Willie Clayton is an American singer-songwriter and producer. Like several … Read Full Bio ↴Willie Clayton is an American singer-songwriter and producer. Like several African American singer/songwriters, he began performing gospel music in church as a youngster and then moved into the secular field as a lyricist, producer, and singer. An active recording artist since the early 1970s, Clayton's career has endured almost 40 years and has spanned a repertoire in the styles of R&B, soul, and gospel. Birthed into an era of soul and R&B legends, a time when music was pure, lyrics had meaning, Willie Clayton is now one the few working artist of his contemporaries. Since the 1970’s he’s been crooning with the likes of Ron Isley, Bobby Womack, Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye, yet now he stands nearly alone, facing a new generation.

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.

Your Sweetness
Willie Clayton Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I used to dream of being in love
Until the day I kissed you
Love was bold and love took hold
And now I can't resist you

That was the start of something
I just can't seem to deny I'm in love

Your sweetness is my weakness
Girl, your sweetness blows my mind

When it comes to making love
You give me the world's richest treasure
And I will never hesitate
To give you all my love forever

Now I know how it feels
To be in love with someone who loves me for real

Your sweetness, you know, is my weakness
Your sweetness, girl, is my weakness
Your sweetness, you know, is my weakness
Honey, your sweetness blows my mind

Now I know how it feels
To be in love with someone who loves me for real

Your sweetness, you know, is my weakness
Girl, your sweetness, honey, is my weakness
Sweet, girl you're so sweet

Sweet, girl you're so sweet
Girl, your love is so for real

Sweetness, girl, is my weakness
Sweet...

Overall Meaning

These lyrics are a sweet and romantic ode to a lover who has captured the singer's heart. The song starts with the singer reminiscing on his dreams of being in love until he meets the person he is singing to. He describes how love took hold of him after their kiss and he can't resist them. The chorus emphasizes how the person's sweetness is his weakness and how it blows his mind. The singer goes on to express how the person makes love like it's the world's richest treasure and how he will never hesitate to give them all his love. The song ends with the singer marveling at the fact that he is in love with someone who loves him for real and how this person's sweetness is his weakness.

The chorus of the song is undoubtedly the standout portion, with the repeated phrase "your sweetness is my weakness" driving home the message of the song. Clayton's soulful delivery of the lyrics adds to the overall romantic and emotional vibe of the song. The song speaks to the feeling of falling head over heels in love and not being able to resist the charms of the person who has won your heart.

Line by Line Meaning

I used to dream of being in love
I had fantasies about being in love

Until the day I kissed you
But those fantasies disappeared the day I kissed you

Love was bold and love took hold
I fell deeply in love with you

And now I can't resist you
And now I can't help but want to be close to you

That was the start of something
That kiss was the beginning of a journey

I just can't seem to deny I'm in love
I can't lie to myself - I know I'm in love with you

Your sweetness is my weakness
Your kind nature has a hold over me

Girl, your sweetness blows my mind
I'm amazed by the kindness you show

When it comes to making love
When we share intimacy

You give me the world's richest treasure
You make me feel like I have everything I need in this world

And I will never hesitate
And I will always be ready