Black Pearl
Sonny Charles Lyrics
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Black pearl, precious little girl
Let me put you up where you belong
Black pearl little girl
You been in the background much too long
You been working so hard your whole life through
Tendin' other people's houses
Raisin' up their children too
Here in my arms you're gonna reign supreme
No more servin' baby
They're gonna serve my queen
It's our turn for happiness and our day has come
Living for each other answering to no one
Black pearl precious little girl
Let me put you up where you belong
Because I love you
Black pearl pretty little girl
You been in the background much too long
Together we'll stand so straight and so tall
Created by love to love one and all
Hey heart to heart soul to soul
No other one could ever take your place
My world is built around
The very smile that's on your face
You'll never win a beauty show
No they won't pick you
But you're my miss America
I love you
The song Black Pearl by Sonny Charles and The Checkmates, Ltd. is an uplifting and heartwarming tribute to black women who have worked tirelessly in the background for too long. The song resonates with the struggle for equality and recognition that black women faced during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. The lyrics speak of a black woman, the black pearl, who has spent her life tending to others' needs and raising their children. The singer, on the other hand, wants to put her where she belongs, as his queen, to give her the recognition and love she deserves. He promises to serve her, and together they will stand tall and proud, with hearts and souls entwined in love.
The song is a celebration of black womanhood and a call for their empowerment. It is also a challenge to society's beauty standards, which often exclude black women. The singer acknowledges that his black pearl may never win a beauty show, but to him, she is his Miss America, and he loves her for who she is. The song's message is universal, and it transcends race and gender, inspiring listeners of all backgrounds to recognize and celebrate the black women in their lives who have made a difference.
Line by Line Meaning
Black pearl, precious little girl
Addressing the woman as a black pearl, and acknowledging her as precious.
Let me put you up where you belong
Asking the woman to let the singer elevate her status in society.
Black pearl little girl
Again addressing the woman as a black pearl, and mentioning that she is young.
You been in the background much too long
Acknowledging that the woman has been neglected and overlooked in life.
You been working so hard your whole life through
Recognizing the woman's hard work throughout her entire life.
Tendin' other people's houses
Specifically noting that the woman has been working in others' homes.
Raisin' up their children too
Highlighting that the woman has also raised children that are not her own.
Hey how about something for me and you
Asking the woman to consider focusing on herself and the singer, after a lifetime of caring for others.
Here in my arms you're gonna reign supreme
Assuring the woman that she will be a powerful and respected figure in the singer's life.
No more servin' baby
Announcing that the woman will no longer need to serve others as she had been.
They're gonna serve my queen
Pledging to treat the woman like royalty and have others serve her instead.
It's our turn for happiness and our day has come
Expressing that the singer and woman have waited long enough for their happiness, and it is finally their turn.
Living for each other answering to no one
Describing the ideal relationship between the singer and woman, with no one else to answer to except themselves.
Black pearl precious little girl
Again using the woman's nickname and reminding her of her value.
Let me put you up where you belong
Repeating the request to elevate the woman's status, and indirectly acknowledging that she has been held back in society.
Because I love you
Explaining that the singer wants to help the woman because he cares for her.
Black pearl pretty little girl
A combination of the woman's nicknames, emphasizing her physical appearance.
You been in the background much too long
Repeating the acknowledgement that the woman has been overlooked in life.
Together we'll stand so straight and so tall
Promising to stand together and present a powerful image to others.
Created by love to love one and all
Asserting that love is the reason for their being together and their desire to love everyone.
Hey heart to heart soul to soul
Expressing the deep emotional connection between the singer and woman.
No other one could ever take your place
Stating that the woman is irreplaceable.
My world is built around
Indicating that the singer's life revolves around the woman.
The very smile that's on your face
Specifically pointing out the woman's smile as a reason for the singer's affection for her.
You'll never win a beauty show
Acknowledging that others may not recognize the woman's beauty in the conventional sense.
No they won't pick you
Admitting that the woman may not be chosen by others for her appearance.
But you're my miss America
Asserting that the woman is still beautiful and important to the singer, even if she is not recognized by others.
I love you
Reaffirming the singer's love for the woman.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: IRWIN LEVINE, PHILIP SPECTOR, TONI WINE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@l.angellove15
NOW AS A VERY YOUNG GIRL I RECALL HEARING THIS BEAUTIFUL SONG AND MASTERPIECE ON
THE RADIO AND THIS SONG WAS MADE TO PERFECTION SONG BY
SONNY CHARLES AND
THE CHECKMATES
AND THIS CLASSIC HIT SONG WAS
PRODUCED BY THE LATE AND GREAT
PHIL SPECTOR.
@myradixon6347
This song helped me make it through the 60 s and 70s. Always thought I was to dark. But my husband married me in 1983. Stayed married untill my husband passed away in 2003. He always played this song to me. He always told me I had the prettiest bedroom eyes 👀
@angelaalbury986
Very good❤❤
@johnsilverman2538
While I am not a man of color this song just personifies true soul to me. One of my all time favorite love songs.
@cindye7916
This song makes me cry. What a beautiful song and message.
@marktemsic7457
bringing tears to my eyes...50 years later.. Thank You...👍
@billeybop
One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard! The meaning and singing out of this world.
@StratBurst92
Absolutely!
@joannemarquez2085
Yes. The lyrics so true we are all equal in the eyes of my/our lord unfortunately some have had to fight for that equality. Help us all! I'm trying to teach my grand babies they are no better than any race. I hope I'm doing it right!
@claytonmcarthur6907
I had the luck to see him perform this song when it was released and I had the experience of seeing him play with Joe Cocker
@electlady2010
I heard this when I was 17. I am now 67. This is one of my favorite songs. I'm so glad I found it.