1) The Par… Read Full Bio ↴Three groups have recorded under the name "The Paragons".
1) The Paragons was an influential rocksteady band from Kingston, Jamaica, operating in the 1960s.
2) The Paragons was a doo wop group perhaps best known for their 1957 single Florence.
3.) Charlotte, NC, '60s garage band. "I saw Abba late last night."
1) If you're familiar with the song "The Tide Is High" you probably know it as a huge hit for Blondie, but before Deborah Harry and company got a hold of it, it was a 1960s hit in for the Paragons. Formed in Kingston Jamaica, the Paragons were originally made up of Garth "Tyrone" Evans, Bob Andy, Junior Menz, and Leroy Stamp. In 1964, just before they broke big in Jamaica, Stamp was replaced by John Holt, and Menz (who left to join another Jamaican vocal group the Techniques) was replaced by Howard Barret. The early Paragons sound is heavily influence by American soul music and the singing is in the familiar tight, interlocking harmony style of Jamaican vocal trios and quartets of the early '60s. In 1964, the group caught the attention of legendary producer Coxsone Dodd who immediately brought the group to Jamiaca's famous Studio One and under the watchful eyes and ears of Duke Reid (who became the group's mentor) cut a succession of popular singles such as "Love At Last" and "Good Luck and Goodbye" for Reid's label Treasure Isle.
Not long after this first flush of success Bob Andy quit the group and the Paragons stopped recording as John Holt (who by this point had emerged as the group's leader) decided that the group should soften their soulful sound and go for a more root-heavy rock steady approach. It turned out to be a good idea as the Paragons became the most popular rock-steady vocal act in Jamaica and in Britain. But money problems, specifically issues over why the group wasn't rich after more than a dozen number one Jamaican hits, led to the band's breakup. Of the members only John Holt went on to have a significant solo career. Still, the Paragons recordings, including "The Tide Is High," are some of the most wonderful and sublime moments in Jamaican pop.
if
The Paragons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'd be but a slave to you
If I had everything
I'd still be a slave to you
If I ruled the night
Stars and moon so bright
Still I'd turn for light to you
Yet, humbly I'd flee to you
If my friends were a crowd
I'd turn in my need to you
If I ruled the earth
What would life be worth
If I hadn't the right to you
(They made me a king
I'd be but a slave to you
If I had everything
I'd still be a slave to you)
If I hadn't the right to you
The Paragons' song "If" speaks about the overwhelming power of love and devotion. The lyrics convey a person's willingness to put aside all worldly rewards and possessions in exchange for the love and companionship of their significant other. The lines "If they made me a king, I'd be but a slave to you" and "if I had everything, I'd still be a slave to you" demonstrate the idea that even if the singer were given immense wealth and power, they would still feel incomplete without their lover. The character would ultimately turn to their partner for guidance, support, and light in even the brightest of times.
Furthermore, the lyrics suggest a deep, unbreakable bond between the singer and the person they are addressing. The line "If my friends were a crowd, I'd turn in my need to you" indicates that no matter how many people they may have around them or how much support they receive, they would always return to the one whom they love. The phrase "If I ruled the earth, what would life be worth if I hadn't the right to you" emphasizes the idea that the singer feels incomplete and unfulfilled without their lover, demonstrating the power of their relationship.
Overall, the lyrics of "If" are a poignant reflection of the force of true love and its ability to trump all else. It suggests that love can make people feel powerful even when they have nothing to show for it. The song reminds us that true passion is a bond that holds us all together, and it is the most significant force in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
If they made me a king
Even if I was at the highest level of power and status, I would still be devoted to you.
I'd be but a slave to you
My loyalty and love towards you would make me feel as though I am subservient to you.
If I had everything
Even if I possessed all the riches and luxuries in the world, I would still feel incomplete without you.
I'd still be a slave to you
My affection for you would render me powerless and at your mercy.
If I ruled the night
Even if I had control over the world's darkness and night, I would still turn to you for comfort and guidance.
Stars and moon so bright
Even the beauty of the night sky would pale in comparison to the radiance of your presence.
Still I'd turn for light to you
You are my source of illumination and hope, even in the darkest of times.
If the world to me bowed
Even if the entire world revered and respected me, I would still be humble and seek your approval.
Yet, humbly I'd flee to you
I would never let pride or success distance me from you, and would always seek your love and acceptance.
If my friends were a crowd
Even if I had many friends and followers, I would still prioritize my connection with you.
I'd turn in my need to you
In times of difficulty or turmoil, I would rely on you for support and comfort.
If I ruled the earth
Even if I had control over the entire world and its affairs, my heart would still belong to you.
What would life be worth
Without your love, nothing else in the world would hold any value or meaning.
If I hadn't the right to you
Without your affection and devotion, my life would be empty and meaningless.
Writer(s): TOLCHARD EVANS, STANLEY J. DAMERELL, ROBERT HARGREAVES
Contributed by Josiah V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
ildibildi53
Such exquisite and unique harmony... The Paragons were amazing
Cookie Ceo
So beautiful. Thanks for posting this song. Tears are forming. A special time in my life.
bluenote824 jones
one of my favs by this wonderfull group.julius could really do it.great !!!!!!!!
MickTheQuickk
The lead on this song is Alan Moore.
Lewis Clark
IF and Florence just came to me while trying to sleep, had to look up and give a listen, Beautiful ballads
sauquoit13456
On July 17th, 1961 The Paragons' "If" entered Billboard's Hot Top 100; eventually it would peak at No. 82 and spent 5 weeks in the Top 100. The most successful version of this song was by Perry Como; on March 3rd, 1951 it reached No. 1 {for 6 weeks} on Billboard's Best Sellers chart. Others 1951 charted versions; Jo Stafford {#8}, Dean Martin {#14}, and Vic Damone {#28}...
bluenote824 jones
Great group , ,great song
bluenote824 jones
Love it
Betsy Manning
Sheer perfection!
john j. ronayne jr.
John Gary had a pretty good version of this also!