In all, they recorded 14 albums and 1 CD. One of the albums was a joint effort with the Blue Ridge Quartet. They were a part of their television show for two years and toured with them throughout the East, especially the Northeast, appearing at auditoriums and fairs. Among them were WWVA, Wheeling, West Virginia Jamborie and the Grand Ol' Gospel Opry in Nashville, TN at the Ryman Auditorium. At that time, the group consisted of George Shelton and his children, Sandra, Gail and George Jr.
George Shelton Jr. went on to sing tenor with the Senators Quartet of Memphis, TN from 1974-75. He then owned and operated his own recording business in Dade City, FL. A younger brother, Robert Shelton sang lead with the Dixie Melody Boys of Kinston, NC and recorded two CDs with them, released in 2008. The Sheltons recorded another new CD in 2008 containing classics from previous albums along with two new songs.
I Can't Make You Love Me
The Sheltons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's not a joke, kid, it's a curse.
My luck is changing, it's gotten from
simply rotten to something worse
Who knows, some day I will win too.
I'll begin to reach my prime.
Now though I see what our end is,
I can't give you anything but love, baby.
That's the only thing I've plenty of,baby.
Dream awhile, scheme awhile
We're sure to find
Happiness and I guess
All those things you've always pined for.
Gee I'd like to see you looking swell, baby.
Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn't sell, baby.
Till that lucky day you know darned well, baby.
I can't give you anything but love.
Rome wasn't built in a day, kid.
You have to pay, kid, for what you get.
But I am willing to wait, dear,
Your little mate, dear, will not forget.
You have a lifetime before you.
I'll adore you, come what may.
Please don't be blue for the present,
When it's so pleasant to hear you say
I can't give you anything but love, baby.
That's the only thing I've plenty of,baby.
Dream awhile, scheme awhile
We're sure to find
Happiness and I guess
All those things you've always pined for.
Gee I'd like to see you looking swell, baby.
Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn't sell, baby.
Till that lucky day you know darned well, baby.
I can't give you anything but love.
The Sheltons's song "I Can't Make You Love Me" speaks of the struggles of being broke and the desire to provide for a loved one. The singer acknowledges the difficulty of not having money, and how it feels like a curse rather than a joke. Although the singer hopes to win big someday, for now, all they have to give is their time and love. The song speaks of dreaming and scheming together to find happiness and fulfilment, despite the struggles of the present. The singer encourages their loved one to look towards the future and not be discouraged by their current state.
The song highlights the theme of unconditional love, regardless of financial status. The singer makes it clear that they may not be able to buy expensive gifts or lavish trips, but they can provide love, support, and encouragement. The song encourages positivity and hope regarding the future, despite the struggles of the present. The lyrics represent the universal desire to love and be loved, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Line by Line Meaning
Gee, but it's tough to be broke, kid.
Being financially insecure is a tough situation to be in.
It's not a joke, kid, it's a curse.
Being broke is not just a laughing matter, it's a real burden on one's life.
My luck is changing, it's gotten from simply rotten to something worse
Things are going from bad to worse.
Who knows, some day I will win too.
There is a hope that someday he will also come out of this bad phase.
I'll begin to reach my prime.
Things will turn around for better and he will be at his best then.
Now though I see what our end is,
The future does not seem promising for their relationship.
All I can spend is just my time.
He does not have the financial resources to give her the life she desires.
I can't give you anything but love, baby.
He can only offer her love, nothing materialistic.
That's the only thing I've plenty of,baby.
Love is the only thing he has in abundance.
Dream awhile, scheme awhile We're sure to find
If they dream and plan together, they will surely find a way out of their financial struggles.
Happiness and I guess All those things you've always pined for.
They will find happiness and all the things she always wanted.
Gee I'd like to see you looking swell, baby.
He wants to see her happy and well-dressed.
Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn't sell, baby.
He wishes to give her expensive gifts that you cannot buy at Woolworth.
Till that lucky day you know darned well, baby.
Until he becomes luckier and richer, he cannot fulfill her materialistic desires.
Rome wasn't built in a day, kid.
Success takes time and effort.
You have to pay, kid, for what you get.
Success comes at a cost and one has to put in effort and time to achieve it.
Your little mate, dear, will not forget.
He will remember her and their love.
You have a lifetime before you.
They have a long time in the future to fulfill each other's desires.
I'll adore you, come what may.
He will always love her, no matter what their financial status is.
Please don't be blue for the present,
He asks her not to be sad in the current situation.
When it's so pleasant to hear you say
He finds joy in her words.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind