Born in the Deep South (Indianola, Mississippi) during the days of segregation, Clayton, unable to find proper management or the success he sought moved to Chicago in 1971. Like many other African American artists in the 1970’s, the young singer contracted to Hi Records in Memphis, where he worked with producer Willie Mitchell and the vaunted Hi rhythm section. Hi issued a series of fine Clayton efforts on its Pawn subsidiary, including "I Must Be Losin' You," "It's Time You Made Up Your Mind," and "Baby You're Ready," but none of them hit. Finally, in 1984, Clayton enjoyed a taste of soul success when his "Tell Me" (produced by General Crook) and "What a Way to Put It" scored on to the R&B charts. Let's Get Together, Clayton's 1993 album for Johnny Vincent's Ace record label, was a smooth soul-blues hybrid dominated by originals but titled after Al Green's immortal hit. Simply Beautiful, his Ace follow-up, found Clayton mixing dusties by Rev. Al and Aretha Franklin, with his own style.
Back on the scene, after his mainstream success with “Boom Boom Boom” and “A Woman Knows” which landed on Billboard’s album and singles charts. Clayton is prepared to teach a new generation the right way to love. Self classified as an all encompassing singer, he refuses to be pigeonholed in one genre of music. “There aren’t many real gritty R&B singers”. Bobby Womack, Charlie Wilson, Ronald Isley and I are the last of that generation. I keep up with the music because I have to change with the times. Where Gerald Levert left off, I am picking it up, and like him, my music is relatable across the generations.”
His newest release, “Love, Romance & Respect” released in stores nationally November 24, 2009 will take you back to the days of classic R&B, with a 2009 sound. Working with young accredited musicians and producers, (all under the age of 30) has allowed Clayton to speak the language of love to modern rhythm and blues. Grateful for the young energy, the expertise and perspective, he feels this project is his best recording yet.
“It’s not a one single album, it’s grown and sexy. It’s about bringing romance, love, respect and sensuality back home. ”
The first single “Dance The Nite Away” has the urban adult audience dancing across the country. Peaking Top 25 on the Mediabase Urban Adult Chart and debuting on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Chart, Willie Clayton is the artist that consistently gives pure R&B to the Urban Adult consumer.
With multiple releases throughout his career, Clayton is confident in his newest offering to the world, even reaching generation next, by building an internet presence and bridging the generational gap. “Mood music has no age limits, this album reminds you how good it is to be in love and shows you how sweet it can be!”
Considered by critics and fans alike to be one of the last great "Soul" men, Clayton continues to record and perform, and has maintained a devoted following throughout the world.
Georgia on My Mind
Willie Clayton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I thought she would cry, or sit around my room and grieve
But oh the girl she fooled me this time
Acting like I was the last thing on her mind
Now I'd like to start all over again
I just want to change my mind
As I took those steps, toward that open door
She didn't give me no sign
Nothing that would make me wanna change my mind
And I would like to start all over again
Baby, can I change my mind
'Cause I would like to change my mind
You know, I was confused, sitting here by myself thinking
watching you walk to the door and walk away
what was I supposed to say change your mind
Oh I've played my game so many times before
But people let me tell y'all, that I never reached the door
Oh the wind it is high tonight
I keep lookin' for my baby but she's not in sight
And I would like to start all over again
Baby can I change my mind
'Cause I would like to start all over again
Baby can I change my, my mind
'Cause I would like to start all over again with you girl
In Willie Clayton's song "Can I Change My Mind", the singer is packing his bags to leave his partner, expecting her to be upset and beg him to stay. However, to his surprise, she shows no emotion or remorse, leaving him confused and questioning his decision to leave. He confesses that he has played this game before, attempting to leave but never actually making it out the door. He then asks his partner if he can change his mind and start over again with her.
This song captures the vulnerability and uncertainty that can come with making a big decision, especially when it comes to leaving or staying in a relationship. The singer is seeking validation and assurance from his partner, but is met with indifference. The repetition of "Baby can I change my mind" highlights the singer's desperation to start over again and try to make things work with his partner.
Overall, "Can I Change My Mind" is a powerful and relatable song that explores the complexities of relationships and the difficulty of making life-changing decisions.
Line by Line Meaning
She didn't bat an eye, as I packed my bags to leave
She showed no emotion as I prepared to depart
I thought she would cry, or sit around my room and grieve
I anticipated that she would be sad and mournful, but she proved me wrong
But oh the girl she fooled me this time
She deceived me with her lack of reaction
Acting like I was the last thing on her mind
Behaving as though I didn't matter
Now I'd like to start all over again
I want to begin anew
I just want to change my mind
I desire to alter my decision to leave
As I took those steps, toward that open door
As I walked towards the exit
Knowing all the time, oh Lord I just didn't wanna go
Despite my knowledge that leaving was the right choice, I didn't truly want to leave
She didn't give me no sign
She didn't indicate that she wanted me to stay
Nothing that would make me wanna change my mind
There was no reason for me to reconsider my decision
You know, I was confused, sitting here by myself thinking
I was uncertain and reflective
watching you walk to the door and walk away
Seeing you leave
what was I supposed to say change your mind
What could I have said to make you stay?
Oh I've played my game so many times before
I've gone through this same scenario many times in the past
But people let me tell y'all, that I never reached the door
But let me tell you, I never actually left
Oh the wind it is high tonight
The wind is particularly strong tonight
I keep lookin' for my baby but she's not in sight
I'm searching for my significant other but can't find her
And I would like to start all over again
And I want to start anew
Baby can I change my mind
Can I change my decision, my mind
'Cause I would like to start all over again
Because I want to begin again
Baby can I change my, my mind
Can I make a different decision, my mind
'Cause I would like to start all over again with you girl
Because I want to begin anew with you, girl
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Barry George Despenza, Carl Wolfolk
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind