P.J. Proby, born James Marcus Smith on 6 November 1938, is a singer, songwr… Read Full Bio ↴P.J. Proby, born James Marcus Smith on 6 November 1938, is a singer, songwriter, and actor noted for his voice and his theatrical portrayals of Elvis Presley, plus interpretations of modern standards in the vein of Tom Jones. Until 1961, he used the name Jett Powers.

The stage name P.J. Proby was suggested to him by a friend named Sharon Sheeley (Eddie Cochran's girlfriend) who remembered the name of an old high school boyfriend.
P.J. Proby did demos for Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and other artists. His greatest hits are "Somewhere", "Maria", "Hold Me", "Niki Hoeky" and "I Apologise". In 1996, Marc Almond produced the album Legend which included the duet single "Yesterday Has Gone".

I Can't Make It Alone
P.J. Proby Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Now you know me
You know how proud I am
And what I'm gonna tell you now
Won't be easy to say

Before I left your side
Ooh, I was so happy then
But I've been so lonely

Since I've been away
Oh, baby

I've tried and I know I can't make it alone
It's such a hard way to go
I just can't make it alone
There's something in my soul
That will always (always)
Lead me back to you

What can I say now?
Sorry is just not good enough
I couldn't blame you if you hurt me now
The way I hurt you then

But who else can I turn to?
Oh, baby, I'm begging you
Won't you reach out for my dying soul?
And make me live again
Oh, baby, it's so hard

I've tried and I know I can't make it alone
It's such a hard way to go
I just can't make it alone
There's something in my soul (in my soul)
That will always
Lead me back to you

I just can't make it by myself
Just can't make it byself

Baby, help me
I've tried and I know I can't make it alone
It's such a hard way to go
And I can't make it alone
There's something in my soul (in my soul)
That will always (always)
Lead me back to you

Oh, help me
(Please help me)
You know I need you
(I need you)
I'm saying that I need you
I just can't make it by myself
(I just can't make it by myself)
I just can't make it all alone
(I just can't make it all alone)

I just can't make it by myself
(I just can't make it by myself)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to P.J. Proby's song "I Can't Make It Alone" convey the feelings of loneliness and regret a person experiences after leaving the one they love. The singer is struggling to cope with the difficulties of being away from his partner and is sorry for the pain he caused. However, he cannot find solace in anything or anyone else and begs his lover to take him back. He knows deep down that he cannot make it alone as something in his soul will always lead him back to her.

The opening lines of the song reveal the singer's vulnerability and reluctance to admit his feelings. He acknowledges his pride, and the fact that what he has to say won't be easy to express. He then tells his partner that he was once happy with her, but he has been lonely ever since he left. The chorus reinforces the message that he cannot make it alone and that there is something in his soul that will always draw him back to her. The second verse highlights his remorse and admission of fault and pleads for forgiveness.

Overall, the song is a heartfelt tale of a man's struggle with love and loneliness. The lyrics are candid and poignant, and Proby's powerful voice intensifies the emotive content of the song.

Line by Line Meaning

Now you know me
After spending time with you, I feel like you know my true self

You know how proud I am
You are aware of how much pride I have and how it affects me

And what I'm gonna tell you now, Won't be easy to say
I am about to confess something that is difficult for me to say

Before I left your side, Ooh, I was so happy then
I was incredibly happy before we parted ways

But I've been so lonely, Since I've been away Oh, baby
Ever since I left, I've been feeling really lonely

I've tried and I know I can't make it alone
I've tried to manage on my own, but I have come to the realization that I can't do it

It's such a hard way to go I just can't make it alone
It's really tough to be alone and I just can't handle it anymore

There's something in my soul That will always (always) Lead me back to you
No matter what happens, I feel like I'm meant to be with you

What can I say now? Sorry is just not good enough
I'm not sure what to say now, and I know that just saying 'sorry' won't be enough

I couldn't blame you if you hurt me now The way I hurt you then
I wouldn't hold it against you if you wanted to hurt me in return for how I hurt you before

But who else can I turn to? Oh, baby, I'm begging you
I don't have anyone else to turn to and I'm begging you to help me out

Won't you reach out for my dying soul? And make me live again Oh, baby, it's so hard
Please help me before I completely fall apart and make me feel alive again. It's really hard to do this on my own

I just can't make it by myself Just can't make it byself Baby, help me
I can't handle this alone and I need your help, baby

You know I need you (I need you) I'm saying that I need you
I want to make sure you know how much I need you in my life

I just can't make it all alone (I just can't make it all alone) I just can't make it by myself (I just can't make it by myself)
I know I can't survive alone and I need you to be there for me

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gerry Goffin, Carole King

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

@MrCockytoad

6y↑30

P.J. blows this out of the water! One of his best songs, IMO..never heard a better version of this song..

@thegodblogger3812

Listen to the version by Lou Rawls

@Mr_Lupine

12y↑19

This is a great great record made by a phenomenal producer !!! The song is great and PJ Proby is the most criminally ignored singer evr !!! A truly wonderful artist, a rare thing these days !!!

@kennethridout7471

3y↑1

How true, every thing you said

@Bazzm17

11y↑18

This should have been a massive hit. Unfortunately the British public failed to agree. Still is a fantastic record.

@joachimfritz2406

2y↑3

I've listened to this song for the first time late at night on Radio Caroline back in the sixties. So wonderful to listen to it today. I was and I still am a great fan of P.J. Proby

@radiorowley

4y↑5

This song has everything. By far Jim's best performance on record. Great song by Goffin and King. Brilliant Spectoresque production by Jack Nitzsche. 1966 was a great year for music, but how this only made No 37 in the UK is astonishing. It's still a haunting record

@rontenn

5y↑6

P.J.....in my opinion the best ever male vocalist. He's amazing!

@rogbrown1458

3y↑2

Along with Scott walker. The two best. Rog. Pacific sunset records.

@peterscott5691

32w↑1

The drumming on this phenomenal.

@noddyholder79

6y↑14

Faultless!

@strictlynorton

6y↑3

niceand sleazy so true.... what a vocal performance and for once backed by a stella production. A lost treasure!!!

@paulcarter4936

7y↑19

By far the best version of this great song. Also, to me this is about P J's best.

@thegodblogger3812

Take a listen at the Lou Rawls version

@paulineoneill9554

3y↑2

The great P.J.Proby,I'd forgotten about this song.What a stunning voice,absolutely brilliant.Love him 😍😘😍

@eltoro6177

MAR-VEL-LOUS !!! thank you for the labels as well

@DJ-cb2yv

6y↑14

Outstanding vocals, way to go P J Proby, still singing now aged 78yrs !

@DDMco123

3y↑1

Here after for all mankind. Rip Gordo and Tracy

@TheHarryChannel2016

32w

Hi Bob

@margaretrobertson558

2y↑2

One , if not his best recording, I can’t praise it enough, what a talented person and best singer on earth

@MySwingingSixties

12y↑7

Wow this is GORGEOUS!!! Up until now I only new Dusty Springfield's brilliant version which she recorded in 1968 for her "Dusty In Memphis" LP. I didn't even know that there was a PJ Proby version. This ones comes crasing through the roof! Love it.... Great voice, impressive production, lush orchestration and a lot of drama... Just how I Like it!

@thegodblogger3812

Listen to Lou Rawl's version

@cardinalsfan8182

49w

Vanilla fudge also

@patrickryan1515

4y↑4

Somehow I'm reminded of Scott Walker. Didn't realize P. J. Proby had this much range and control. And for a Goffin/King composition, it's odd that I've never heard it before.

@jasonanderson5980

2y↑2

Thank you, Mr. Reichard for posting so many wonderful records! Anyone who recognizes so much amazing music deserves major, major props for not only finding, but taking the time to share these beauties with the world.

@bennyjazzful

5y↑2

WOW WOW WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From a mad keen 75yo Aussie fan.

@harryo2738

3y↑3

Fantastic stuff shame it was overlooked

@45jwheeler

6y↑16

At last I've found the version with the harmony vocal on the chorus! A brilliant record by any standards, Jim Proby at his best. Why this version is not included on any of the CD versions I've found I don't understand as it doesn't quite 'happen' without them. We (Shirley and Johnny) tried our best to capture the magic of this recording when we included the song on our 1970 album 'This is Shirley and Johnny'. Although I believe it was one of our best recordings, did we get close?? Fabulous recording from a brilliant singer, Jim Proby!!

@hippiedylan2704

9y↑15

stunning performance.

@AlanODuffy

7y↑15

What a wonderful single, superb in every respect, made in Stanhope Place, beside Marble Arch. As far as I know it was Ronnie Verril on drums; so passionate. Ronnie at the time was with Kenny Clare and Andy White the most in-demand session drummers, Bobby Graham and Clem Cattini were also working but not so much on the big orchestra sessions.
I worked across the road in Pye Studios; it was an extraordinary time for the world, when the next single from artists we loved was the most important event in our young lives. The recording was probably done as a mono backing track or a three track session. PJ tracked a counter vocal over what was called the reduction, and we know as the mixdown so that the only version of counter voice was on the original mono single. PJ, of course, incomparable ; it sounds as super today as it did when I was 18.

@janharing5627

6y↑2

Hello sir, great words, and .... every new 45 single on the british pirates radio stations, was a sensation", at least some of them...they made my life in 64-67, across the north sea! ( holland). proby too. Hold me was one of the Tops of 1964 radio-wise.

@AnthonyReichardt

Recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders in Hollywood, California.

@PAUL-ge1kl

11w

Kudos to you sir

@joao921

3y↑3

Big Gordo!!!

@aristedecomgmailcom

5y↑2

Pure genius.

@alanfizzypop9607

4y↑1

what a studio of talent

@petrslivinski7481

9y↑9

Good song. Jack Nitzsche arrangements were always great. Thanks for posting this one. Enjoying and loving the musical score and lyrics.

@davidehrenberg370

1y↑1

Definitive version;brilliant production,arrangement,and vocal.

@DeafIaint

8y↑5

A fantastic performance & arrangement. You need to hear the Righteous Brothers version to realise how good this is!

@trickydick6152

Apparently you haven't heard Dusty Springfield's.

@joshlevy706

If memory serves....the cover of this was solo by Bill only

@noddyholder79

5y↑1

Y'kno this reminds me of half deserted pubs round Manchester Piccadilly in the mid 80s. An echoing melancholy

@strictlynorton

6y↑4

Outstanding

@clivebishop4809

11y↑1

Phenominal voice... I remember him in the 60s now he's on tour again and visiting the west country and I've got my tickets to see him ...roll on October!

@Avatar610

6y↑10

Wow! Why wasn't this a hit? At least Dusty Springfield had the good sense to record it for her landmark album "Dusty in Memphis"- but then she always had the greatest faith in the songs of Goffin/King and Bacharach/David.

@johnpearson7734

5y↑10

great tune and voice should have been bigger

@DJ-cb2yv

7y↑4

Amazing vocal and backing sound, from the 60's , to think these guys were probably high, .

@john111257

5y↑1

Awesome vocalist, along with Scott Walker.

@john111257

Awesome song and singer, one word FANTASTIC

@oppothumbs1

35w↑1

Jack Nitzsche leaves his Nitch (leave his marx or mark). A great producer and arranger. Best song - Neil Young's "I've Been Waiting for You"

@settenor1963

9y↑12

Sounds like a Phil Spector production

@westentrance

26w

Nitzsche was Spector’s right hand man. He was essentially a co-producer of Spector’s early hits.

@Sliptrail

12y↑2

Great post, thanks for all your splendid uploads!

@geocs58

14y↑1

Excellent! thanks for posting

@gary9426

classic wall of sound...love it!

@allennelson6985

Fantastic song.

@CaptainJimKirk

12y↑3

One of my all time favourite records, on a par with The Righteous Brother's "Unchained Melody". I have the original Liberty 10250 back home but it took me a long time to find the original version with P.J.'s double tracking and with the girl's track. I love your description of the record: "There aren't enough words to describe the stunning performance given by Mr. Proby, The 'Wrecking Crew' and The Blossoms" - says it all.

@lesgore54

14y↑1

Wonderful! I think I heard Dusty's version first, but yet, It's a male voice that sticks in my mind. Maybe I heard this back in '66. Very nice commentary that hits it on the head as to why this is such a great, basic wall of sound example. And imho, P.J. is on his best vocal behavior here. To bad he's not remembered for this rather than 'Nicki Hoeky' and splitting his pants onstage.

@1061andy

Phenomenal tune

@bopava

13y

The best version of this song. I have this album and it is actually playable!

@trist5548

Such a jam.

@marktlog

12y↑1

You're entitled to your opinion. Mine is that it's an incredible song. Another example of Carole King's miraculous songwriting. I heard the Dusty Springfield version first and I probably prefer it but that is one of the greatest recordings I've ever heard. Possibly the best track on 'Dusty in Memphis' so its an unfair comparison . Still PJ sounds great, and nails the sublime 'something in my soul' bit.

@MySwingingSixties

12y↑1

@reichardtaj I introduced myself to the Wall of Sound years ago by listening to records of The Ronettes, The Crystals and other artists produced by Phil Spector. I love the sound of the Sixties. My CD cupboard is full of Dusty Springfield, Nancy Sinatra, Marianne Faithfull, Billie Davis, PP Arnold, Mama Cass, Evie Sands, Merrilee Rush, Melanie Safka, Sonny & Cher, Betty Everett, Baby Washington, Jackie DeShannon, The Cake, The Sangri-Las among others. And the list is still growing :-)

@trevorgreen7805

2y↑1

Should of been a ,No: 1. No one has a vocal range like proby.

@MySwingingSixties

12y↑1

@reichardtaj Thank you... I just love that kind of music. Today's music gives me nothing. I can much better identifiy with sixties pop and soul. Dusty Springfield is simply the very best and forever will be. Guess I'm gonna get me PJ's EMI anniversairy compilation for mor of that great sound. His voice reminds me of Elvis somehow. And Jack Nitzsche surely was one of the very best producers and arrangers. You can never be wrong with his recordings.

@quieterrps

12y

Never heard this tune by anyone but it's likely the hands down best I'm sure. I kind of pictured the growing echo at points going out to fight Godzilla after it got finished with this. It is quite Righteous Brothers and while never vocally dipping as deep as that it is as perfect as that in it's range. Great tune, thanks!

@Mickybunch

12y↑1

Great song, great arrangement, truly great singer. If you don't like it then turn it off. I think it's superb - you think what you want & good luck.

@1061andy

6y↑12

Epic stuff - great performance by PJ, although I can imagine Scott Walker doing it justice too.

@jack12charlton

Andy Lockett I think Jim's trying to mimic Scott here.

@john111257

4y↑2

@@jack12charlton walking in the rain meets youve lots that loving feeling

@1961axis

10y↑7

TertiaryIndex (for it was he) there are times when youtube comments leave me in a somewhat ambiguous state of uncontrollable mirth and bewilderment. Two thoughts immediately occur; never trust ‘expert opinion’ where entertainment is concerned. Secondly, I would be inclined to leave the sanctioning of people’s opinions to the myriad of totalitarian states around the world - this level of pomposity is always amusing though. Finally, this IS a glorious recording by any standards.

@strictlynorton

Marcus Clements Amen my brother.

@sussykes7777

I love Dusty of course, but first heard Pig Iron's version - strangely brilliant...

@richardsmithcreates

4y↑1

The mono version is the only one with the harmony/double track. The stereo version has only the single track. Probably down to limitations to recording and overdubbing back then. But the extra vocals on the mono makes it so good for me I only recently discovered there was a Bill Medley version and assumed - as the P J Proby rmono recording sound so much like the Righteous Brothers - it would be as good. But the arrangement is nothing like as strong. As many have said below, this is as good as it gets. By the way, if you like powerful, mournful Goffin/King songs, check out Carole King's 'Road To Nowhere'. (Not the Talking Heads song.) A break up song to break you up!!

@62M.St.

13y

This is excellent, no doubt. Vanilla Fudge really tear this up, too! Regards, '62 Mathew St. (Total Retro Rock)

@45rpmSINGLES

14y↑2

You forgot to mention it was a top 40 hit

@turtle1954ful

7y↑4

Great song, as good as Bill Medley

@paulcarter4936

7y↑1

Much better! Medley's version dies away before 3 mins. is up & a very tame production. P J's single version is really great.

@beatlebob1918

3y↑2

Liberty records recognized the dilemma of Proby's song being too long so they took out a full-page ad in Billboard Magazine telling radio programmers that they had a shorter version of the 45 if they so desired a copy. https://images.45cat.com/p-j-proby-i-cant-make-it-alone-1966-13.jpg

@paulgoldstein2569

2y↑1

This was BY FAR the best thing he ever did. This is what he should have been sounding like all the time. Although by then a UK citizen, he recorded this during one of his returns to the States at the Sunset studios, where a lot of the Deep Wall Of Sound and other lush productions were coming from. It was written for him by Gerry Goffin/Carole King.

But this is the undubbed stereo recording with only a single vocal all the way through, making himself sound more like a one-man Righteous Brothers. Also missing is that imaginary Deep Wall Of Sound. But this is how nature intended it to sound, and nature comes first. Click here.
https://youtu.be/Mkj_sHTG1ag
Dusty Springfield's later version on her semi-classic Dusty In Memphis album didn't live up to this original version.

@rogbrown1458

Hi. One beautiful song voice and recording!! And You've come back by PJ not far off cheers. Rog. Pacific sunset records.

@Walesktf

2y↑1

Awesome version, but I think the Dusty Springfield just shades P.J. Proby's version

@bdp7590

3y↑4

ah yes, the chad gordo stevens at jamestown

@28mark

9y↑5

Anthony,do you know who was drumming on this? Sounds like it might have been Earl

@AnthonyReichardt

9y↑2

I haven't seen the session contract for this one but would most certainly like to. My guess would be Earl on drums as well.

@joeeaster5386

9y↑1

you can see jack nitzsche on the ELVIS MOVIE ..GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS....HE'S THE FELLOW PLAYING THE PIANO..HAL BLAINE ON DRUMS, STEVE DOUGLAS ON SAX...THE OTHER ISUN KNOWN...HE WAS PART OF THE WRECKING CREW

@recordguy4321

Joe Easter I never miss that scene when it's on, and those blue and white shirts. Jack looks like quite the nerd but he was far from it.

@joeeaster5386

9y↑1

roughtake I speak to hal b. on occation....he always says, those guy's had a blast on set with elvis...you are sooooo right , jack went on to play steel guitar for neal young....jack was a talented musician..absolutely no doubt about that

@recordguy4321

Hal's recovering now from an injury, but his daughter says he is healing well. Him and Earl Palmer are my favorites

@joeeaster5386

roughtake thanks for the info...yes...he's a tough guy....michelle will make sure nothing happens to him.....earl was tops.....listen to him on bobby vee's A NIGHT HAS A THOUSAND EYES....ONLY EARL COULD HAVE DONE THOSE FILLS AND CHOPS...HE WAS GREAT....p/s...I wasn't yelling at you with the caps...I love those two guy's as well....hal's playing taught me a lot behind the kit...

@recordguy4321

Oh to be a fly on the wall when Earl and Hal did double drums at Gold Star or United/Western.

4 More Replies...

@craigathonian

Glad his name isn't B.J.

@shangpush

9y↑2

He's singing it, not feeling it.

@stefano.b65stef77

i prefer the dusty springfield version

@joeeaster5386

9y↑2

ALMOST SOUNDS LIKE the walker bros. take it easy on yourself....that's why i never owned this guy's records......

@leigy100

9y↑3

and the Walker Bros sounded like the Righteous Brothers, so following your logic you shouldn't have had any Walker Bros records either.

@joeeaster5386

leigy100 no, you are correct, only heard these tunes on the radio

@teendude16

leigy100 , good return.

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