hits were much more popular in the deep South. His biggest hits were "You're Gonna Make Me Cry" (R&B #6, 1965), "Eight Men, Four Women" (R&B #4, 1967) "Ace of Spades" (R&B #11, 1970), "A Nickel and a Nail" (R&B #19, 1971). The remainder of his 17 hits charted higher than #20 on the R&B charts.
However, Wright was imprisoned for narcotics offenses during the mid-1970s, and, despite signing for Hi Records and releasing a series of recordings, his commercial success failed to recover after his release. A continuing drug problem weakened his health and he died from a heart attack, in Mobile, Alabama at age 41.
Wright is among the most remembered voices of soul music, perhaps mostly for being sampled frequently in hip hop music. In 1996, his song, "Motherless Child" was sampled on the Ghostface Killah album Ironman on a song also called "Motherless Child." It and another Wright recording, "Let's Straighten It Out" have been published on Shaolin Soul, a compilation of tracks that have been sampled by the Wu Tang Clan and its members. "Let's Straighten It Out" was sampled in a Wu-Tang Clan song called "America" from the charity compilation album America Is Dying Slowly. "Ace of Spades" was sampled by Slim Thug and the Boss Hogg Outlawz on a song named "Recognize A Playa".
Johnny Rawls joined Wright's backing band in the mid-1970s, and played together with Wright until the latter's death in 1980. The band then continued billed as the O.V. Wright Band for another 13 years, and toured and performed with other musicians over this time span. These included B.B. King, Little Milton, Bobby Bland, Little Johnny Taylor, and Blues Boy Willie.
Everybody Knows
O.V. Wright Lyrics
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And heard me beg you, "Stay, please stay"
Why, why did we choose this crowded place?
They all know it, 'cause I show it in my face
Everybody knows you said goodbye
Everybody knows we're through
Now they all can see the tears I cry
They all said it's too good to be true
It'll make a fool of you one day
I just laughed and said our love was strong
But you've left me and they all know I was wrong
Everybody knows you're tired of me
Everybody knows we're through
Though I'm on my own, I can't be free
Baby, I just live for you
Everybody knows you said goodbye
Everybody knows we're through
Now they all can see the tears I cry
Running down my face for you
Everybody knows you're tired of me
Everybody knows we're through
Though I'm on my own, I can't be free
The lyrics of O.V. Wright's song "Everybody Knows" revolve around a dysfunctional relationship that is falling apart. The song is about a man who is going through a tough time as he realizes that his lover is no longer interested in him. "Everybody knows you've been treating me bad" suggests that the man's friends and family are aware of the situation, and he himself has come to the realization that his lover is making him sad.
The man in the song can see that his lover does not reciprocate his love for her, but he cannot help still loving her. The lyrics "He could never love you the way that I do" show that the man is still hoping that his lover will choose him over the other man who is hanging around her. The man's pain and anguish are evident in lines such as "Every night I keep on cryin' / And I pray that you'll stop lyin' to me."
However, despite his heartfelt plea, the man understands that he needs to move on from this toxic relationship, "I want to forget you as fast as I can, but every time I see you, the hurting begins again. I still love you." This song is a powerful commentary on love and relationships, emphasizing the struggle to let go of a love that is no longer reciprocated.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody knows you've been treating me bad
Everyone is aware that you have been behaving unfairly toward me.
Everybody knows you've been makin' me sad
It is common knowledge that you have been causing me emotional pain.
Well you don't have to lie 'cause I'm no fool
There is no need for you to be dishonest with me because I am not naive.
I can see you don't want my love at all
It is clear to me that you have no interest in being with me romantically.
I know, I still love you
Despite being aware of your mistreatment, I still have strong feelings of love for you.
Everybody knows he's been hanging around
Everyone is aware that another man has been spending time with you.
Everybody knows you've been painting the town
It is common knowledge that you have been going out and having a good time without me.
He could never love you the way that I do
I am convinced that no one could ever love you as much as I do.
And maybe I'll find somebody else
It is possible that I may try to pursue a romantic relationship with someone else.
But oh, I still love you
Regardless of any other factors, I still have strong feelings of love for you.
Every night I keep on cryin'
I experience emotional distress and cry every evening.
And I pray that you'll stop lyin' to me
I hope and wish that you will no longer be dishonest with me.
Everybody knows you will never be mine
It is common knowledge that we will not end up together.
Everybody knows I've been wasting my time
Everyone is aware that my efforts to pursue a relationship with you have been futile.
I want to forget you as fast as I can
I desire to move on from my feelings for you as quickly as possible.
But every time I see you the hurtin' begins again
Whenever I see you, it rekindles feelings of pain and heartache.
I still love you
Despite everything, I still feel a strong sense of love for you.
Everybody knows, everybody knows
It is widely known among our peers and acquaintances that our relationship is troubled and unlikely to succeed.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Joseph Langridge-Brown, Conor Mason, Dominic Craik, Julian Emery, Jim Irwin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind