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
You're Really Something Sadie
The Impressions Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I saw this young child I'd never met, hmm hmm
When she danced, she danced so supreme, hmm hmm
She really knew how, I say boys she's so mean
You're really somethin' Sadie
You're really somethin' chile
You're really somethin' Sadie
Checked out her name, her name was Sadie
My solemn vow was she must be my old lady
So I swooped in to wait for the kill
Can't keep up, Sadie she just won't stay still
You're really somethin' Sadie
You're really somethin' chile
You're really somethin' Sadie
You're really somethin' chile
The love that I had in my past time, hmm hmm
Was a thrill and I guess good for my mind, hmm hmm
But this Sadie, what a lady, is a trip
The first miracle, I've known to be hip
You're really somethin' Sadie
You're really somethin' chile
You're really somethin' Sadie
You're really somethin' child
Sadie, Sadie
Talkin' 'bout Sadie, my Sadie
Mellow now Sadie, Sadie
Talkin' 'bout Sadie, get down Sadie
Trippin' on Sadie, she my Sadie
Talkin' 'bout Sadie, sweet sweet Sadie
Get down with Sadie, mellow my Sadie
The Impressions' song You're Really Something Sadie is a soulful tribute to a beautiful dancer named Sadie. The singer of the song is immediately struck by her graceful moves as he steps onto the dance floor. The lyrics convey the admiration and infatuation he feels towards her, describing her as "so supreme" and "really mean" in the best way possible. He even declares that she must become his "old lady." However, Sadie proves to be a challenge to impress, as she refuses to stay still and keeps him on his toes.
The song is a celebration of Black culture and showcases the importance of dance in African American communities. Through the lyrics and the music, The Impressions capture the joy and energy of a night out at a soulful club. The song also reflects the social and cultural changes taking place in the 1960s, as Black Americans continued to break down racial barriers and assert their rights to equal treatment and representation.
Overall, You're Really Something Sadie is a fun, upbeat song that celebrates the beauty and power of Black culture and the importance of dance as a form of expression.
Line by Line Meaning
As I stepped in on the set, hmm hmm
As I walked into the location, with a feeling of admiration and surprise.
I saw this young child I'd never met, hmm hmm
I observed a young girl I had never encountered before.
When she danced, she danced so supreme, hmm hmm
Her dance moves were incomparable and of the highest standard.
She really knew how, I say boys she's so mean
She had impeccable skills, so great that it was intimidating.
Checked out her name, her name was Sadie
I investigated and found out her name was Sadie.
My solemn vow was she must be my old lady
I was determined and dedicated to making her my girlfriend.
So I swooped in to wait for the kill
I made a bold move and waited to seal the deal and make her mine.
Can't keep up, Sadie she just won't stay still
Sadie is very active and energetic, making it difficult to keep up with her pace or movements.
The love that I had in my past time, hmm hmm
Compared to the love I have for Sadie, my previous love was just exciting, but not as intoxicating.
Was a thrill and I guess good for my mind, hmm hmm
It was fun and exciting, and good for my mental health, but not as deeply fulfilling as my love for Sadie.
But this Sadie, what a lady, is a trip
Sadie is an extraordinary woman, with a unique and exciting personality.
The first miracle, I've known to be hip
Sadie is the first person I have ever met who is both miraculous and cool.
Sadie, Sadie
Direct address to Sadie.
Talkin' 'bout Sadie, my Sadie
Discussing and referring to Sadie, who is now my girlfriend.
Mellow now Sadie, Sadie
Calm down now, Sadie.
Talkin' 'bout Sadie, get down Sadie
Discussing and referring to Sadie, who has a fun and active personality.
Trippin' on Sadie, she my Sadie
I am overwhelmed by my love for Sadie, who is now my significant other.
Talkin' 'bout Sadie, sweet sweet Sadie
Discussions about Sadie, who is a charming, delightful woman.
Get down with Sadie, mellow my Sadie
Having fun and relaxing with Sadie, who has a vibrant personality.
Contributed by Camilla G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Keith Fuqua
on People Get Ready
Amen brothers. Get ready people