Walk a Mile in My Shoes

Joe South

About Walk a Mile in My Shoes

For the Elvis Presley box set, see Walk a Mile in My Shoes: The Essential '70s Masters."Walk a Mile in My Shoes" is a song written by Joe South, who had a hit with it in 1970. South was also producer and arranger of the track, and of its B-side, "Shelter". The single was credited to "Joe South and the Believers"; the Believers included his brother Tommy South and his sister-in-law Barbara South. The song's highest position on the Billboard Hot 100 was #12, which was also its highest position in the Cashbox chart. It also reached highs of #56 country and #3 Adult Contemporary in Billboard, and made #10 in the RPM chart in Canada. It was South's second and final record to reach the top 20 of the Billboard chart. It also reached the Top 20 in Australia. The song concerns racial tolerance and the need for perspective and compassion. 


Year:
1996
2,318 
#5

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If I could be you and you could be me for just one hour
If we could finda way to get inside each others mind
If you could see you through my eyes instead of your ego
I believe you'd be surprised to see that you'd been blind
Walk a mile in why shoes, walk a mile in my shoes
Yeah, before you abuse, criticize and accuse, walk a mile in my shoes

Well, your whole world around you is just a reflection
And the law of common says you're gonna reap just what you sow

[spoken:] Yes, you will

So unless you've lived a life of total perfection
Mm-mm, you'd better be careful of evey stone that you should throw

[spoken] Yeah, yeah

Yet we spend the day throwin' stones at one another  
'Cause I don't think or wear my hair the same way you do
Well, I may be common people but I'm your brother
And when you strike out and try to hurt me it's a-hurtin' you

[spoken] Lord, have mercy

Walk a mile in my shoes, walk a mile in my shoes
Yeah, before you abuse, criticize and accuse, walk a mile in my shoes

There are people on reservations and out in the ghettos
And brother, there, but for the grace of God, go you and I

[spoken] Yeah, yeah

If I only had the wings of little angels don'tcha you know I'd fly
To the top of the mountain andthen I'd cry?

[spoken] Yeah

Walk a mile in my shoes, walk a mile in my shoes
Oh, before you abuse, crticize and accuse, walk a mile in my shoes

[spoken] Yeah

Walk a mile in my shoes, walk a mile in my shoes
Hey, before you abuse, criticize and accuse, walk a mile in my shoes.

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Joe South

Joe South (February 28, 1940 – September 5, 2012) was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. Best known for his songwriting, South won the Grammy for Song of the Year in 1970 for "Games People Play" and was again nominated for the award in 1972 for "Rose Garden". more »

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Written by: JOE SOUTH

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


4 facts about this song

Song Origin & Composition
1. "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" was originally written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Joe South. 2. The song was released in 1970 as part of Joe South’s album also named "Don't It Make You Want to Go Home". 3. The lyrics of the song promote the famous phrase for understanding empathy, among others, the saying of the Cherokee tribe, "Don't judge a man until you've walked a mile in his shoes."
Elvis Presley's Version
4. Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, recorded and performed the song "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" as part of his 1970 live album "On Stage." 5. The Elvis version of the song became a significant part of his live performances in the early 70s. 6. Although the song wasn’t released as a single by Elvis Presley, it’s considered an Elvis song because of its popularity in his live shows.
Chart Performance & Recognition
7. Joe South's original version of the song charted at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 3 on the Adult Contemporary charts in 1970. 8. The song has been covered by many artists spanning multiple genres, including folk, country, and rock, indicating its broad appeal and iconic status. 9. The Elvis version of "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" is included in many compilations and box sets, including "Walk a Mile in My Shoes: The Essential ‘70s Masters."
Cultural Impact
10. The song's message of empathy and understanding has led to its use in various social and cultural contexts. 11. In 1995, a tribute album called "Walk a Mile in My Shoes: The Songs of Elvis Presley" was released featuring cover versions of Elvis songs by various artists. 12. The phrase "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" has become a well-known saying used in popular culture, often to express or encourage empathy and understanding.

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    Walk a Mile in My Shoes

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1970

    Billboard #12


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