He died on December 10, 1967 in a plane crash.
Carla Thomas (born December 21, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee) is often referred to as the Queen of Memphis Soul . Her parents, the late Rufus and Lorene Thomas, brought three musically gifted children into this world: Carla, Marvell and Vaneese. Despite growing up in the projects, the Thomas family lived in close proximity to the locally celebrated Palace Theater on world-famous Beale Street, as Rufus was the theater’s emcee for their amateur shows.[1] This access not only gave Thomas her first taste of the music world but it also provided a springboard for her transformation into the Queen of the Memphis Sound.
When Something Is Wrong With My Baby
Otis Redding & Carla Thomas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Something is wrong with me
I know when she's a little worried
I feel that same old misery
We've been through so much together
We stand as one and that's what makes it better
Something is wrong with me
Just what she means to me you out there just can't understand it
People can say my woman, she's no good
But she's my woman and I know I'm her only man
And if he's got a problem, I got to help him solve ?em
When something is wrong with my baby
Something is wrong with me
The song “When Something Is Wrong with My Baby” by Otis Redding and Carla Thomas is a classic soul ballad that speaks to the loyalty and love between two people in a relationship. The lyrics evoke the feeling of shared misery that can come when one person in a relationship is going through a tough time. It highlights how difficult it can be to stand by helplessly while someone you love is struggling, and how it can affect you just as deeply.
The opening lyrics, “When something is wrong with my baby, something is wrong with me,” sets the tone for the entire song. The singer is acknowledging that their partner's pain and struggles affect them as well. The lines “We’ve been through so much together, we stand as one and that’s what makes it better” further drive home the point that the couple is united, and the shared experiences they've had together have strengthened their bond.
The verse that reads, “Just what she means to me you out there just can’t understand it. People can say my woman, she’s no good. But she’s my woman and I know I'm her only man. And if he's got a problem, I got to help him solve ‘em” speaks to the depth of love and commitment between the singer and their partner. The outside world may disapprove of their relationship, but that doesn't matter to him. He is committed to being there for her no matter what.
Line by Line Meaning
When something is wrong with my baby
If something is troubling my significant other, it affects me deeply as well.
Something is wrong with me
I feel the same emotions and pain as my partner when they are going through a difficult time.
I know when she's a little worried
I can sense when my partner is anxious or concerned in some way.
I feel that same old misery
Just as my partner feels unhappy or distressed, I too experience those same emotions.
We've been through so much together
My partner and I have faced many challenges and obstacles, but we have overcome them as a team.
We stand as one and that's what makes it better
By supporting and caring for each other, we are able to face difficult situations with greater strength and resilience.
Just what she means to me you out there just can't understand it
The depth of love and connection I feel for my partner is hard to explain to others who have not experienced it themselves.
People can say my woman, she's no good
Others may criticize or judge my partner, but I choose to stand by her.
But she's my woman and I know I'm her only man
I cherish my relationship with my partner and know that our connection is unique and special.
And if he's got a problem, I got to help him solve ?em
I am committed to supporting my significant other through whatever challenges or difficulties they may face.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ISAAC HAYES, DAVID PORTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind