1) The Escorts were formed by Reginald Haynes in 1968, and originated their smooth vocal sound within the walls of New Jersey's infamous Rahway State Prison. After many failed attempts to allow them to perform on stage, they were finally given the green light. Two years later they were performing on stage at the infamous Rahway State Prison as prison officials, prison guards, visitors and hardcore inmates cheered, stomped, clapped. Little did they know that the late, great Linda Jones (Hypnotized), sister to one of their fellow inmates, was sitting in the audience accompanied by her producer/manager, George Kerr. Kerr, who was a veteran from the stable of Barry Gordy, Jr. and the early motown days, was in his own words" shocked and amazed to find this type of raw, pulsating talent in prison." After the show George Kerr approached Reginald and told him that he thought The Escorts were stupendous. Then he said something that would change Reginald's life forever and earn them both permanent residence in world history. Kerr said "I want to do something that's never been done in the history of the entertainment world. I want to record The Escorts here in Rahway State Prison". Reginald was elated at the prospect of turning professional and so their journey into the entertainment history books began.
The first live concert of The Escorts outside prison walls at Symphony Hall in Newark, NJ on February 17, 1973 created a sensation and two LPs were produced for Alithea Records during this era while some members were still incarcerated: All We Need Is Another Chance, followed by 3 Down 4 To Go. The latter title refers to the fact that three members had been released since the prison's singing group was formed, while the others continue serving their sentences.
2) The Escorts were a Merseybeat band from Liverpool, England. In 1963, they were voted the ninth most popular group in Liverpool by readers of Mersey Beat magazine.
They originally consisted of:
Terry Sylvester - guitar/lead vocals (born Terence Sylvester, 8 January 1946, Liverpool)
John Kinrade - lead guitar/vocals (born 1946)
Mike Gregory - bass guitar/vocals (born Michael Gregory, 7 November 1946, Liverpool)
Pete Clarke - drums (born Peter Gaskell, 1946) replaced by Kenny Goodlass from The Kirkbys; replaced by Pete Clark; replaced by Tommy Kelly of Earl Preston's Realms; replaced by Paul Comerford of The Cryin' Shames.
Sylvester was replaced by Frank Townsend from The Easybeats (1962 - 65) and the Beachwoods, who was later to become a member of Tony Rivers and the Castaways. Paddy Chambers (ex-Faron's Flamingos and The Big Three) subsequently replaced Townsend. Sylvester left to join The Swinging Blue Jeans in 1966, before replacing Graham Nash in The Hollies. He now lives in Florida and travels all over the United States and Canada playing concerts with such as Billy J. Kramer, Peter Noone, Joey Molland and other British Invasion acts. Sylvester also does a one man show.
Paul McCartney played tambourine on their last record "From Head To Toe" in 1966.
Gregory would also leave The Escorts in 1967 to join The Swinging Blue Jeans, and stayed until 1971, whereupon after leaving and doing sessions for a couple of years, he formed a group with Johnny Goodison of the original Brotherhood of Man called Big John's Rock 'n' Roll Circus in 1975. Gregory stayed in 'The Circus' until its demise in 2005, and is now a solo artist.
Kinrade stopped playing after The Escorts split up in 1967, and is now a hairdresser with two salons. Clarke became the in house session drummer for Apple Music. He did sessions for Kiki Dee and Billy Preston and, after a brief stint in Badfinger, is now living in the US
Although they never released a full album, during their short time together, at the instigation of Elvis Costello, Edsel Records released an LP containing all twelve songs from the six singles in 1983. It was released on CD in 1995 as EDCD 422 and entitled From the Blue Angel, as a reference to the club where they began performing in 1962. Costello also released a single which was a cover of The Escorts last recording - "From Head To Toe" / "Night Time".
3) The Escorts - Brisbane pop band from 1967
I Can't Stand To See You Cry
The Escorts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't cry
Ooh
I can′t stand to see you cry
(I can't stand to see you cry)
If tears and sorrow has to fall
Let them fall from my eyes
Oh yeah
And if lonely lips
Long to be kissed
Let my lips be the ones, now
Oh, and never again
We must part
Oh my darling, my darling
You gonna have to break my heart
'Cause I′ll never, never hurt you, no no
I can′t stand to see you cry, no baby no
(I can't stand to see you cry)
Now I can′t look at you
(Without feeling ashamed)
Each tear you cried
Just fills my heart with pain
Thank you for loving me
The way you do
If lonely, lonely arms
Must reach out baby
Let my arms reach out
In vain
And if a lonely heart
Must suffer, baby
Let my heart
Bear all the pain
'Cause it was me
Who hurt you, baby
But you bet
You can bet
I′ll never do it again
Girl I'll never, never hurt you
I can′t stand to see you cry
(I can't stand to see you cry)
I can't stand to see you cry
(I can′t stand to see you cry)
I said I, I can′t stand
The lyrics to The Escorts' "I Can't Stand To See You Cry" speak to the pain of seeing someone you love cry and wanting to do anything possible to make them stop. The singer addresses their lover directly, asking them not to cry and expressing their deep discomfort with seeing them in tears. They promise to take on the burden of their sadness, stating that if tears must fall, they will fall from the singer's own eyes.
The lyrics then take a more self-sacrificing turn, with the singer offering to be the source of comfort for their lover's loneliness. They declare that their kisses will satisfy any longing lips, and that their arms will reach out to anyone who needs them. The singer takes responsibility for any pain their lover has experienced in the past, and pledges never to hurt them again.
On a deeper level, the lyrics could be seen as a commentary on the difficulties of maintaining a relationship in the face of adversity. The singer acknowledges the pain and sorrow that can arise in any partnership, but refuses to let these negative emotions drive them apart. By standing by their lover, offering comfort and support, and taking responsibility for past mistakes, the singer is able to create a strong and lasting bond.
Overall, "I Can't Stand To See You Cry" is a powerful and emotional love song that speaks to the complexities of human relationships. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is hope for love and connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't cry darling
Please do not cry, my beloved
Don't cry
Please stop crying
Ooh
Expression of emotional connection
I can't stand to see you cry
It hurts me deeply to witness your tears
If tears and sorrow has to fall
If sadness and tears are inevitable
Let them fall from my eyes
I will cry alongside you and share the burden of your pain
Oh yeah
Expression of agreement or affirmation
And if lonely lips
If your lips feel lonely and neglected
Long to be kissed
If they crave affectionate attention
Let my lips be the ones, now
Allow me to be the one to provide the love and kisses you desire
Oh, and never again
I promise to never hurt you again
We must part
Our relationship must end
Oh my darling, my darling
Term of endearment for a loved one
You gonna have to break my heart
The only way to end our love is if you hurt me
'Cause I'll never, never hurt you, no no
I vow to never cause you pain or harm
Now I can't look at you
I feel guilty and ashamed for causing you pain
(Without feeling ashamed)
I am filled with regret and remorse
Each tear you cried
All of the tears you shed
Just fills my heart with pain
I feel immense sorrow and heartache
Thank you for loving me
Expression of gratitude for your love and affection
The way you do
In the unique and special way that only you can
If lonely, lonely arms
If your arms are lonely and empty
Must reach out baby
If they desperately need someone to hold onto
Let my arms reach out
I will be there to hold you and provide comfort
In vain
Even if it is ultimately useless or pointless
And if a lonely heart
If your heart is lonely and broken
Must suffer, baby
If it must endure pain and hardships
Let my heart
I am willing to bear the burden of your suffering
Bear all the pain
I will do whatever it takes to ease your pain and make you feel loved
'Cause it was me
My actions caused your hurt and pain
Who hurt you, baby
I am responsible for inflicting harm on you
But you bet
You can be certain
You can bet
I guarantee
I'll never do it again
I promise to never repeat my hurtful actions
Girl I'll never, never hurt you
I swear to always treat you with love and kindness
I can't stand to see you cry, no baby no
It breaks my heart to see you cry, my love
I said I, I can't stand to see you cry
I cannot bear to watch you cry
Writer(s): Robert Pointdexter, Richard Pointdexter
Contributed by Jeremiah H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.