Eddie Lee Floyd (born June 25, 1937) is an American soul/R&B singer and songwriter, best known for his work on the Stax record label in the 1960s and 1970s and the song "Knock on Wood".
Floyd was born in Montgomery, Alabama, but grew up in Detroit, Michigan. He founded The Falcons, which also featured Mack Rice. They were forerunners to future Detroit vocal groups such as The Temptations and The Four Tops. Their most successful songs included "You're So Fine" and later, when Wilson Pickett was recruited into the group as the lead singer, "I Found a Love". Pickett then embarked on a solo career, and The Falcons disbanded.
Floyd signed on with the Memphis based Stax Records as a songwriter in 1965. He wrote a hit song, "Comfort Me" recorded by Carla Thomas. He then teamed with Stax's guitarist Steve Cropper to write songs for Wilson Pickett, now signed to Atlantic Records. Atlantic distributed Stax and Jerry Wexler brought Pickett down from New York to work with Booker T. & the MGs. The Pickett sessions were successful, yielding several pop and R&B hits, including the Floyd co-written "Ninety-Nine and a Half (Won't Do)" and "634-5789 (Soulsville USA)".
Wilson Pickett (March 18, 1941 – January 19, 2006) was an American R&B/Soul singer and songwriter.
A major figure in the development of American soul music, Pickett recorded over 50 songs which made the US R&B charts, and frequently crossed over to the US Billboard Hot 100. Among his best known hits are "In the Midnight Hour" (which he co-wrote), "Land of 1,000 Dances", "Mustang Sally", and "Funky Broadway".
The impact of Pickett's songwriting and recording led to his 1991 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Pickett was born March 18, 1941 in Prattville, Alabama, and grew up singing in Baptist church choirs.
He was the fourth of 11 children and called his mother "the baddest woman in my book," telling historian Gerri Hirshey: "I get scared of her now. She used to hit me with anything, skillets, stove wood — (one time I ran away and) cried for a week. Stayed in the woods, me and my little dog." Pickett eventually left to live with his father in Detroit in 1955.
Pickett's forceful, passionate style of singing was developed in the church and on the streets of Detroit, under the influence of recording stars such as Little Richard, whom he later referred to as "the architect of rock and roll.
As I stand here these evening
Looking out over the metropolis of Los Angeles, California
I can't help but think about the young lady that I met here
So I wrote a song tonight and I call it my California girl
California girl, you're living in a different world
Let the sun shine in, right here where my love begins
No, I won't ever hurt you, no, I won't make you cry, no
California girl, I'm gonna love, love you till the day I die, yeah
Everybody help me sing this song one more time, yeah
California girl, you're living by the sand and sea
And it means every little thing now, now that you belong to me
Oh, I'm gonna make you happy, oh, I'm gonna see you smile, yeah
My California, California, California
I'm gonna love you baby, till the day I die, yeah
California girl, oh, you live in a different world, yes you are
And it means every little thing darling, now that you are my girl, yeah
No, I won't never hurt you, baby, I won't see you cry, no
My California, California, California
I'm gonna love you baby, till the day I die, yeah
Everybody help me sing these song one more time
California girl, California girl
Oh, I'm gonna love you baby, yes I am
Till the day, the day, the day, the day I die, yeah
You see I'm not ashamed tonight
To say these words to the young lady
That I met at the metropolis of Los Angeles, California, huh
And as I look out over the sky tonight
Through the fog and through the smog
I can't help but think about that young girl, oh, oh, oh baby
Everybody, help me, help me sing one more time, yeah
You can bring joy
I never had
I'm gonna be right near now
Long as it lasts and that's why
Things get better baby
When I'm with you, yeah
Things get better baby
When I'm with you, yeah
I can be lonely
You can be found
I'm not lonely baby, but
You're always around and that's why
Things get better baby
When I'm with you, yeah
Things get better baby
When I'm with you, yeah
Never in doubt or without you
I know that you're mine
I can't lose this feeling
You stay on my mind and that's why
Things get better baby
When I'm with you, yeah
Things get better baby
When I'm with you, yeah
Things get better baby
When I'm with you, yeah
Things get better baby
You never tell me, no, when you know I'm going to ask
But like a woman in your way you show
That you're always willing, share the same feeling
Love is you
(I thank you)
Love is you
(I thank you)
Oh, I know that love is you now
(Precious love)
When you smile I know everything about you, Lord
And when you touch me and whisper real softly
You say you're ready, then call me sweet daddy
Love is you
(I thank you)
Love is you
(I thank you)
Oh, I know that love is you, yeah
(Precious love)
You make the world go round
You lift me up when I'm falling down
You make me need you, oh, you must be magic
'Cause you're always willing, share the same good feeling
Love is you
(I thank you)
Love is you
(I thank you)
Oh, I know that love is you, oh yeah
(My old precious love)
You're good, love
(I thank you)
You're good, love
(I thank you)
Oh, I know it's you
(My old precious love)
You know I'm not gonna work in my life
'Cause love is you
(I thank you)
Love is you
(I thank you)
Love is you
(My old precious love)
I know you're tryin' to be a big girl
And keep the tears from your eyes
And it's going to be a little hard
To lift your head up high
And you're gonna need a man
A man who'll understand
Whoa, darlin' darlin' darlin'
Please consider me
Well, I know that all your friends
Have left you all alone
And all the good times
You had with them are gone
So you need yourself a man
Yeah, and I'll understand
Well, darlin' darlin' darlin'
Please consider me
Baby, oh I've felt
This way before
Many many many many many
Times before
So you've got to have a man
Yeah, and you know I'll understand
Whoa, darlin' darlin' darlin'
Just consider me
I don't want to be left on the outside
Please consider me babe
I don't want to be left all alone
Please consider me, yeah
I don't want to be left on the outside baby
Please consider me, yeah
You never tell me, no, when you know I'm going to ask
But like a woman in your way you show
That you're always willing, share the same feeling
Love is you
(I thank you)
Love is you
(I thank you)
Oh, I know that love is you now
(Precious love)
When you smile I know everything about you, Lord
And when you touch me and whisper real softly
You say you're ready, then call me sweet daddy
Love is you
(I thank you)
Love is you
(I thank you)
Oh, I know that love is you, yeah
(Precious love)
You make the world go round
You lift me up when I'm falling down
You make me need you, oh, you must be magic
'Cause you're always willing, share the same good feeling
Love is you
(I thank you)
Love is you
(I thank you)
Oh, I know that love is you, oh yeah
(My old precious love)
You're good, love
(I thank you)
You're good, love
(I thank you)
Oh, I know it's you
(My old precious love)
You know I'm not gonna work in my life
'Cause love is you
(I thank you)
Love is you
(I thank you)
Love is you
Well I'm looking for my baby
And when I found my baby
I'm going to kick back the rugs
I'm gonna pull down the shades
Well, I know everything gonna work out fine
Just me and my baby and a glass of wine
On a Saturday night, oh yeah
On a Saturday night
Listen, if we're gonna have a good time
And it might as well be a good time
We're gonna kick back the rug
We're gonna pull down the shade
'Cause I got a get you to be with you
'Cause you're kind of love, I can never get enough
On a Saturday night, oh yeah
On a Saturday night
Alright, work it out son
Well I'm looking for my baby, oh yeah
And when I find my baby
We're gonna go in the back door
I'm gonna lock up the front door
Well, I know everything, gonna work out fine
Just me and my baby and a good old wine
On a Saturday night
You know what I'm talking about, fellas, listen
On a Saturday night, oh yeah, alright now
On a Saturday night, oh yeah darling
On a Saturday night, everything uptight, baby
On a Saturday night
Just do it, alright now, yeah
Given up on your love because
I found out years I've lost.
I found it so hard myself,
What's been seen by everyone else -
Oh that your good love, good, good love
Has been a bad, bad love.
Led me on, oh that's what you did,
To believe that you loved me -
When all the time you knew
You just pitied me.
Oh that's all right, guess you win -
Every road must have an end -
When your good love, good love, good love
Has been a bad, bad love.
Am I wrong?
That's what I ask myself,
And I just got to know,
Should I forgive,
And find somebody else?
You know I stood yesterday,
Oh I can't stand it again -
When your good love, good love, good love
Has been a bad, bad love.
(Oh) Good love, good love, good love
Ain't no love, ain't no love, like my baby's love
It's like burnin' fire, set off in my bones
Ain't no lonely days, ain't no lonely lonely lonely nights
Every little thing that she does
I know the girl's alright
'Cause I ain't never, never, found me a girl
Love me like you do, to love me like you do
Ain't no man, ain't no man, go a little woman like me
You got all the lovin' honey, what a sweet girl can claim
You're every poor boys dream, and every rich mans friend
But I don't need money, honey
'Cause you're always there
'Cause I ain't never, never, found me a girl
Love me like you do, to love me like you do
No I ain't never, never, found me a girl
Love me like you do, to love me like you do
To love me like you do
No I ain't never, never, found me a girl
Open up the sky
Cause I'm coming up to you
So send down your wings
And let `em bring me to you
You know I'm standing at the station, ready to go
Oh, big `ol aeroplane, I'm trusting you so
Get on up big bird, to my baby's love
Get on up big bird, to my baby's love
Get on up big bird,
Cause I got to make it,
Just get on up
Cause I got to make it,
Get on up
With me down here
And you up there
Now all we know is
It ain't no fair
`Cause I got love packed in my baggage
Holdin' my claim check,
Gonna be with my baby
And never comin' back
Get on up big bird, to my baby's love
Get on up big bird, to my baby's love
Get on up big bird,
Just get on up
Open up the sky
Cause I'm coming up to you
So send down your wings
And let `em bring me to you
Get on up big bird, to my baby's love
Get on up big bird, to my baby's love
Get on up big bird,
Cause I got to make it,
Just get on up
Cause I got to make it,
Get on up
Get on up big bird,
Get on up big bird,
Get on up big bird,
If you need some a little loving
Call on me
And if you need some kissin'
Call on me baby
I'll be right here at home
All you gotta do is pick up the telephone and dial now
Six three four five seven eight nine
That's my number
Six three four five seven eight nine
If you want some loving
Call on me
And if you want sweet hugging
Call on me baby
No more lonely nights will you be alone
All you gotta do is pick up the telephone and dial now
Six three four five seven eight nine
That's my number
Six three four five seven eight nine
I'll be right there
Just as soon as I can
And if I'll be a little bit late
I hope you will understand
If you want some good loving
Call on me
If you need a good loving baby
Call on me baby
Oh I'll be right here at home
All you gotta do is pick up that telephone and dial now
Six three four five seven eight nine
That's my number
Six three four five seven eight nine
If you ever change your mind
about leavin', leavin' me behind
oh, oh, bring it to me
bring your sweet lovin'
bring it on home to me, oh yeah
You know i laughed (ha ha) when you left
but now i know i've only hurt myself
oh, oh, bring it to me
bring your sweet lovin'
bring it on home to me, yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah) yeah
(yeah)
I'll give you jewellery, money too
and that's not all, all i'll do for you
oh, oh, bring it to me
bring your sweet lovin'
bring it on home to me, yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah) yeah
(yeah)
yeah
You know i'll always be your slave
till i'm dead and buried in my grave
oh, oh, bring it to me
bring your sweet lovin'
bring it on home to me, yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah) yeah
(yeah)
If you ever change your mind
about leavin', leavin' me behind
oh, oh, bring it to me
bring your sweet lovin'
bring it on home to me, yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah) yeah
(yeah)
Oh yeah
I know blood is thicker than water
But who you gonna satisfy?
I know in your mother's eye
You're the only baby child
(Baby child, baby child)
I know blood is thicker than water
But I just can't come and see
If you let your family stand between you and me
(You and me, you and me)
'Cause I love you and you love me
That's the way it's supposed to be
Tell your folks to leave us alone
Get your things, come on home
I know blood is thicker than water
But who you gonna satisfy, oh?
Oh yeah
I know blood is thicker than water
But who you gonna satisfy, girl?
I know in your mama's eye
You're the only baby child
(Baby child, baby child)
I know blood is thicker than water
I just had to come and see
If you let your family stand between you and me
(You and me, you and me)
You see, I need you, you need me
We can't live off the family tree
Tell your folks to leave us alone
Get your things and come on home
Oh, baby
(I know blood is thicker than water but who you gonna satisfy?)
And satisfy me love
On the bay, yes I am
(I know blood is thicker than water but who you gonna satisfy?)
Honey, I just love you
Would you like to answer this?
(I know blood is thicker than water)
Who you gonna satisfy, darling
When the moon is shining bright, yeah
Oh baby
(I know blood is thicker than water)
Who you gonna satisfy now, yeah?
I don't want to lose this good thing
That I got 'cause if I do
I will surely,
Surely lose a lot.
'Cause her love is better
Than any love I know.
It's like thunder, lightning,
The way you love me is frightening.
I better knock...on wood, baby.
I'm not superstitious about ya
But I can't take no chance.
You got me spinnin', baby,
Baby, I'm in a trance.
'Cause your love is better
Than any love I know.
It's like thunder, lightning,
The way you love me is fright'ning.
I better knock (knock) on wood, baby.
It's no secret,
That woman is my loving cup
'Cause she sees to it
That I get enough.
Just one touch from her,
You know it means so much.
It's like thunder, lightning,
The way you love me is frightening.
I better knock (knock) on wood, baby.
I better knock (knock, knock)...
Oh, yeah, think I better knock (knock, knock) on wood
Think I better knock (knock, knock) on wood
Think I better knock (knock, knock) on wood
Oh yeah, I wanna tell you 'bout my baby
I wanna tell you 'bout my baby, oh yeah now
When the sun goes down
Everybody oughta be with the one you love
When the sun goes down, oh yeah, yeah, yeah now
I can just feel you in my arms right now
Baby, please come back home
You see I love you, I want you, I need you, I love you
Baby, come on, come on, come on baby
I just wanna be loved, I just wanna be loved
I just wanna be loved, I just wanna be loved
Need you, love you, won't you baby, yeah
When the sun goes down
Talking about the sun, oh now, now, now, oh yeah
That's when I want you the most
I wanna work for you all day long
I wanna be with you, only you can satisfy, baby, baby
I wonder if anybody, anybody know the way I feel
I wonder if I can get the whole band, I wonder if I can get everybody
I wonder if I can get everybody to help me
Come on, help me Carla, come on girl
Come on, come on, come on, come on
Come on baby, that's it, come on, come on baby, yeah
When the sun goes down, when the sun goes down
When the sun goes down
I wonder if I can get the piano man to help me one time
When the sun goes down, when the sun goes down
When the sun goes down, when the sun goes down
I need my baby when the sun goes down
Everybody help me sing one more time
But I'm about to blow my mind
When the sun goes down, that's when I need you the most
Come on, come on, come on, everybody now
When the sun goes down, when the sun goes down
That's when I need my baby around, when the sun goes down
One more time with the dear one, come on one time
If you ever change your mind
About leavin', leavin' me behind
Oh, oh, bring it to me
Bring your sweet lovin'
Bring it on home to me, oh yeah
You know I laughed (ha ha) when you left
But now I know I've only hurt myself
Oh, oh, bring it to me
Bring your sweet lovin'
Bring it on home to me, yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah)
I'll give you jewellery, money too
And that's not all, all I'll do for you
Oh, oh, bring it to me
Bring your sweet lovin'
Bring it on home to me, yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah)
Yeah
------ guitar and piano in unison ------
You know I'll always be your slave
Till I'm dead and buried in my grave
Oh, oh, bring it to me
Bring your sweet lovin'
Bring it on home to me, yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah)
If you ever change your mind
About leavin', leavin' me behind
Oh, oh, bring it to me
Bring your sweet lovin'
Bring it on home to me, yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah)
Yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah)
As I stand here these evening
Looking out over the metropolis of Los Angeles, California
I can't help but think about the young lady that I met here
So I wrote a song tonight and I call it my California girl
California girl, you're living in a different world
Let the sun shine in, right here where my love begins
No, I won't ever hurt you, no, I won't make you cry, no
California girl, I'm gonna love, love you till the day I die, yeah
Everybody help me sing this song one more time, yeah
California girl, you're living by the sand and sea
And it means every little thing now, now that you belong to me
Oh, I'm gonna make you happy, oh, I'm gonna see you smile, yeah
My California, California, California
I'm gonna love you baby, till the day I die, yeah
California girl, oh, you live in a different world, yes you are
And it means every little thing darling, now that you are my girl, yeah
No, I won't never hurt you, baby, I won't see you cry, no
My California, California, California
I'm gonna love you baby, till the day I die, yeah
Everybody help me sing these song one more time
California girl, California girl
Oh, I'm gonna love you baby, yes I am
Till the day, the day, the day, the day I die, yeah
You see I'm not ashamed tonight
To say these words to the young lady
That I met at the metropolis of Los Angeles, California, huh
And as I look out over the sky tonight
Through the fog and through the smog
I can't help but think about that young girl, oh, oh, oh baby
I know you're tryin' to be a big girl
And keep the tears from your eyes
And it's going to be a little hard
To lift your head up high
And you're gonna need a man
A man who'll understand
Whoa, darlin' darlin' darlin'
Please consider me
Well, I know that all your friends
Have left you all alone
And all the good times
You had with them are gone
So you need yourself a man
Yeah, and I'll understand
Well, darlin' darlin' darlin'
Please consider me
Baby, oh I've felt
This way before
Many many many many many
Times before
So you've got to have a man
Yeah, and you know I'll understand
Whoa, darlin' darlin' darlin'
Just consider me
I don't want to be left on the outside
Please consider me babe
I don't want to be left all alone
Please consider me, yeah
I don't want to be left on the outside baby
I don't want to lose this good thing
That I got 'cause if I do
I will surely,
Surely lose a lot.
'Cause her love is better
Than any love I know.
It's like thunder, lightning,
The way you love me is frightening.
I better knock...on wood, baby.
I'm not superstitious about ya
But I can't take no chance.
You got me spinnin', baby,
Baby, I'm in a trance.
'Cause your love is better
Than any love I know.
It's like thunder, lightning,
The way you love me is fright'ning.
I better knock (knock) on wood, baby.
It's no secret,
That woman is my loving cup
'Cause she sees to it
That I get enough.
Just one touch from her,
You know it means so much.
It's like thunder, lightning,
The way you love me is frightening.
I better knock (knock) on wood, baby.
I better knock (knock, knock)...
Oh, yeah, think I better knock (knock, knock) on wood
Think I better knock (knock, knock) on wood
Think I better knock (knock, knock) on wood