Forbert signed a recording contract with Nemperor in 1978, and they released his debut album, Alive on Arrival, that same year. His song "Romeo's Tune", although "dedicated to the memory of Florence Ballard" on the sleeve of Forbert's second album Jackrabbit Slim (released in 1979), is not about Supremes singer Ballard who died in 1976. "Forbert admits that Ballard became a timely connection for "Romeo's Tune", written about a girl from Meridian. "That seemed like such bad news to me and such sad news. She wasn't really taken care of by the music business, which is not a new story". At around this time critics hailed Forbert as "The new Bob Dylan" because of a similar vocal timbre and thoughtful songwriting. The front cover of Jackrabbit Slim encourages such comparisons with its simplicity: a black and white photo of Steve Forbert playing a well-worn Martin acoustic guitar with a capo on it, his shirt tinted green. The record was recorded in Nashville and produced by John Simon who had worked with The Band.
After many successful years, Forbert sought out new inspiration and found it when he relocated to Nashville in 1985. Forbert's tribute to Jimmie Rodgers, Any Old Time, was nominated for a 2004 Grammy in the best traditional folk category. In 2006, he was inducted into the Mississippi Music Hall of Fame.
Recent albums include Strange Names & New Sensations (2007), The Place And The Time (2009), and Over With You (2012).
www.steveforbert.com
My Carolina Sunshine Girl
Steve Forbert Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You make me think of the sweetheart, a little girl that I love so
After I've wondered the whole night through wondering if you think of me
While I'm by my own some thinking of someone, I'm thinking only of you
My Carolina sunshine girl, you have turned my heart to stone
My Carolina sunshine girl, you have left me all alone
When I really should laugh as it's your old photograph
'Cause you're the sweetest angel in this world
And I love, love, I love you my Carolina sunshine girl
I wonder why I sit and cry
When I really should laugh, girl, at your little old photograph
'Cause you're the sweetest angel in this world
And I love, love, I love you my Carolina sunshine girl
The first verse of Steve Forbert's song 'My Carolina Sunshine Girl' showcases the singer's personal reflection on his lover. The lyrics indicate that the moon's setting connects the singer with the memory of his lover. The imagery of the moon makes the singer think of his beloved Carolina sunshine girl, who he has been missing. The lyrics of the song are written in the first person, indicating that the singer gives his account of the separation he feels from his lover. The second verse demonstrates that the singer has become nostalgic and heartbroken, as his lover has left him feeling alone.
In the chorus, the singer reflects on how the Carolina sunshine girl has broken his heart, turning it to stone. Despite this, he cannot help but continue to love her. The lyrics of the song associate the Carolina sunshine girl with the singer's fervid emotions. The repeated refrain, "And I love, love, I love you my Carolina sunshine girl," signifies the singer's enduring love for his lover. The song creates a mood of loneliness, separation, and heartbreak, expressed by the singer's personal experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Moon, moon I can see you sinking low
I can see the moon getting lower and it makes me think of my loved one.
You make me think of the sweetheart, a little girl that I love so
The moon reminds me of my Carolina sunshine girl, who I love very much.
After I've wondered the whole night through wondering if you think of me
All night long I have been thinking about whether or not you are thinking of me.
While I'm by my own some thinking of someone, I'm thinking only of you
Even though I am alone and thinking of someone, I can only think of you.
My Carolina sunshine girl, you have turned my heart to stone
You have made my heart feel heavy and sad, my Carolina sunshine girl.
My Carolina sunshine girl, you have left me all alone
You have left me feeling lonely, my Carolina sunshine girl.
I wonder why I sit and cry
I don't understand why I am sitting here and crying.
When I really should laugh as it's your old photograph
I should be laughing instead because I am looking at an old photo of you.
'Cause you're the sweetest angel in this world
You are the most wonderful and kindhearted person in the world.
And I love, love, I love you my Carolina sunshine girl
I love you very much, my Carolina sunshine girl.
Contributed by Lucy N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
russrosh
on Get Well Soon
Love it!