One of the most popular black singers of the 60s, Wilson Pickett helped introduce the aggressive, rhythmic style of black music to a wide audience and has influenced almost countless rnb artists over the years. It all got started in Prattville, Alabama, where he was raised. Pickett moved to Detroit, Michigan at the age of sixteen, and he made his professional debut spending several years singing with the gospel group The Violinaires in the late 50s. From 1961 to 1963, he was in The Falcons, writing and singing their 1962 hit "I Found A Love".
Pickett then went solo and signed with Lloyd Price's Double L Records, where he wrote and recorded "If You Love Me" and "It's Too Late." In 1964, Pickett signed with Atlantic Records and did his early recordings in the Stax studio in Memphis, Tennessee with Booker T. Jones and Steve Cropper of The MGs. Cropper co-authored three of his early hits, "In the Midnight Hour" and "Don't Fight It from his debut album The Exciting Wilson Pickett that established him as a major soul star. The album also included "Ninety-Nine and a Half (Won't Do)," "She's So Good to Me," and "Land of a 1,000 Dances," all recorded at Fame Studio in Muscle Shoals.
Pickett then had hits with "Mustang Sally," "I Found a Love," and "Funky Broadway," all recorded in Muscle Shoals. Pickett then teamed with Bobby Womack in 1968 for Midnight Mover that yielded a Top 10 R7B and pop hit with Womack's title song. In 1969, Pickett had a major hit with The Beatles "Hey Jude,", followed in 1970 by "Sugar, Sugar." Later in 1970, Pickett worked with producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia. The result was two crossover hits "Engine Number Nine," and "Don't Let the Green Grass Fool You."
After crossover hits "Don't Knock My Love - Part 1" and "Fire and Water" Pickett left Atlantic for RCA, with minimum success. Pickett later recorded for several record companies, including his own Wicked label, but failed to have anymore hits.
Wilson Pickett was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.In 1999 he performed with his friend Bruce Springsteen.In 2002 he performed in the movie Only The Strong Survive.Singing his classic hits like In the Midnight hour and Land Of 1000 Dances.In 2004 Pickett retired from performing do to Health problems.Pickett told his sister he was going to the field of God but he never recovered.
On January 19,2006 Pickett died of a heart attack at his home. At his funeral long time friend Richard Pennimen (Little Richard) did a eulogy for Mr Pickett with his brothers at his funeral.
Pickett's Personal life was troubled. In 1993 he struck a pedestrian Pepe Ruiz. Later that year Ruiz died. Soul Singer Don Covay called him "Young and Wild". Pickett was arrested many times in his life.
Pledging My Love
Wilson Pickett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As for kisses, once hefty stuff
Don't be afraid, let me know
There's other places, baby, that I can go
If you don't like it, don't knock it
Somebody else, might go and rock it, oh
If you don't need it, don't waste it
Somebody else, might wanna taste it
If the thrill don't turn you on
And the will is much too strong
Don't waste my time, with your foolish ways
I got other things to do with my days
If you don't like it, don't knock it
Somebody else, might go and rock it
Hey, If you don't need it, don't waste it
Somebody else might wanna taste it
Aww, hey, ooh, lord, lord
Ow
Who'll love, who'll dance with me
Who will all, will go all the way 'round town
I'm the one, that turn you on
I'm the same one, that leave you alone
Don't knock my love, don't knock my love
Don't knock my love, baby, don't knock my love
Aaw, good god almighty, it's all right
Aaw, yeah, don't knock my love
Don't knock my love
The lyrics to Wilson Pickett's "Don't Knock My Love Pt. 1" are about asking his partner not to judge his feelings of passion and love. The first verse describes how he wants to express his love for someone but fears it's too much for them. He encourages his partner to be open with him and not be afraid of telling him what they want in their relationship. Pickett emphasizes that there are other people who might appreciate his love and affection. He is not afraid of being judged or being rejected by someone who is not interested in his love.
The chorus is straightforward and tells those who don't appreciate his love and affection not to judge or criticize it. The singer believes that if someone doesn't like his love, other people might enjoy it, and someone might want to experience it. He continues in the second verse by stating that if his love doesn't turn someone on, they shouldn't waste his time with their foolish ways. He concludes by saying that he is the one who turns his partner on, and he is the same one who will leave them alone. He ends the song by repeating the chorus, emphasizing the importance of not knocking his love.
Overall, the lyrics to "Don't Knock My Love Pt. 1" by Wilson Pickett revolve around the idea of giving and receiving love, and not judging others for how they express it. Pickett encourages his partner to be open and honest with him, and not to be afraid, as he believes that his affection can be appreciated by someone else.
Line by Line Meaning
Do it for love, don't hold you up
Do what we both want out of love and don't hold yourself back.
As for kisses, once hefty stuff
Kisses can be powerful and meaningful.
Don't be afraid, let me know
Don't be scared to tell me how you feel.
There's other places, baby, that I can go
If this doesn't work out, I can find love elsewhere.
If you don't like it, don't knock it
If you don't enjoy it, keep it to yourself, others might appreciate it.
Somebody else, might go and rock it, oh
Someone else might take a chance on it and enjoy it.
If you don't need it, don't waste it
If you don't require it, then don't let it go the waste, someone else could benefit.
Somebody else, might wanna taste it
Someone else might be interested in experiencing it.
Aw, baby, aw, baby
An expression of affection to the partner.
If the thrill don't turn you on
If this doesn't excite you.
And the will is much too strong
But you still have a strong desire for it.
Don't waste my time, with your foolish ways
Don't waste my time with your lack of commitment.
I got other things to do with my days
I have other things in life that require my attention.
Who'll love, who'll dance with me
Who will love and dance with me?
Who will all, will go all the way 'round town
Who will come with me and explore the town together?
I'm the one, that turn you on
I am the one that excites and arouses you.
I'm the same one, that leave you alone
I am also the one who will leave you alone when necessary.
Don't knock my love, don't knock my love
Don't criticize my love, just let it be.
Don't knock my love, baby, don't knock my love
Don't criticize my love, baby, don't criticize it.
Aaw, good god almighty, it's all right
An expression meaning everything is going to work out fine.
Aaw, yeah, don't knock my love
Expresses the need for love not to be criticized.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: BRAD SHAPIRO, WILSON PICKETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind