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
Wherever You Leadeth Me
The Impressions Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I will follow,
Across the water blue,
Deep or shallow
If the way, is dark
We'll make it through me and you
It may sound a little strange
Whatever may be your wants and needs
Just call on me,
My everything belongs to you
And you can have it free
Understand I love, you so
And I mean it sincerely
It may sound a little strange
But I love you dearly, dearly, dearly
Understand I love, you so
And I mean it sincerely
It may sound a little strange
But I love you dearly, dearly, dearly
Wherever you leadeth me,
I will follow,
Across the water blue,
Deep or shallow
Even if the way, is dark,
We'll make it through me and you
It may sound a little strange
But it's my own thing, own thing, own thing
The Impressions's song "Wherever You Leadeth Me" is a love ballad that expresses dedication and commitment towards someone special. The song's theme revolves around following a loved one wherever they lead, even if the path may not always be clear. The lyrics suggest that the singer will support and stand by their loved one, regardless of the circumstances.
The first stanza shows the singer's willingness to follow their loved one, no matter the challenge, even if it means crossing deep or shallow water. They proclaim this dedication even if the way is dark, indicating a steadfast nature that will not waver. The refrain repeats this commitment, emphasizing that the love they have for their partner is so strong that they will follow them anywhere.
The second and final stanza shows the singer's devotion, stating that their everything belongs to their loved one and they can have it for free. They claim to love them dearly, emphasizing that their affections are genuine and sincere. The final lines of the song repeat the refrain and proclaim that even if it sounds strange, following their loved one is their "own thing."
Line by Line Meaning
Wherever you leadeth me,
I am willing to follow you wherever you may take me.
I will follow,
I pledge to be faithful and follow you wherever you may lead me.
Across the water blue,
Regardless of the distance or difficulty of the journey, I'll accompany you.
Deep or shallow
Regardless of the obstacles or challenges on the way, I'll follow you.
If the way, is dark
Even when the path is unclear or difficult, we will navigate it together.
We'll make it through me and you
Together, we can overcome any adversity or obstacle that comes our way.
It may sound a little strange
Some may feel that my loyalty and commitment are over the top, but I am sincere.
But it's my own thing, own thing, own thing
My commitment to you is unique and personal, something I offer from my heart.
Whatever may be your wants and needs
I am willing and able to meet any emotional, physical, or personal need you may have.
Just call on me,
All you need to do is ask, and I will be there for you.
My everything belongs to you
I share everything with you and willingly offer you all that I have and all that I am.
And you can have it free
There are no strings attached; I give you everything willingly and freely.
Understand I love, you so
I care for you deeply, and my loyalty to you is unwavering.
And I mean it sincerely
My commitment to you is genuine, authentic, and heartfelt.
Wherever you leadeth me,
Again, I affirm that I am committed to following you wherever you may take me.
Even if the way, is dark,
Even if the future or circumstances appear bleak, I will stand by you.
It's my own thing, own thing, own thing
My devotion may be unconventional or unique, but it is real and true.
Contributed by Wyatt V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Keith Fuqua
on People Get Ready
Amen brothers. Get ready people