Founding members Robert Fleming, Johnny Dawson, Cleo "Duke" Miller and Norbert McClean recorded together for various small labels in Detroit prior to their Motown days, as the Sensations, the Five Emeralds, and the Downbeats, and also recorded as the Downbeats for Motown in 1962. The record company suggested that they add female lead vocalist Saundra Mallett, who had recorded unsuccessfully for the label, backed by The Vandellas; she later married and became Saundra Edwards. The new group's first single release was "Darling Baby", issued in December 1965; early copies credited the record to the Downbeats, but Berry Gordy wanted to use the name Elgins, which had previously been one of the names used by The Temptations. The record rose to no. 4 on the Billboard R&B chart and no. 72 on the pop chart, and its B-side, "Put Yourself in My Place", also made the pop chart. Several months later, they issued "Heaven Must Have Sent You", which again reached both the R&B and pop charts, becoming their biggest pop hit. They also released an album, Darling Baby. However, their follow-up single, "I Understand My Man," was less successful, and the group broke up in 1967.
With the continuing popularity of Motown records in the UK, "Heaven Must Have Sent You" was reissued in 1971 and rose to no. 3 on the UK singles chart. "Put Yourself in My Place" was also reissued and made the chart. With Saundra Mallett Edwards being unwilling to rejoin the group, the Elgins toured the UK with former session vocalist Yvonne Vernee Allen taking her place. In 1989, Allen, Dawson, McClean and Jimmy Charles recorded a new arrangement of "Heaven Must Have Sent You" for producer Ian Levine, and made several further recordings for Levine's Motorcity label in the 1990s. Saundra Edwards also made separate recordings for the same label.
Recordings of the group, including the album, Darling Baby, all the singles and unreleased recordings up to 1968, can be found on The Motown Anthology released in 2007. In addition, a British import CD paired their sole album for Motown with one by The Monitors, another group that recorded for Motown with limited success, and which featured future Temptation, Richard Street. Robert Fleming was born in 1921 and died in 1976. Saundra A. Mallett Edwards was born on May 7, 1942 in Detroit, Michigan, and died on February 22, 2002. Johnnie Dawson died in 2018.
All I Got
The Elgins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ain't no spiraling down
Mustang n I'm proud
Sound like a truck
When the bus rollin' round
Freshman I'm bound
Don't give a f*ck
Who's to hate on me now
What I've done isn't luck
Lifted them pounds of unlimited pressure my n*gga
All in my zone and sh*t
Me and the gang in the business b*tch
Entering a new journey we finna rip
Calling all of the shots for the championship
With my everyday peers to be witnessin'
Starting off with the ones Imma finish with
If you ain't one of us mind ya business then
I ain't wasting no time on irrelevance
That you constantly speak I ain't listening
Tuning you out,
Focusing in on my self for the scouts
Gotta get buckets to hush up the mouth
of whoever been having them doubts
Know what it takes, canceling breaks
Embracing the real, removing the fake
Not focused on them, moving at my pace
Attacking the rim, accepting my fate
All I see is up
Ain't no spiraling down
Mustang n I'm proud
Sound like a truck
When the bus rollin' round
Freshman I'm bound
Don't give a f*ck
Who's to hate on me now
Been marching them miles
What I've done isn't luck
Lifted them pounds of unlimited pressure my n*gga
Right after school we gon' hit up the rec
Hit up the squad and we stepping on next
Pullin up deep we don't settle for less
Finishing strong and I'm pounding my chest like I got 24 on my back I'm the best
Infinite drive I can wait on a breath
Gotta do damage, like my bro told me to
If I don't I can't blame no one else
Just hit decline on the darkness inside Maybe now I could fly with a jet as my ride
Nibble down on some pie
Cover up then recline
Laying next to a dime while I grip on her thigh
This the reward if you don't live a lie
This what earn when you're stuck in the grind
I'm on a whole different type of time
Angels all over me ultimate guide
Born as a hero been down for the fight
Got the eye of the tiger been earning them stripes
Up early morning I'm up nice and bright It's a sun obligation I'm tight with the light
Yeah, mmh
I turn pain into art, I hope my story gets around
I've come too far, there ain't no stopping me now
All I see is up
Ain't no spiraling down
Mustang n I'm proud
Sound like a truck
When the bus rollin' round
Freshman I'm bound
Don't give a f*ck
Who's to hate on me now
Been marching them miles
What I've done isn't luck
Lifted them pounds of unlimited pressure my n*gga
Ain't no limitation f*ck restrictions time to go
Sorry explanations for approval way too old
We, way too valuable to leave this rock a clone
N*ggas know we too unstoppable, possible that
This shit is my element
Evidence proven that we never hesitant
We be the specialist
Coming right back NBA 3-1 Deficit
Music the regiment
Turn this shit up for some fun then get sentiment
Goated no questioning
Fly like a pelican
This hell or heaven sent
Really no guessing it
God I don't question him
Fell too deep inside this f*cking dream, finally found you
Late night losing sleep you keep us up for weeks, can't live without you
What you've done for me, specially my team, put us on a route to
Chase as many rings, before defenders blink, step back finna walk through, n*gga
No need for introduction
I'm about action, f*ck a discussion
I'm preaching again, interruption
Put you in the back of the line at the function
Second chances not given often
Often not given at all this ain't common
Usually I'll tell you get to walking off
Instead.. F*ck that let's brawl then
All I see is up
Ain't no spiraling down
Mustang n I'm proud
Sound like a truck
When the bus rollin' round
Freshman I'm bound
Don't give a f*ck
Who's to hate on me now
Been marching them miles
What I've done isn't luck
Lifted them pounds of unlimited pressure my n*gga
These lyrics describe a sense of determination, confidence, and self-belief. The singer emphasizes their upward trajectory, rejecting any possibility of spiraling down or facing limitations. They compare themselves to a proud Mustang and a powerful sounding truck, symbolizing their strength and resilience.
The lyrics also touch on the singer's journey and the hard work they have put into achieving their goals. They illustrate a mindset of not caring about others' opinions or negativity, encouraging themselves and their peers to stay focused on their own paths. The mention of "marching them miles" and "lifted them pounds of unlimited pressure" suggests that they have overcome challenges and pushed themselves to succeed.
The lyrics also hint at the singer's dedication to their craft and their aspirations within the music industry. They express a commitment to their artistry and the pursuit of success, mentioning being in the "business" and calling the shots for the championship. This showcases their ambition and desire to make it big.
Furthermore, the lyrics convey a sense of unity and camaraderie with the singer's friends or team. They mention hitting up the rec and stepping forward together, not settling for less and finishing strong. The references to supporting each other and embracing the collective journey highlight the importance of loyalty and teamwork.
Overall, these lyrics reflect a mindset of perseverance, rejecting negativity, and striving for personal and collective success. They convey a sense of determination, confidence, and resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks.
Line by Line Meaning
All I see is up
I only see positive things and upward progress
Ain't no spiraling down
There is no declining or negative trajectory
Mustang n I'm proud
I am proud of owning a Mustang and what it represents
Sound like a truck
It has a powerful engine and makes a loud sound like a truck
When the bus rollin' round
When the bus is moving around
Freshman I'm bound
I am committed as a freshman and determined to succeed
Don't give a f*ck
I don't care about negative opinions or criticisms
Who's to hate on me now
There is no one left to hate on me
Been marching them miles
I have been putting in a lot of hard work and effort
What I've done isn't luck
My achievements are not a result of luck
Lifted them pounds of unlimited pressure my n*gga
I have overcome tremendous pressure and challenges
All in my zone and sh*t
I am completely focused and in my element
Me and the gang in the business b*tch
My friends and I are serious about our goals and success
Entering a new journey we finna rip
We are about to dominate and excel in a new endeavor
Calling all of the shots for the championship
We are in control and will make all the right decisions to win
With my everyday peers to be witnessin'
My friends and peers are there to see and support my journey
Starting off with the ones Imma finish with
I am surrounded by the same people from the beginning to the end
If you ain't one of us mind ya business then
If you are not part of our group, stay out of our affairs
I ain't wasting no time on irrelevance
I am not spending any time on things that are unimportant
That you constantly speak I ain't listening
I am not paying attention to the constant chatter and negativity
Tuning you out
I am deliberately ignoring you
Focusing in on my self for the scouts
I am concentrating on showcasing my abilities to potential opportunities
Gotta get buckets to hush up the mouth
I need to achieve success to silence the critics
of whoever been having them doubts
of all those who have doubted me
Know what it takes, canceling breaks
I understand the effort required and will not take any breaks
Embracing the real, removing the fake
I am embracing authenticity and getting rid of anything fake
Not focused on them, moving at my pace
I am not concerned with others and will progress at my own speed
Attacking the rim, accepting my fate
I am going all out and accepting the consequences of my actions
Right after school we gon' hit up the rec
After school, we will go to the recreational center
Hit up the squad and we stepping on next
I will contact my team and we will proceed to the next activity
Pullin up deep we don't settle for less
We arrive in full force and do not accept anything mediocre
Finishing strong and I'm pounding my chest like I got 24 on my back I'm the best
I am finishing with confidence, feeling like the best with a symbolic reference to basketball player Kobe Bryant's jersey number
Infinite drive I can wait on a breath
I have an unlimited determination and can persevere without taking a break
Gotta do damage, like my bro told me to
I need to make a significant impact, as advised by my friend
If I don't I can't blame no one else
If I fail, I cannot hold anyone else responsible
Just hit decline on the darkness inside
I am consciously rejecting any negative emotions or thoughts inside me
Maybe now I could fly with a jet as my ride
Perhaps now I can soar to great heights with a luxurious mode of transportation
Nibble down on some pie
I will enjoy a small piece of success
Cover up then recline
I will protect myself and relax
Laying next to a dime while I grip on her thigh
I am lying beside an attractive person while holding her leg
This the reward if you don't live a lie
This is the result of living in authenticity and truth
This what earn when you're stuck in the grind
This is what you achieve when you work hard and persevere
I'm on a whole different type of time
I have a unique approach and perspective
Angels all over me ultimate guide
I feel protected and guided by spiritual entities
Born as a hero been down for the fight
I have always been prepared to fight and overcome challenges
Got the eye of the tiger been earning them stripes
I have a strong determination and have been achieving notable successes
Up early morning I'm up nice and bright
I wake up early in the morning feeling energized and positive
It's a sun obligation I'm tight with the light
It is my duty to represent the sun, metaphorically representing positivity and brightness
I turn pain into art, I hope my story gets around
I transform my pain into creative expression and share my story with others
I've come too far, there ain't no stopping me now
I have made significant progress and nothing can hinder my momentum
Ain't no limitation f*ck restrictions time to go
There are no boundaries or limitations, it's time to move forward
Sorry explanations for approval way too old
I no longer need to justify myself or seek approval
We, way too valuable to leave this rock a clone
We have too much worth to conform and be ordinary
N*ggas know we too unstoppable, possible that
People are aware that we are unstoppable and capable of great things
This shit is my element
I am in my element and thriving
Evidence proven that we never hesitant
The evidence supports that we are never hesitant to take action
We be the specialist
We are experts in our field
Coming right back NBA 3-1 Deficit
We are making a comeback just like the NBA team that overcame a 3-1 deficit
Music the regiment
Music is our routine and discipline
Turn this shit up for some fun then get sentiment
We will make the music more energetic for enjoyment and emotional connection
Goated no questioning
We are the greatest, no doubt about it
Fly like a pelican
We are soaring and moving gracefully like a pelican bird
This hell or heaven sent
Our talent and success are so extraordinary that it appears heaven-sent
Really no guessing it
There is no need to guess or doubt our abilities
God I don't question him
I have faith in God and do not question his plans
Fell too deep inside this f*cking dream, finally found you
I got fully immersed in this dream, and now that I found success, I am content
Late night losing sleep you keep us up for weeks, can't live without you
I can't stop thinking about you, you keep me awake and I can't imagine my life without you
What you've done for me, specially my team, put us on a route to
What you have done for me, particularly my team, has set us on a path towards success
Chase as many rings, before defenders blink, step back finna walk through, n*gga
We aim to achieve many victories and titles, effortlessly outmaneuvering our opponents
No need for introduction
I do not require an introduction because I am already well-known
I'm about action, f*ck a discussion
I am focused on taking action instead of wasting time debating
I'm preaching again, interruption
I am expressing my beliefs and values, and I won't tolerate interruptions
Put you in the back of the line at the function
I will relegate you to a less significant position or role at the gathering
Second chances not given often
Opportunities for redemption are rare
Often not given at all this ain't common
In many cases, there are no second chances and this is not a common occurrence
Usually I'll tell you get to walking off
Typically, I would tell you to leave immediately
Instead.. F*ck that let's brawl then
However, forget that, let's get into a fight instead
Lyrics ยฉ O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: ELGIN BOOKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ziyahmcgriff1555
I've cried through many endless nights
Just holding my pillow tight
Then you came into my lonely days
With your tender and your sweet ways
Now I don't know where you come from, baby
Don't know where you've been, my baby
Heaven must have sent you
Into my arms
Now in the mornin' when I awake
There's a smile upon my face
You've touched my heart with gladness
Wiped away all my sadness
So long I've needed love right near me
A soft voice to cheer me
Heaven must have sent you, honey
Into my life, ooh
It's heaven in your arms
Boy, it's the sweetness of your charms
Makes me love you more each day
In your arms I wanna stay
Wanna thank you for the joy you brought me
Thank you for the things you taught me
Thank you for holding me close
When I needed you the most
Now I don't know much about you, baby
But I know I can't live without you
Heaven must have sent you
To love only me, ooh
It's heaven in your arms
Boy, it's the sweetness of your charms
Makes me love you more each day
In your arms I wanna stay
It's heaven in your arms
It's the sweetness of your charms
It makes me love you more each day
In your arms I wanna stay
It's heaven in your arms
Boy, it's the sweetness of your charms
Makes me love you more each day
In your arms I wanna stay
@dorabustillos7082
When My brother and I were little, about 13 and 15, we made up our own step to this song! It makes me cry every time I hear it... Now we're both in ill health and can barely get around, but I wish we could still dance!
@alandougan4534
Sending Love to you both..........keep the faith xxx
@davidpointon622
One of the best recordings to come out of Detroit ..... In my humble opinion
@libertybellbill4439
Agreed 100 % It Is A Timeless Classic Forever Cherished
@rero24
Mine too
@rero24
Mine Too ๐๐ฝ
@katherinegates1559
๐๐๐ Yes....One of my favs of favorites.๐
@jimhillier8914
Humble or not, you are absolutely right
@mrtoptenatten
Every one listening to this has a great taste in music
@paulineschmidhofer1602
Let's celebrate this milestone...in history... Motown and Soul still going strong...I'm 72 now but when I hear this I am still 17 and in love for the boy I met...and guess what...we are back together again...a long story..but the first cut really is the deepest...keep the faith all of you... especially in this crazy world we are living in...much isn't right .. except the music