The group was founded as The Roosters by Chattanooga, Tennessee natives Sam Gooden, Richard Brooks, and Arthur Brooks, who moved to Chicago, Illinois and added Jerry Butler and Curtis Mayfield to their lineup to become Jerry Butler & the Impressions. By 1962, Butler and the Brookses had departed, and after switching to ABC-Paramount Records, Mayfield, Gooden, and new Impression Fred Cash collectively became a top-selling soul act. Mayfield left the group for a solo career in 1970; Leroy Hutson, Ralph Johnson, Reggie Torian, and Nate Evans were among the replacements who joined Gooden and Cash before the group's demise in 1983.
Inductees into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, The Impressions are best known for their 1960s string of hits, many of which were heavily influenced by gospel music and served as inspirational anthems for the Civil Rights Movement.
Personnel:
Jerry Butler (1958 - 1960)
Curtis Mayfield (1958 - 1970)
Sam Gooden (1958 - 1983)
Arthur Brooks (1958 - 1962)
Richard Brooks (1958 - 1962)
Fred Cash (1960 - 1983)
Leroy Hutson (1970 - 1973)
Ralph Johnson (1973 - 1976)
Nate Evans (1976 - 1979)
Reggie Torian (1973 - 1983)
Discography
Albums
1963: The Impressions
1964: Keep on Pushing
1964: The Never Ending Impressions
1965: One by One
1965: People Get Ready
1966: Ridin' High
1967: The Fabulous Impressions
1968: We're a Winner
1968: This Is My Country
1969: The Young Mods' Forgotten Story
1969: The Versatile Impressions
1969: Amen
1970: Check out Your Mind!
1972: Times Have Changed
1973: Preacher Man
1974: Finally Got Myself Together
1974: Three the Hard Way
1975: First Impressions
1975: Sooner or Later
1976: It's About Time
1976: Originals
1976: Loving Power
1979: Come to My Party
1981: Fan the Fire
I Can't Satisfy
The Impressions Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Seems I can't satisfy your love, I can't satisfy
Oooh I found out in time what was on your mind
You never planned to stay, didn't love me anyway
One of the chosen few, did what you told me to
All you ever did was lie, I can't satisfy
You seem so complete, so petite and sweet
But never do I know just which way you're gonna go
Sometimes I wonder why, why do you make me cry
Why do the love inside swallow up all of my pride
But I can't satisfy your love, I can't satisfy
No, no, no, no, no, I can't satisfy your love, I can't satisfy
(musical interlude)
You seem so complete, so petit and sweet
But never do I know just which way you're gonna go
Sometimes I wonder why, why do you make me cry
Why does the love inside swallow up all of my pride
When I can't satisfy your love, I can't satisfy, I can't, no, no, no
I can't satisfy your love, I can't satisfy
One of the chosen few, did what you told me to
All you ever did was lie, I can't satisfy
Seems I can't satisfy your love, I can't satisfy
No no no I can't satisfy your love, no I can't satisfy
The Impressions' "I Can't Satisfy" portrays a desperate lover who can never seem to live up to his partner's expectations no matter how hard he tries. The lyrics are about a relationship that has gone sour because of the lack of trust and communication between the two partners. The singer expresses his frustration and despair in not being able to satisfy his lover's needs, emotionally and physically. The lines "One of the chosen few, did what you told me to, All you ever did was lie, I can't satisfy" are particularly poignant in capturing the emptiness and lack of fulfillment that the singer feels.
The song's thematic focus is typical of soul music in the 1960s, which often dealt with heartbreak and the difficulties of relationships. "I Can't Satisfy" can also be interpreted as a commentary on the societal expectations placed on men to be the sole providers of emotional and financial support in relationships, which can be a source of immense pressure and anxiety.
Overall, the song beautifully captures the deep emotional and psychological turmoil that comes with being in a toxic relationship that drains you of all your energy and self-worth.
Line by Line Meaning
You know I can't satisfy your love, I can't satisfy
I am aware that I cannot fulfill your needs and make you happy
Seems I can't satisfy your love, I can't satisfy
It appears that my efforts to fulfill your love are unsuccessful
Oooh I found out in time what was on your mind
I discovered sooner than later the true thoughts and feelings you had about our relationship
You never planned to stay, didn't love me anyway
You had no intentions of being committed and did not truly care for me
One of the chosen few, did what you told me to
You had singled me out and made me obedient to your demands
All you ever did was lie, I can't satisfy
You consistently deceived me, leading to my inability to please you
You seem so complete, so petite and sweet
You appeared to be confident, small and charming
But never do I know just which way you're gonna go
Your behavior and actions are unpredictable
Sometimes I wonder why, why do you make me cry
I am confused by the reasons behind your actions, and why they often upset me
Why does the love inside swallow up all of my pride
My feelings for you cause me to feel ashamed of myself for continuously trying to please you
When I can't satisfy your love, I can't satisfy, I can't, no, no, no
It is impossible to fulfill your love, no matter how much I try, I am unable to do so
No no no I can't satisfy your love, no I can't satisfy
No matter what I do, I am unable to meet your romantic needs
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JR., BRIAN HOLLAND, EDWARD HOLLAND, EDWARD, JR. HOLLAND, LAMONT DOZIER, LAMONT HERBERT DOZIER, SYLVIA MOY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
jenny talia
can't help singing ' this old heart of mine ' to it !
Jim Hillier
@Chris Lalor I think they settled out of court. On the single version I have, it has Curtis as writer, on the Best of lp released a bit later, it has the same but with Jobete as the publisher. More recently everyone comes clean and HDH take the credits
Chris Lalor
They actually got taken to court by Berry Gordy for plagiarism.
elvingtonred
Nice demo
steve hewitt
brilliant.
Graham D
Surely United Artists records had a uk division at the time of release? I'm a bit puzzleed why it was put out on Stateside.
Terry Rollo
!!!!
ALAIN DEWAELE
thank brico