I was chatting with our friend David, the same friend who gave me the idea for last night’s music post, and he mentioned Sam & Dave … WOW!  I haven’t thought of them in ages … probably some 40 years!  But immediately tonight’s song came into my head and, as often happens, it decided to make itself at home and stay for a while.  And so, my friends, I am sharing my earworm with you!

The song was written by the songwriting team of Isaac Hayes and David Porter, who came up with the title of the song spontaneously when Hayes was trying to get Porter to hurry out of the Stax Studios restroom and get back to songwriting.  The original title was Hold On, I’m Comin’, but some radio stations objected to its “suggestive nature”, and labels on most copies of the single gave the title as “Hold On! I’m A Comin'”. 🙄

Released in 1966, this song was deemed too prurient to air by many radio stations, and it stalled at #21 in the US. The lyrics are actually quite innocent, with the duo offering emotional support to help a lady through some tough times, but back in those days, people had not yet been exposed to the likes of Madonna I guess.

Sam & Dave recorded for Stax Records, which was a popular soul music label in the ’60s and early ’70s. Isaac Hayes was also on the label, which created a very loose and comfortable atmosphere for their artists – at least until they had a financial meltdown in the mid-’70s. While Motown worked hard on the visual styles and choreography of their artists, Stax left most of that up to the singers, which meant that most of them just came out and sang. Sam & Dave were the exception, doing lots of crazy dancing and improvisation in their stage shows, which was always on display when they performed this song.

When I played Sam Cooke’s You Send Me last night, I noted that I was surprised to see that Aretha Franklin had also covered it, for I had no idea.  What a coincidence that tonight’s song was also covered by Aretha in 1981 for her album, Love All the Hurt Away!  Again, as with last night’s song, I prefer the original by Sam & Dave, but will include both so you can choose your favourite!

This song was featured in the 1980 movie The Blues Brothers. It plays from a cassette in Jake and Elwood’s car during the first police car chase. John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd modeled their act on Sam & Dave.

An interesting bit of trivia … Booker T. Jones of Booker T. & the MGs played the tambourine on this song!

One thing confuses me, and when Clive gets out of the hospital, perhaps he can answer this question for me.  While this song did not chart in the United Kingdom, it was certified ‘Silver’ with sales of over 200,000.

Hold On, I’m Comin’
Sam & Dave

Don’t you ever feel sad
Lean on me when times are bad
When the day comes and you’re down
In a river of trouble and about to drown

Just hold on, I’m comin’
Hold on, I’m comin’

I’m goin’ my way, your lover
If you get cold, yeah, I will be your cover
Don’t have to worry (worry) ’cause I’m here (I’m here)
No need to suffer baby (protect you)
‘Cause I’m here (yeah, yeah)

Just hold on, I’m comin’
Hold on, I’m comin’
Hold on, I’m comin’
Hold on, I’m comin’

Looky here
Reach out to me for satisfaction, yeah
Looky here Dave, that’s all she got to do
Call my name, yeah, for quick reaction
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Now don’t you ever feel sad
Lean on me when the times are bad
When the day comes and you’re down, baby
In a river of trouble and about to drown

Just hold on, I’m comin’
Hold on, I’m comin’

Just hold on (don’t you worry)
I’m comin’ (here we come)
Hold on (we’re about to save you)
I’m comin’ (yeah)

Hold on (don’t you worry)
I’m comin’ (here I come)
Hold on

Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: David Porter / Isaac Hayes
Hold On, I’m Comin’ lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc, Universal Music Publishing Group