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]
The Woman I Love
Son Seals Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lord, she has much more than skin and bones
Lord, the woman I love
Lord, she has much more than skin and bones
You know that woman's going to wait till her grave, boy
Lord, but she won't leave moonshine alone
Lord, I liked her so little
Lord, I liked her so little
Learning was just like a cigarette
You know that woman's going to wait till her grave
Well, her moonshine is still her best
That woman loves that moonshine
Lord, like most people love Thee
That woman loves the moonshine
Lord, like most people love Thee
You know I'm having a helluva time now people
Lord finally keep it flowing on
You know that woman buys the moonshine
At half a pack just fifteen cents
I said that woman buys the moonshine
Lord, at half a pack just fifteen cents
You know she can't miss such a very condition
Lord, I'm clean hearted and pay my rent
The lyrics of Son Seals's song The Woman I Love is a tribute to a woman the singer truly loves, stating that she has much more than just physical qualities. He admires and loves her eccentricities, including her love for moonshine, which she will not abandon even until her death. Despite this, the singer likes her even less when she quits drinking or learning, as he sees a parallel to a cigarette - temporary or unfulfilling. He then adamantly proclaims her love for moonshine, which he likens to the love most people have for God, further showcasing his appreciation for her loyalty to her favorite drink. The final line of the song alludes to the singer's selflessness, declaring that he is "clean-hearted and pays [his] rent," possibly implying that he is not in a position to judge her or try to change her habits.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord, the woman I love
The singer is addressing the Lord about the woman he loves.
Lord, she has much more than skin and bones
The woman he loves has more to offer than just her physical appearance.
You know that woman's going to wait till her grave, boy
The woman remains dedicated to her love for moonshine for the rest of her life.
Lord, but she won't leave moonshine alone
Despite any negative effects, the woman refuses to give up her love for moonshine.
Lord, I liked her so little
The artist had little interest in the woman earlier on.
Learning was just like a cigarette
His interest in the woman was as fleeting as smoking a cigarette.
Well, her moonshine is still her best
The woman's love for moonshine is still top priority in her life.
That woman loves that moonshine
The woman's love for moonshine is compared to the love most people have for God.
Lord finally keep it flowing on
The artist hopes that the flow of moonshine will continue unhindered.
Lord, at half a pack just fifteen cents
The woman is able to purchase moonshine at a very low cost.
You know she can't miss such a very condition
Given the cheap price of moonshine, the woman cannot resist continuing to buy it.
Lord, I'm clean hearted and pay my rent
The artist stresses that he leads an honest life.
Contributed by Natalie G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
ella evans
0:08 "Excuse me while I play the blues"...greatest line ever
Joseph Rodrigues
Love it :)
Bryan Morrison
Love the way he played but he could really sing too!
Cora Visser
Good work love this music .Keep it up the good work.
Brian Kinder
this album also changed my life. Seems like the Wise Fools Pub is like Heavens doorway for blues magic. Because one other album from that club also changed my life....Otis Rush Live from the Wise Fools Pub in 1975. Both albums are together all you really need to become a bluesman at heart and enough material to ride out for the rest of your life. You can play all day with a big smile on your face and it never gets old!
JOSEFO ALGARIN
de poquisima madre o como dice mi chic,a fucking amazing. yo vi a este grupo en el segundo festival de blues en mexico, no me perdi un solo dia, el ultimo dia del festival no me alcanzo para la entrada, aun cuando con la credencial de estudiante de la vocacional nos hacian el 50 % de descuento y entre de portazo, muy buenos recuerdos que tengo de esa epoca.
lastdaysguitar
That "Live & Burning" album changed my life.
Adrian Cooke
Best track on the album IMO
Adrian Cooke
Best track from the album IMO
grosper
Great!