Somebody Have Mercy

Sam Cooke

About Somebody Have Mercy

"Somebody Have Mercy" is a song by American singer-songwriter Sam Cooke, originally released in April 1962 on the album Twistin' the Night Away. The song later was selected for the B-side of the single "Nothing Can Change This Love", which was released on September 11, 1962. It received enough airplay to make the Billboard charts on its own, peaking at No. 3 R&B and No. 70 Pop.


Year:
1969
152 
#2

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Somebody have mercy
And tell me what is wrong with me
Somebody have mercy
And tell me what is wrong with me
Sometimes I don't know how I stand
The things this woman do to me

Let me tell you, when I think about how she do me
The tears fall down like rain, like rain
When I think about how she do me
The tears fall down like rain, like rain
When I think I got her chained down
She starts actin' up again

Oh let me tell you, I'm goin' down to the bus station
With a suitcase in my hand, yes I am
I'm goin' down to the bus station with a suitcase in my hand
Yes I am
I'm gonna grab me an armful of Greyhound
And ride just as far as I can

Somebody have mercy
I wonder what is wrong with me
Somebody have mercy
I wonder what is wrong with me
Sometimes I don't know how I stand
The things this woman do to me

I'm standin' here wonderin' baby
Will a matchbox hold my clothes?
Yes I am
Standin' wonderin' baby
Will a matchbox hold my clothes?
Yes I am
I've got a long way to get there
And I got-a some time to go

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Sam Cooke

Samuel Cook (January 22, 1931 – December 11, 1964), better known under the stage name Sam Cooke, was an American gospel, R&B, soul, and pop singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is considered to be one of the pioneers and founders of soul music. He is commonly known as the King of Soul for his distinctive vocal abilities and influence on the modern world of music. His contribution in pioneering soul music led to the rise of Aretha Franklin, Bobby Womack, Al Green, Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and popularized the likes of Otis Redding and James Brown. more »

7 fans

Written by: SAM COOKE

Lyrics © Abkco Music Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Artist Background
Sam Cooke was an American singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur who is considered to be one of the pioneers of soul music.
Release
"Somebody Have Mercy" was released in 1962 as a part of Cooke's sixth studio album, "Twistin' the Night Away".
Genre
The music genre of "Somebody Have Mercy" can be classified as soul or rhythm and blues.
Billboard Ranking
The song was a great success, reaching number 3 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart.
Duration
The duration of "Somebody Have Mercy" is about 2 minutes and 55 seconds.
Album Success
The album "Twistin' the Night Away" in which "Somebody Have Mercy" was featured, was one of Cooke's most popular albums and was also a hit on the Billboard Pop Albums chart.
Recording Studio
"Somebody Have Mercy" was recorded at RCA Victor's Music Center of the World Studios.
Lyrical Findings
The song's lyrics are a heartfelt plea for mercy, portraying desperation and deep emotion.
Legacy
Following Cooke's tragic death, "Somebody Have Mercy" became one of his most remembered and covered songs, contributing to his enduring legacy.
Cover Versions
Various artists have covered "Somebody Have Mercy", including Eugene Church and Otis Redding, showcasing Cooke's profound influence on soul and R&B music.
Reviews
"Somebody Have Mercy" was lauded by critics and fans for its raw emotion, powerful vocals, and soulful melody.
Live Performances
"Somebody Have Mercy" was performed extensively in Cooke's live concerts where it was often met with enthusiastic response from the audience.

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    Somebody Have Mercy

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    5,671     235

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1962

    Billboard #70


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