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
Little Young Lover
The Impressions Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why don't you like me?
Can't you see honey
You're gonna drive me out of my mind
I can't sleep at night
For thinking about you
You're looking so nice
When we're in school
And you're sitting next to me
I'm acting a fool
Just to get your attention
Can't you see
Little young lover
With pigtails so long
I'll carry your books
If you would only let me walk a you home
A ha-ha
A ha-ha
When we're in school
And you're sitting next to me
I'm acting a fool
Just to get your attention
Can't you see
Little young lover
With pigtails so long
I'll carry your books
If you would only let me walk a you home
Ah-ah young lover
Come to me young lover
I love your brother
The Impressions' song Little Young Lover is a classic piece that speaks about the feelings that come with young love. The first few lines of the song, 'Little young lover, why don't you like me? Can't you see honey you're gonna drive me out of my mind' set the tone for what the singer is conveying. The song's narrator, a young boy, has fallen for a girl who seems oblivious to his affections towards her. He, however, cannot help but think about her all the time, and she has become somewhat of an obsession to him, as the line 'I can't sleep at night for thinking about you, you're looking so nice, and you're about to drive me crazy' reveals.
The singer goes on to explain that anytime he is close to her, like in school when they are seated together, he finds himself acting foolishly, just to get her attention. He offers to carry her books and walk her home, all in a bid to win her over. It is a relatable situation to many who have been in similar circumstances. Young love can have a powerful effect, and the feeling of wanting to be noticed, appreciated and loved is all-consuming.
In conclusion, Little Young Lover by the Impressions is a song that captures the innocence and excitement of young love. It is a relatable song that crosses generations and provides insight into the emotions that young people feel when they fall for someone.
Line by Line Meaning
Little young lover
Addressing the subject of the song who is a young girl.
Why don't you like me?
Asking the girl why she doesn't have feelings for the singer.
Can't you see honey
Expressing that the singer hopes the girl can understand his feelings.
You're gonna drive me out of my mind
Explaining that the girl's actions or lack thereof are causing the singer mental distress.
I can't sleep at night
Confessing that the singer is unable to rest due to thinking about the girl.
For thinking about you
Clarifying that the singer's lack of sleep is caused by thoughts about the girl.
You're looking so nice
Complimenting the girl on her appearance.
And you're about to drive me crazy
Reiterating that the girl's actions are affecting the singer's state of mind.
When we're in school
Referring to a specific setting where the singer interacts with the girl - school.
And you're sitting next to me
Describing how the girl is physically close to the singer in class.
I'm acting a fool
Admitting that the singer's behavior is foolish when he's near the girl.
Just to get your attention
Explaining that the singer's foolish behavior is an attempt to gain the girl's attention.
Can't you see
Expressing that the girl is not noticing the singer's actions or feelings.
Little young lover
Repeating the address to the girl.
With pigtails so long
Describing the girl's physical appearance, specifically her hairstyle.
I'll carry your books
Offering a kind gesture to the girl - to carry her books for her.
If you would only let me walk a you home
Asking the girl to allow him to escort her home.
Ah-ah young lover
A repetition of the address to the girl.
Come to me young lover
An invitation for the girl to come to the singer.
I love your brother
A surprising statement that the singer loves the girl's brother, which may complicate their potential relationship.
Contributed by Jayden E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Alma Reyes
Happy holidays Josue!♥️ thank you for sharing another one(:
Daniel Padilla
Alright JP I love this song when I hear The Impressions I think of Curtis Mayfield thank you so much for sharing my friend