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.
Ring Ring Ring
Solomon Burke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If it comes from your heart
Your love has got to last
It may not gleam like rubies
Well, it may not glow like gold
But it will shine just like diamonds
Diamonds if it comes from your soul
Mm, they said I'd leave you
They said our love couldn't last
But oh how do they know
Darlin', you're on my mind
All of the time
Don't you know that I love you so
This little ring that I give to you
Please, wear it always
Be faithful, just be true
It may not gleam like rubies
Well, it may not glow like gold
But it will shine just like diamonds
Diamonds if it comes from your soul
If it comes from the soul
The lyrics of Solomon Burke's song "This Little Ring" convey the idea that the material value of a gift, such as a ring, is not as important as the love and sincerity behind it. The song emphasizes that love rooted in the heart and soul is what truly matters and ensures the longevity of a relationship.
The opening lines, "This little ring may be silver or brass, If it comes from your heart, Your love has got to last," suggest that the value of the ring is insignificant compared to the genuine emotions and intentions of the person giving it. The lyrics further emphasize this point by stating that it may not gleam like rubies or glow like gold, but it will shine like diamonds if it comes from the soul.
The second verse addresses the doubts and skepticism of others towards the relationship, with the singer mentioning that people have said they would part ways and that their love wouldn't endure. However, the singer dismisses these doubts, affirming that their beloved is always on their mind and that their love is constant.
Line by Line Meaning
This little ring may be silver or brass
The material of the ring doesn't matter, as long as it comes from a place of sincerity and love.
If it comes from your heart
The ring should be a symbol of genuine affection and commitment.
Your love has got to last
True love and devotion should withstand the test of time.
It may not gleam like rubies
The ring may not possess the outward appearance of luxury or precious gems.
Well, it may not glow like gold
The ring may lack the ostentatious brightness associated with gold.
But it will shine just like diamonds
However, its true worth will be reflected through its authenticity and emotional significance.
Diamonds if it comes from your soul
The value of the ring lies in the sincerity and depth of feeling with which it is given.
Mm, they said I'd leave you
Others may have doubted the stability of our relationship.
They said our love couldn't last
They believed that our love would not endure.
But oh how do they know
Their assumptions about our love are unfounded.
Darlin', you're on my mind
My thoughts are consumed by thoughts of you, my beloved.
All of the time
You are constantly present in my thoughts and feelings.
Don't you know that I love you so
I want you to be aware of the intensity and depth of my love for you.
This little ring that I give to you
The ring I am presenting to you as a token of my love and commitment.
Please, wear it always
I hope you will wear the ring at all times as a reminder of our love.
Be faithful, just be true
I earnestly ask you to remain loyal and devoted to our relationship.
If it comes from the soul
The true value of the ring lies in the sincerity and depth of emotion with which it is given.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Delores Burke, MARVIN CHIVIAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind