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.
Something You Got
Wilson Pickett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But it's gettin' to me
It makes my cold nights hot
Hot winds just blow right through me
Oh, power
Lady, it's in your hands
You got me hummin' now
I wake up early at night
I can't go back to sleep now
Even walk in the red lights
Tired of talking, I try to sleep
Look here if I try to walk
That's when my feet start a runnin'
'Cause you got me hummin' now
You got me hummin' now
I don't know what you got
But it's gettin' to me
It makes my cold nights hot
Hot winds just blow right through me
Look here if I try to walk
That's when my feet start a runnin'
'Cause you got me hummin' now
'Cause you got me hummin' now
You got me hummin' now
You got me hummin', oh
You got me hummin', oh yeah
You got me hummin', oh
Wilson Pickett's "Somethin' You Got" is a classic soul and R&B song that was originally released in 1966. Pickett sings about a woman who has a certain power over him that he can't quite put his finger on. He doesn't know what it is exactly that she has, but it's something that is affecting him deeply. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who can't sleep, is restless, and is constantly feeling the effects of this woman's power.
The lyrics "I don't know what you got but it's getting to me" suggest that Pickett is feeling something he can't explain. It could be physical, emotional or spiritual. He's longing to understand what this feeling is that's keeping him up at night. The lyrics "it makes my cold nights hot, hot winds just blow right through me" describe the intensity of what he's feeling. It's almost as if he's being consumed by this woman's power.
Pickett goes on to describe how he's unable to walk or even talk properly, as the feeling of being consumed by this woman's power is so strong. He's completely humbled by her, to the point where he can't even control his own movements. It's clear that this woman has a deep and powerful effect on him, and he's trying to come to terms with it.
Overall, "Somethin' You Got" is a powerful and evocative song about the power of love and how it can consume us. Pickett's powerful voice and the soulful instrumentation provide the perfect backdrop for these lyrics, and it's easy to see why this song has become a classic of its genre.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know what you got
I'm not sure what it is that you possess
But it's gettin' to me
Whatever it is, it's affecting me in a powerful way
It makes my cold nights hot
It warms me up, even in the coldest of nights
Hot winds just blow right through me
Even the wind blowing hot doesn't compare to the impact of what you have
Oh, power
Whatever it is that you have, it contains a great deal of strength
Lady, it's in your hands
This power is being held by you, specifically
'Cause you got me hummin' now
You have me completely consumed by this feeling
I wake up early at night
I am unable to sleep and end up waking up earlier than I planned
I can't go back to sleep now
Once I'm awake, I can't seem to fall back asleep
Even walk in the red lights
I am so consumed by this feeling that I even find myself walking through dangerous areas
Tired of talking, I try to sleep
I am so preoccupied by this feeling that I stop talking and try to sleep
Look here if I try to walk
If I try to move, something happens
That's when my feet start a runnin'
I can't help myself from running and moving around when I feel this sensation
'Cause you got me hummin' now
This feeling is so strong because of you
You got me hummin' now
I am consumed and entranced by this feeling
You got me hummin', oh
I am under your spell, completely consumed by this sensation
You got me hummin', oh yeah
I am so enraptured by what you have that I can't help but hum along
You got me hummin', oh
I am completely consumed by this feeling
Lyrics ยฉ Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID PORTER, ISAAC HAYES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@douglasmontgomery4256
In the 60's was a fm station in San Fran, KSOL, played this music, blew my mind, saved my soul
@x-rockfm92hd81
70 NOW STILL ROCKING WICKED PICKETT IN 2022 YOU SEE MY WALKING CAIN BEWARE๐๐
@srercrcr
Sitting next to Chris Kenner's amazing original this sounds like pop.
@raisincane42
That "Wicked Picket" let it all hang out. Now that is music to my ears!
@onanlesinko6143
Solid soul..
@michaelstocks4231
Wilson Pickett - listening to this guy all through the 60's - brilliant voice and some amazing songs -KTF
@coravisser727
i love your music Wilson thank you.
@horatiohuffnagel7978
Love those Horns!!
@tdd652
Great compilation. Many thanks.
@djdrewbreeze
I saw the same Hardee's tv spot also. I remember the rap group Brand Nubian used it on that song " AIN'T NO MYSTERY'