About the Song
Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home to Me,” released in 1962, isn’t your typical love song. It’s a raw and impassioned plea, a soulful cry for connection that transcends the realm of romance. This B-side to the more upbeat “Having a Party” emerged as a powerful testament to Cooke’s artistry, showcasing his unmatched vocal prowess and his ability to tap into universal human emotions.
The song opens with a sense of urgency. The piano chords are sparse yet insistent, mirroring the restless energy in Cooke’s voice. The lyrics paint a picture of longing and displacement: “I been workin’ all week long / Honey, what you doin’ wrong?” Cooke doesn’t explicitly state the source of his discontent, but the yearning for connection, for someone to “bring it on home to me,” is palpable.
The beauty of “Bring It On Home to Me” lies in its ambiguity. While it can be interpreted as a plea for a romantic partner to return home, it can also be seen as a broader yearning for comfort, security, and a sense of belonging. The song resonates with anyone who has ever felt lost, alone, or disconnected.
Cooke’s vocals are the heart and soul of the song. He delivers the lyrics with a raw vulnerability, his voice cracking with emotion at times. There’s a desperation in his plea, a yearning for solace and understanding. Yet, there’s also a flicker of hope, a belief that connection and belonging are attainable.
Musically, the song is a masterclass in creating atmosphere. The sparse arrangement, featuring a prominent piano and a restrained drumbeat, allows Cooke’s voice to take center stage. The soulful backing vocals add depth and texture, further amplifying the emotional intensity.
“Bring It On Home to Me” may not have achieved the chart success of some of Cooke’s other hits, but its influence on Soul music is undeniable. This song, along with others like Ray Charles’ “Hit the Road Jack,” helped define the genre’s signature sound – a blend of rawness, emotion, and vulnerability.
Today, “Bring It On Home to Me” continues to resonate with listeners. It’s a timeless reminder of the human need for connection, a yearning for a place to call home, be it physical or emotional. The song’s raw emotion and Cooke’s masterful delivery ensure that “Bring It On Home to Me” will remain a touchstone of Soul music for generations to come.
Video
Lyrics: “Bring It On Home To Me”
If you ever change your mind
About leaving, leaving me behind
Baby, bring it to me
Bring your sweet loving
Bring it on home to me, yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah)I know I laughed when you left
But now I know I only hurt myself
Baby, bring it to me
Bring your sweet loving
Bring it on home to me, yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah)I’ll give you jewelry and money, too
That ain’t all, that ain’t all I’ll do for you
Baby, if you bring it to me
Bring your sweet loving
Bring it on home to me, yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah)You know I’ll always be your slave
‘Til I’m buried, buried in my grave
Oh honey, bring it to me
Bring your sweet loving
Bring it on home to me, yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah)One more thing
I tried to treat you right
But you stayed out, stayed out late at night
But I forgive you, bring it to me
Bring your sweet loving
Bring it on home to me, yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah)
Yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah)…