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
Jealous Man
The Impressions Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You dig me and I dig you (well alright now)
We'll make out a long time and I believe it too (you know that I want ya)
Now here's something you must understand (that's why)
I'm a jealous man
I'm a jealous man
Now hear me now, there will be no monkeying around (well alright now)
It's alright now having many a fan (that's why)
But I'm a jealous man and I tell you again
I'm a jealous man
In my world you're the only she
You've got my love
And I'll always a be
Doo doo doo woo
And honest god to ya
Chile I mean what I say (well alright now)
Count me to be home for yer every night and day (you know that I want ya)
We've got a good thing going it's a perfect plan (that's why)
But I'm a jealous man and I'll tell you again
I'm a jealous man
In my world you're the only she
You've got my love
And I'll always a be
Doo doo doo whoo
And honest god to ya
Chile I mean what I say (well alright now)
Count me to be home for yer every night and day (you know that I want ya)
We've got a good thing going it's a perfect plan (that's why)
But I'm a jealous man and I'll tell you again
I'm a jealous man
I don't like to talk about it
But sometimes I can't help but shout it (you know that I want ya)
We've got a good thing going it's a perfect plan (that's why)
But I'm a jealous man
I'm a jealous man
And if I ever catch you doggone in love (well alright now)
The Impressions' song Jealous Man is a love song with a twist. The lyrics start by describing the strong mutual attraction between two people and how they want to spend a long time together. But then the singer reveals that he's a jealous man and warns the woman not to take him lightly. He assures her that he won't mess around, but he won't tolerate other men trying to shoot her down either. The singer professes his love and devotion to the woman and promises to be faithful, but he can't help being jealous.
The song speaks to the fear and insecurity that often accompany passionate love. It reflects the idea that when we care deeply about someone, we become susceptible to jealousy and possessiveness. The singer recognizes that jealousy is not an admirable trait but is open and honest about his struggles with it.
Overall, Jealous Man is a tune that candidly expresses the complexity of human emotions in relationships. Through the lyrics, it captures the intensity of romance and the vulnerability that comes with it.
Line by Line Meaning
Alright baby
Addressing the listener fondly.
You dig me and I dig you (well alright now)
The love is mutual between the two.
We'll make out a long time and I believe it too (you know that I want ya)
The relationship is set to last for a long time because it is desired by both parties.
Now here's something you must understand (that's why)
The artist is about to reveal an important fact.
I'm a jealous man
The artist is possessive and protective of their partner.
Now hear me now, there will be no monkeying around (well alright now)
The singer sets a boundary of faithfulness in the relationship.
I know other fellas would try an shoot you down (you know that I want ya)
The singer acknowledges competition from other men for their partner's affection.
It's alright now having many a fan (that's why)
Even with many suitors, the artist believes they are the best choice for their partner.
But I'm a jealous man and I tell you again
The artist reiterates that they are protective in their relationship.
In my world you're the only she
The artist is committed and exclusive in their relationship.
You've got my love
The singer is in love with their partner.
And I'll always a be
The artist commits to being faithful and present in the relationship.
Doo doo doo woo
Instrumental break with no lyrics.
And honest god to ya
The singer is being honest.
Chile I mean what I say (well alright now)
The singer emphasizes their honesty and commitment.
Count me to be home for yer every night and day (you know that I want ya)
The artist will always be there for their partner.
We've got a good thing going it's a perfect plan (that's why)
The relationship is strong and the artist is committed to making it work.
But I'm a jealous man and I'll tell you again
The singer reinforces their protective nature in the relationship.
I don't like to talk about it
The singer is hesitant to express their jealousy.
But sometimes I can't help but shout it (you know that I want ya)
At times, the artist's jealousy becomes difficult to contain.
And if I ever catch you doggone in love (well alright now)
The artist warns of severe consequences if their partner is unfaithful.
I'm a jealous man
I'm a jealous man
Closing repetition of the song's title emphasizing the artist's focus on jealousy in the relationship.
Contributed by Peyton I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Keith Fuqua
on People Get Ready
Amen brothers. Get ready people