Frank "Son" Seals (August 13, 1942-December 20, 2004) was an American blues… Read Full Bio ↴Frank "Son" Seals (August 13, 1942-December 20, 2004) was an American blues guitarist and singer.

He was born in 1942 in Osceola, Arkansas where his father, Jim "Son" Seals, owned a small club. He began performing professionally by the age of 13, first as a drummer and later as a guitarist. In 1959, he formed his own band which performed locally and he also toured with Albert King.[1]

In 1971, he moved to Chicago. His career took off after he was discovered by Bruce Iglauer of Alligator Records at the Flamingo Club in Chicago's South Side. His debut, Son Seals, was released in 1973. The album included "Your Love Is Like a Cancer" and "Hot Sauce". Seals followed up with 1976's Midnight Son and 1978's Live and Burning. He continued releasing albums throughout the next two decades. He received the W.C. Handy Award, an honor for best blues recording of the year, in 1985, 1987, and 2001.

Author Andrew Vachss was a friend of Seals, and used his influence to promote Seals' music. Vachss gave Seals several cameo appearances in his novels[2] and co-wrote songs with him for his 2000 album, Lettin' Go.[3] Vachss dedicated the novel Mask Market to Seals' memory.[4]

Son had a host of troubles to deal with over his life. He survived all but one of his 14 siblings; he himself was shot twice in the face by his ex-wife, which required extensive surgeries. One of his legs was amputated, due to complications from diabetes. He lost belongings in a fire that destroyed his home while he was away performing live, and several of his prize guitars were stolen from his home. [5]

The band Phish performed Son's song "Funky Bitch" throughout their career and brought him on stage on multiple occasions, turning a whole new generation on to his music.

Seals died from complications of diabetes; he was survived by his sister and fourteen children.[6]

I Believe
Son Seals Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

One of these days and it won't be long
You're gonna search for me and down the road I'm gone
'Cause I believe
Oh yes, I believe
I believe to my soul
You're tryin' to mess around with me babe
You keep complainin', my progression is slow
You shouldn't complain baby

You ought to know
'Cause I believe
Oh yes sir I believe
I believe to my soul
You're tryin' to make a fool of me
Once you told me you loved me I found out it was a lie
You should be ashamed baby hang your head and cry
'Cause I believe
Oh yes, I believe
I believe to my soul

You're tryin' to make a fool of me
I believe it

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Son Seals' song, "I Believe," convey a sense of confidence and self-assuredness in the face of adversity. The first two lines of the song suggest that the singer is aware of a looming separation, and the third line "I believe" serves as a defiant declaration that the singer is not afraid of this prospect. The refrain "Oh yes, I believe / I believe to my soul" further emphasizes this deep certainty and conviction.

The rest of the lyrics expound on this theme of steadfastness in the face of manipulation and lies. The second verse touches on a relationship where one party is unsatisfied with the other's progress, but instead of letting this criticism get to him, the singer asserts that he knows himself and won't be swayed. The third verse is a direct confrontation with a liar and manipulator, where the singer again stands his ground and demands accountability.

In all, "I Believe" is a song about not letting others control or shake one's beliefs and sense of self-worth. Son Seals' bluesy guitar riffs and strong, gravelly vocals add to the sense of resilience and strength in the face of challenge.

Line by Line Meaning

One of these days and it won't be long
In the near future

You're gonna search for me and down the road I'm gone
You'll regret losing me

'Cause I believe
It's my conviction

Oh yes, I believe
I'm convinced

I believe to my soul
With all my being

You're tryin' to mess around with me babe
You're playing games

You keep complainin', my progression is slow
You're impatient with my progress

You shouldn't complain baby
You should be more understanding

You ought to know
You should be aware

'Cause I believe
It's my conviction

Oh yes sir I believe
I'm completely convinced