The Impressions were an American music group from Chicago, Illinois, active… Read Full Bio ↴The Impressions were an American music group from Chicago, Illinois, active from 1958 until 1983, whose repertoire included doo-wop, gospel, soul, and R&B.

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

See The Real Me
The Impressions Lyrics

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See me, see me
Can you see, the real me huh
I don't deserve you, deserve you
Look through me, and you'll see
A sinner my dear

But I just have to confess now
Even though you've, done your best now

I have ruined your, happiness now
And I'm ashamed, can you forgive me, yeah

Now if there's some place in your heart
Where we might start anew
You won't believe these things I say
But I would never go astray

And if you took me back I'd display
The true real me

Overall Meaning

The Impressions's song "See The Real Me" is a ballad about honesty, confession, and redemption. The singer is pleading with his lover to see him for who he really is, despite being "a sinner." He acknowledges that he doesn't deserve her love, but is asking for forgiveness so they can start anew. The lyrics express remorse and regret for the mistakes that have been made, and a willingness to make things right. The song is a heartfelt plea for understanding and compassion, with the promise that the singer will show the "true real me" if given another chance.

The powerful lyrics of "See The Real Me" were written by Curtis Mayfield, a legendary songwriter, singer, and guitarist. The song was released in 1966 as part of The Impressions' album "The Fabulous Impressions." The album received critical acclaim and marked a turning point in the group's career, as they began to incorporate more socially conscious themes into their music. "See The Real Me" is one of the standout tracks on the album, showcasing Mayfield's talent for writing emotional and poignant ballads.

See The Real MeThe Impressions Lyrics

Keith Fuqua

on People Get Ready

See The Real Me
The Impressions Lyrics