The multi-award-winning (including 4 Grammys) group, and Gospel Music Association's hall of fame inductees, began in 1964. Jake Hess of the Statesmen Quartet decided to hand-pick the best singers he could find to put together what he would call a "super group" that would be known as The Imperials: Hess (lead), Armond Morales (bass from the Weatherford Quartet), former Oak Ridge Boys baritone Gary McSpadden, the Speer Family's Sherrill Nielsen (tenor), and Henry Slaughter (the Weatherford Quartet) at piano. Until Hess was forced to retire because of health reasons, the group was usually called Jake Hess and The Imperials.
Over the years, there have been many changes of members (and styles). They hit their peak of popularity in the late '70s and early '80s with Morales, Jim Murray (tenor), David Will (baritone), and Russ Taff.
The current lineup includes: Jason Morales, Perry Jones, Ian Owens and Scott Allen.
Tears On My Pillow
The Imperials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You don't remember me, but I remember you
'Twas not so long ago, you broke my heart in two
Tears on my pillow, pain in my heart
Caused by you, you
If we could start anew, I wouldn't hesitate
I'd gladly take you back, and tempt the hand of fate
Love is not a gadget, love is not a toy
When you find the one you love
She'll fill your heart with joy
If we could start anew, I wouldn't hesitate
I'd gladly take you back, and tempt the hand of fate
Tears on my pillow, pain in my heart, caused by you
You (oh oh oh)
You (oh oh oh) you (oh oh oh)
You (oh oh oh) you (oh oh oh)
The Imperials' song Tears On My Pillow is a classic love song about a painful heartbreak caused by someone the singer loved. The song opens with the singer confessing that the person who broke his heart doesn't remember him anymore, but he still remembers her. The pain he suffered still lingers, and he still cries himself to sleep every night. The chorus of the song describes the tears that stream down the singer's face as he recalls the hurt and heartache this special someone caused him.
The second verse finds the singer contemplating what he would do if he had a chance to do it all over again. He admits that he would gladly take her back, despite the pain she caused him. However, he is clear that love is not a gadget or a toy. Love is a powerful force that can bring great joy, but it can also cause immense pain. The final chorus repeats the pain caused by the one he loved, suggesting that he still longs for her despite everything.
Line by Line Meaning
(Oh oh oh)
The song begins with an expression of the singer's emotional state.
You don't remember me, but I remember you
The singer is addressing someone who has forgotten or dismissed their romantic past, but who still holds a significant emotional importance to the singer.
'Twas not so long ago, you broke my heart in two
The singer recalls a recent, painful experience where their significant other caused them great emotional distress by ending their relationship.
Tears on my pillow, pain in my heart
The singer is feeling a deep and ongoing pain following their breakup, which manifests both physically and emotionally.
Caused by you, you
The singer attributes the source of their pain to the person they had been in a relationship with.
If we could start anew, I wouldn't hesitate
The singer expresses a desire to reconcile with their former partner, despite the very recent and intense heartbreak they experienced.
I'd gladly take you back, and tempt the hand of fate
The singer is willing to take a risk and work towards reconciling with their former partner, in the hope that they can create a better future together.
Love is not a gadget, love is not a toy
The singer reflects on the nature of love, emphasizing that it is a serious and important emotion, not to be taken lightly.
When you find the one you love
The singer expresses a belief that true and lasting love is rare and difficult to find.
She'll fill your heart with joy
The singer suggests that a fulfilling and happy relationship will bring great emotional satisfaction to those involved.
You (oh oh oh)
The singer concludes by addressing their former partner once again, emphasizing the extent of their emotional connection and significance.
You (oh oh oh) you (oh oh oh)
The repetition of the address further emphasizes the singer's emotional attachment to their former partner.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Sylvester Bradford, Al Lewis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@goodshepherd3438
I was 14 years old back in Montreal QUEBEC the best music
The fifties
Teenager wore so different then
Today.
We fell in love very young
Even myself got married at 17years old and my husband 19years old.
My marriage lasted 45years until he pass away.
From cancer but one day i shall reunite with my beloved husband.
I love him and always will.
Now he is resting with the LORD JESUS
@lucass8135
You don't remember me, but I remember you
'Twas not so long ago, you broke my heart in two
Tears on my pillow, pain in my heart
Caused by you, you
If we could start anew, I wouldn't hesitate
I'd gladly take you back, and tempt the hand of fate
Tears on my pillow, pain in my heart, caused by you
Love is not a gadget, love is not a toy
When you find the one you love
She'll fill your heart with joy
If we could start anew, I wouldn't hesitate
I'd gladly take you back, and tempt the hand of fate
Tears on my pillow, pain in my heart, caused by you
You (oh oh oh)
You (oh oh oh), you (oh oh oh)
You (oh oh oh) you (oh oh oh)
@anthonystephenson3521
Music like these made me wish i was born in the 50's, 60's or 70's but then i remembered im black..... oh well good era of music.
@nikooliver8078
Anthony Stephenson My thoughts exactly such an amazing time
@wilt3051
Be happy man the racist boomers are dying out especially the bitch that framed Emmitt Till which lead to his death RIP Young Emmitt!!!
@dufasaurjoe2899
Look up Sidney Bechet's wedding. Depends where and when.
@atomictraveller
no doubt
i'm just welsh, i open my mouth and its all over. no homies for me.
@289rory
Preach 🤣 We weren’t welcome in the 50’s.
@thevault4946
1960:little Anthony
2019:Lil' Anthony......
@williamcody1385
Lmao
@retroshawty2303
2019: Lil Ant...🐜
@aaronbradley3232
Smh