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 to My Soul
Son Seals Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're gonna look for me and I'll be gone
I believe, said I believe, ooh yeah, ooh baby
You're trying to make a fool outta me
I said, "You're going 'round here with your head so hard"
I think I'm gonna have to use my rod
'Cause I believe, said I believe ooh yeah, I believe baby
Yeah, oh baby, baby, baby
Last night while you were sleeping I heard you say
"Oh Ronny", when you know my name
When you know my name, when you know my name is Donny
I believe ooh yeah, woo baby
I said, I believe you're trying to make a fool outta me
I said you're going 'round here with your head so hard
I think I'm gonna have to use my rod
I've got to know how you really feel
I got to know if your love is really real
'Cause I believe, oh, you don't want me
I said, I believe you don't need me
I believe, oh you've been slipping out on me, baby
Said I believe, ooh you've been doing me wrong
I believe, I believe, I believe, baby I believe
©UNICHAPPELL MUSIC INC
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Writen by:CHARLES, RAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
The lyrics to Son Seals's song I Believe to My Soul are a poignant expression of a lover's disbelief and disappointment in their significant other's betrayal. The first verse presents a warning that the singer will not tolerate being taken for a fool for much longer, and that they will soon leave the relationship. The chorus emphasizes this point, with the singer declaring their belief that their partner is trying to make a fool out of them. The second verse reveals that the singer has heard their partner call out someone else's name in their sleep, confirming their suspicions of infidelity. The verse ends with the singer pleading with their partner to reveal their true feelings and intentions, so that they can decide whether to stay or leave the relationship.
Overall, the song is a raw and soulful expression of the pain and confusion that comes with being betrayed by someone you love. Son Seals's powerful vocals and bluesy guitar riffs add to the emotional intensity of the lyrics, making the song a classic example of the blues genre.
Line by Line Meaning
One of these days and it won't be long
Soon, in the foreseeable future
You're gonna look for me and I'll be gone
When you search for me, I won't be found
I believe, said I believe, ooh yeah, ooh baby
I am convinced and confident of my convictions
You're trying to make a fool out of me
You're attempting to deceive or trick me
I said, "You're going 'round here with your head so hard"
You are being arrogant and stubborn
I think I'm gonna have to use my rod
I may need to resort to force to get through to you
'Cause I believe, said I believe ooh yeah, I believe baby
My conviction is steadfast and unshakeable
Yeah, oh baby, baby, baby
Expression of affection or endearment
Last night while you were sleeping I heard you say
During your sleep, you spoke words that reached my ears
"Oh Ronny", when you know my name
You mistakenly uttered a different name instead of mine
When you know my name, when you know my name is Donny
My name is Donny, not Ronny
I believe ooh yeah, woo baby
I am resolute and certain
I said, I believe you're trying to make a fool outta me
My conviction is that you are attempting to deceive or trick me
I've got to know how you really feel
I need to understand your true emotions
I got to know if your love is really real
I need to ascertain if your love is authentic
'Cause I believe, oh, you don't want me
My conviction is that you lack desire for me
I said, I believe you don't need me
My conviction is that you don't require my presence or assistance
I believe, oh you've been slipping out on me, baby
My conviction is that you have been dishonest or unfaithful
Said I believe, ooh you've been doing me wrong
My conviction is that you have behaved unfairly or maliciously towards me
I believe, I believe, I believe, baby I believe
Reiteration of my unwavering conviction
Contributed by Andrew V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.