A pioneering rock and roll musician (and cousin to fellow rockabilly pioneer Dale Hawkins) known as "Rompin' Ronnie" Hawkins or "The Hawk", he was a key player in the 1960s rock scene in Toronto and for the next 40 years, performed all over North America, recording more than twenty-five albums. His best-known hits are "Forty Days" and "Mary Lou" (about the song narrator's experiences with a gold-digging woman), both were major hits for him in 1959.
At the age of nine, his family moved to nearby Fayetteville. After graduating from high school, he studied physical education at the University of Arkansas where he formed his first band, The Hawks, touring with them throughout Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. Hawkins also owned and operated the Rockwood Club in Fayetteville where some of Rock music's earliest pioneers came to play including Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison and Conway Twitty.
In 1958, he moved to Canada with the Hawks and made Peterborough, Ontario, his permanent home. Gradually the members of the Hawks, except for Levon Helm, were replaced with talented Canadians Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel and Garth Hudson. This was the line-up that was to later become The Band.
His 1984 LP, 'Making It Again', garnered him a Juno Award as Canada's best Country Male Vocalist. Playing with The Band, Hawkins helped tear down the Berlin Wall in 1989 and performed at President Bill Clinton's 1992 inaugural party. In addition to his music, he has also become an accomplished actor, hosting his own television show "Honky Tonk" in the early 1980s and appearing in such films as Heaven's Gate with his friend Kris Kristofferson and Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II.
October 4, 2002 was declared "Ronnie Hawkins Day" by the city of Toronto when Hawkins was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in recognition of his lifetime contribution to music and his generous support of the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario and other charitable organizations. Ronnie Hawkins was inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame at the Canadian Music Industry Awards on March 4, 2004. His pioneering contribution to the genre has also been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
In 2005, he was awarded an honorary degree from Laurentian University.
Who Do You Love
Ronnie Hawkins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're always so far away
Down below, you used to tell the truth
Now, you're lookin' for something to say
You give me those eyes
And then look away
Are you livin' a lie?
Is this some kind of game
Baby, won't you tell me please?
Give me one good reason to stay
When you won't come right out and say
Who do you love? What makes you happen
What do you need for satisfaction
Who do you love? I need an answer
Is it just about a good time, good time
Who do you love?
I wish you'd lie or tell me the truth
So I can decide for myself
Maybe you've tried what we used to do
With somebody, somewhere else
Give me one reason to stay
When you won't come right out and say
These lyrics explore the confusion and ambiguity in a relationship. The singer is uncertain about their partner's feelings and intentions. They feel that their partner is distant and unable to communicate honestly. The lines "You're always so far away / Down below, you used to tell the truth / Now, you're lookin' for something to say" suggest that the partner was once truthful and present, but has since become withdrawn and elusive.
The singer is left wondering if their partner is playing a game or living a lie. They want to know if their partner truly loves them, or if they are just in it for a good time. The repeated refrain of "Who do you love?" emphasizes the singer's need for clarity and honesty in the relationship.
Ultimately, the singer wants their partner to either lie or tell the truth, so that they can make a decision for themselves. They are looking for a reason to stay, but they cannot do so without knowing where they stand in their partner's affections.
Overall, this song is a reflection on the difficulties of communication and trust in a romantic relationship. It portrays the frustration and confusion that can arise when one partner feels left in the dark about the other's feelings and intentions.
Line by Line Meaning
I never know, what you're gonna do
I'm always confused about your actions, can't predict them
You're always so far away
You're emotionally distant and unapproachable
Down below, you used to tell the truth
In the past, you were honest and open with me
Now, you're lookin' for something to say
You seem to be searching for something to avoid telling me the truth
You give me those eyes
You stare at me with intense eyes
And then look away
But you quickly avert your gaze
Do you want me down on my knees?
Are you trying to exert power over me and make me beg?
Are you livin' a lie?
Do you feel like you're living a false life?
Is this some kind of game
Are you playing a manipulative game with me?
Baby, won't you tell me please?
Can you please be honest and straightforward with me?
Give me one good reason to stay
What is one compelling reason for me to continue this relationship?
When you won't come right out and say
Why won't you be direct with me and state the truth?
Who do you love? What makes you happen
Who is the person that you love and what attracts you to them?
What do you need for satisfaction
What do you require in order to feel content or fulfilled?
Who do you love? I need an answer
I am seeking a clear response to my question about who you love
Is it just about a good time, good time
Are you only interested in having fun and not looking for a serious relationship?
I wish you'd lie or tell me the truth
I wish you would either lie to me or tell me the unvarnished truth
So I can decide for myself
So I can make a decision for myself based on your response
Maybe you've tried what we used to do
Maybe you have attempted to replicate our previous experiences with someone else
With somebody, somewhere else
Perhaps with another person, somewhere else
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Ellas McDaniel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@SuperSackdaddy
And now Robbie Robertson passes today. Our era of greatest songwriters are fading away.....
@ReggaeStrongTV
Rest in Peace Robbie Robertson. Forever young.
@michaelcarvlin7348
RIP Robbie Robertson. That's a big loss.
@bettysheehey6218
I had the privilege of being invited to Ronnie's beautiful home on Stoney Lake. It was a wonderful afternoon with Ronnie and his wonderful wife. I will treasure that day always. Indeed heaven is rocking with Ronnie's music. Thank you Art and Marilyn for including in your afternoon at Stoney Lake💖
@benhong540
May 29, 2022 R.I.P. Ronnie Hawkins. Thank you for giving Canada "Arkansas North!"
@okitssteph
Here to see The Hawks play. The best way I know to send my love and appreciation to Robbie and The Band tonight.
💔❤
@G_-jt2op
R.I.P. Robbie Robertson. The opening with his guitar is giving me everytime goosebumps
@regis387
another heart breaker🙁
@jaxsutro4880
Simply, LEGENDARY!!!….#RestInParadiseRobbie🙏🙏❤️
@peterzang
Why is he still alive underrated as a guitarist? Every lick is magic.