He began his adult life as a young preacher in Philadelphia, where he hosted a gospel radio show. In the 1960s, he signed with Atlantic Records and began moving towards more secular music. His first hit was Just Out Of Reach Of My Open Arms, a cover of a country song. Though well-received by both peers and critics, and attaining a few moderate pop and several major R&B hits, Burke never could quite break through into the mainstream as did his contemporaries like Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin.
Nevertheless, his emotive delivery, polished production, as well as the touches of country and pop sensibility in his music won him admirers and imitators. In 1964 he wrote and recorded Everybody Needs Somebody To Love his most prominent bid for an enduring soul standard. Covered by the Rolling Stones the same year, other well-known versions include one by Wilson Pickett and another a decade and a half later in the 1980 feature film by The Blues Brothers. Burke's biggest hit was a 1969 cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival's Proud Mary.
His career was to some degree revived in 2002, with the release of the album Don't Give Up On Me, produced by Joe Henry, where he sang songs written specifically for the album by a roster of top-rank artists, including Bob Dylan, Brian Wilson, Van Morrison, Elvis Costello, Tom Waits and Joe Henry himself.
He is featured in the 2004 movie Lightning in a Bottle singing Turn on Your Love Light and Down in the Valley.
As of October 2002 Burke was the father of 14 daughters and 7 sons with 64 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Several of his children and grandchildren have had successful careers in various facets of the music industry, though none as much so as their patriarch.
Burke died, arriving at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam where he was supposed to perform with Dutch band De Dijk with whom he recorded an album, entitled Hold on Tight.
Rock icon Mick Jagger performed a tribute to Burke at the 2011 Grammy Awards, laying down Burke's classic hit "Everybody Needs Somebody To Love".
A cover of Everybody Needs Somebody To Love received huge exposure as the music for Amazon's 2019 Christmas commercial.
It's Been A Change
Solomon Burke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You know it's a shame
The way some people act
You see the President said
"We will overcome"
But we got to keep pushing one
Until the work is done
It's been a change
This old world is made a change
There's one thing that I want you to know
Things that has been won't be no more
It may be later it may be soon
One of these days
There'll be a man on the moon
I tell ya, it's been a change
It's been a change it's been a changе
This old world is made a change
You young peoplе you better stay in school
Study real hard and obey the rules
You may be young and you may be able
But without a education
You can't get common labor
It's been a change it's been a change
It's been a change
This old world this old world
This old world is made a change
In the song "It's Been A Change" by Solomon Burke, the lyrics address various social issues and the need for progress and unity. The opening lines convey a sense of frustration towards those who hinder progress while highlighting the shamefulness of their actions. The mention of the President's statement about overcoming implies a call for unity and collective effort. The repeated phrase "It's been a change" emphasizes that the world has undergone transformation.
The lyrics also touch upon the fleeting nature of accomplishments and the need to adapt to the evolving times. The lines "Things that has been won't be no more" suggest that past achievements or ways of life are no longer relevant. The mention of a man on the moon represents a symbol of progress and technological advancement, indicating that change is inevitable and necessary.
Later in the song, Burke addresses younger generations, urging them to prioritize education and abide by the rules. This reflects the belief that education is vital for personal growth and to secure better opportunities. The overall message of the song is that change is an essential part of life, and individuals must adapt and embrace it in order to progress and make a positive impact on the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Some are pushing hard some are holding back
There are individuals who are putting in great effort, while others are being hesitant and resistant.
You know it's a shame
It is truly unfortunate and disappointing.
The way some people act
The behavior exhibited by certain individuals.
You see the President said
As you are aware, the President stated.
"We will overcome"
"We will successfully prevail and overcome."
But we got to keep pushing on
However, we must continue to persist.
Until the work is done
Until the tasks and objectives are accomplished.
It's been a change it's been a change
There has been a significant transformation, a profound alteration.
This old world is made a change
This long-standing world has undergone a transformation.
There's one thing that I want you to know
There is a crucial aspect I wish to convey to you.
Things that has been won't be no more
The things that were previously accomplished will cease to exist.
It may be later it may be soon
It could potentially occur in the future, whether soon or at a later time.
One of these days
At some point in the future.
There'll be a man on the moon
There will come a time when a person will set foot on the moon.
I tell ya, it's been a change
Let me inform you, there has been a remarkable transformation.
You young people you better stay in school
You, the younger generation, must remain enrolled in educational institutions.
Study real hard and obey the rules
Dedicate yourself to intensive studying and adhere to the guidelines.
You may be young and you may be able
Despite being young, you possess capabilities and talents.
But without an education
However, without attaining knowledge and learning.
You can't get common labor
You will be unable to obtain ordinary manual work or employment.
This old world
This longstanding world.
This old world is made a change
This enduring world has experienced a significant alteration.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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