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
Simple Message
The Impressions Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sisters and brothers
Sent from God to me and you
Now we've just got to love one another
'Cause that's the proper thing to do
But there's a voice within us crying
Telling us to be aware
(The sky is falling down) Oh, the sky is falling down
(Can't you see it?) Can't you see it?
(Can't you hear it?) Can't you hear it everywhere?
But there's a voice within us crying
Telling us to be aware
(Hey, what's that sound?) Hey, what's that sound?
(The sky is falling down) Oh, the sky is falling down
(Can't you see it?) Can't you see it?
(Can't you hear it?) Can't you hear it everywhere?
Now if we just do
Like the good book tell us
Everything gonna work out alright
I know the good Lord will always help us
He'll be our lantern in the night
But there's a voice, hey, within us crying
Telling us, "Why don't you be aware?"
(Hey, what's that sound?) Hey, what's that sound?
(The sky is falling down) Oh, the sky is falling down
(Can't you see it?) Can't you see it?
(Can't you hear it?) Can't you hear it everywhere?
Everywhere
Everywhere
The Impressions' song "Simple Message" is about the importance of loving one another and being aware of what is happening in the world around us. The song begins with a simple message from God to all of us, encouraging us to love one another. Despite this message, there is a sense of fear and urgency in the song, as the singer hears a voice within them crying and telling them to be aware. The voice becomes more urgent, describing the sky falling down and asking if we can see and hear it everywhere.
The song is a poignant reminder to pay attention to the world around us and to treat each other with kindness and respect. It also suggests that listening to our intuition and inner voice can guide us towards being more aware and present in the world.
One interesting fact about "Simple Message" is that it was written by Impressions band member Fred Cash, along with Curtis Mayfield and Richard Tufo. The song was released in 1969 as part of The Impressions' album "The Young Mods' Forgotten Story."
Line by Line Meaning
Here's a simple message
This song is meant to convey a simple message to its listeners.
Sisters and brothers
The message is for all people, regardless of race or gender.
Sent from God to me and you
The message is believed to come from a higher power.
Now we've just got to love one another
The message is to spread love and kindness to all people.
'Cause that's the proper thing to do
It is important to act with kindness and love towards others.
But there's a voice within us crying
Despite the message of love, there is often an inner voice warning us of danger or negativity.
Telling us to be aware
This voice is cautioning us to be careful and alert.
(Hey, what's that sound?) Hey, what's that sound?
The inner voice may manifest as a sound or feeling that alerts us to danger.
(The sky is falling down) Oh, the sky is falling down
There may be a sense of imminent danger or catastrophe.
(Can't you see it?) Can't you see it?
The danger may be visible or palpable in some way.
(Can't you hear it?) Can't you hear it everywhere?
The sense of danger or negativity may be pervasive and difficult to ignore.
Now if we just do
Despite the warnings, there is still hope for positive change.
Like the good book tell us
The singer is referencing religious text as a guide for behavior.
Everything gonna work out alright
If people follow the message of love and kindness, things will improve.
I know the good Lord will always help us
The singer feels confident that a higher power will assist with positive change.
He'll be our lantern in the night
The higher power will guide and illuminate the path forward.
Everywhere
The warnings and positivity are present in all aspects of life and society.
Writer(s): Ernie Story
Contributed by Annabelle V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Keith Fuqua
on People Get Ready
Amen brothers. Get ready people