In the 1950s, Johnson sang and played with blues artists Magic Sam, Billy Boy Arnold, Junior Wells and Howlin' Wolf, before recording with Jimmy Reed for Vee-Jay in 1959. He made his solo debut that same year with Federal, a subsidiary of King Records of Cincinnati, backed by Freddie King on guitar.
He then began recording for Twinight Records of Chicago in the mid 1960s. Beginning with his first hit, Come On Sock It to Me in 1967, Johnson dominated the label as both a hitmaker and producer. His song Different Strokes, also from 1967, featured recently on the Ultimate Breaks and Beats breakbeat compilation.
Like other black songwriters of the period, several of his records at this time explored themes of African-American identity and social problems in songs including Is It Because I'm Black, which reached Number 11 in the R&B charts in 1969.
In 1971, Willie Mitchell brought Johnson to Hi Records, for whom he recorded three albums and a number of singles. Produced in Memphis with the Hi house band, these yielded music of power and enduring value, including the hits We Did It, Back for a Taste of Your Love and Take Me to the River, his biggest success, reaching Number 7 on the R&B charts in 1975. However, at Hi Johnson was always to some extent in Al Green's shadow commercially, if not artistically.
After the Hi years ended, Johnson produced two LPs for his own Shama label, the latter of which (Ms. Fine Brown Frame, 1982) was picked up for distribution by Boardwalk Records and produced Johnson's last hit record, the title cut.
Around the mid-eighies, Johnson started a fast-food fish restaurant business, and became semi-retired from performing, only making occasional appearances at blues club gigs.
In 1992, Johnson found out that his classic song "Different Strokes" have been sampled by number of rappers including Wu-Tang Clan, Hammer, and the Ghetto Boys. Stimulated by this fact, he decided to make a come back in the music business. In 1994, he released the album Back in the Game on Delmark Records. The album featured the the Hi rhythm section and his youngest daughter Syleena Johnson.
Blues guitarist and singer Jimmy Johnson, and bassist Mack Thompson, are his brothers.
Diamond in the Rough
Syl Johnson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Trying to get to you, show your stuff
Girl, you're like a diamond in the rough
But I sure do, sure do, sure do like your stuff
You inspire and astonish, you're surprise
You're the answer to all my desires
I'd like to keep you all to myself
But still, I ain't no liar
Baby, you're like a diamond in the rough
Trying to get to you show your stuff
Girl, you're like a diamond in the rough
But I sure do, sure do, sure do like your stuff
How long have I looked and searched
To find a girl like you?
But the more I say
The more you do
To keep me getting through to you girl, girl
You're like a rare and precious stone
Oh, get down, get in the car, open up the door
Girl, it's my thoughts that baby you're in
I'd like to get in there until I get to your love
You're like a diamond in the rough
Trying to get to you, oh baby, show your stuff
Girl, you're like a diamond in the rough
The verses of Syl Johnson's song "Diamond in the Rough" express the singer's admiration for a woman who reminds him of a diamond - raw and unpolished, but with an inner beauty that shines through. He compares her to a rare and precious stone, and declares that he has been searching for someone like her for a long time. The chorus states that although the woman may be a challenge to get to know, he likes her "stuff" and is determined to win her over. He admits to being selfish in wanting to keep her to himself, but insists that he is not lying about his feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
Girl, you're like a diamond in the rough
You are a rare and valuable gem, though you may not appear so readily
Trying to get to you, show your stuff
I'm determined to get to know you and see all that makes you unique and special
But I sure do, sure do, sure do like your stuff
Despite your guardedness, I am already drawn to your charms
You inspire and astonish, you're surprise
You are captivating and impressive, always surprising me with your presence
You're the answer to all my desires
You fulfill everything I have ever wanted in a partner
I'd like to keep you all to myself
I am possessive over you and want you all to myself
You know I'm selfish, girl
I am aware that my desire to keep you to myself is rooted in my own selfishness
But still, I ain't no liar
Despite my selfish ways, I am honest about my feelings and intentions
How long have I looked and searched
I have spent a long time searching for someone like you
To find a girl like you?
Someone with your unique qualities and beauty
But the more I say
No matter how much I try to express my feelings
The more you do
You continue to surprise me and keep me coming back for more
To keep me getting through to you girl, girl
It's a challenge to get through to you, but I am willing to keep trying
You're like a rare and precious stone
You are a one-of-a-kind treasure that is hard to find but worth the search
Oh, get down, get in the car, open up the door
I am eager to spend time with you and am willing to take the initiative to do so
Girl, it's my thoughts that baby you're in
My mind is consumed with thoughts of you and your irresistible qualities
I'd like to get in there until I get to your love
I want to get to know you intimately and earn your love and affection
Trying to get to you, oh baby, show your stuff
I am still determined to uncover all that makes you special and unique, and I am eager to see it all
Girl, you're like a diamond in the rough
You are truly one of a kind, and I am lucky to have found you.
Writer(s): A.p. Carter, A. P. Carter
Contributed by Taylor B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
soulscourer
d o p e