Solomon Burke, “If You Need Me” | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 121^st edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “If You Need Me” by the late, great Solomon Burke.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! In the 121^st edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2022), we recollect and reflect on 🎵 “If You Need Me”, performed by 🎙 Solomon Burke. 

Theme & Lyrics ✍

“If you need me, I want you to call me / Said if you need me, all ya gotta do is call me,” the late, great 🎙 Solomon Burke sings on his no. 2 R&B hit, 🎵 “If You Need Me”. As is so often the case, the 🏆 Grammy-winning musician was NOT the original person to record “If You Need Me.” The original artist, and co-writer was none other than another soul icon, 🎙 Wilson Pickett.  Even though Pickett often had the Midas Touch with many hits to his name, in this case, it was Burke who made “If You Need Me” a certified soul classic.  He continues singing, with incredible soulfulness, “Don’t wait too long if things go wrong / I’ll be home (I’ll be home).”

So, what’s the premise of “If You Need Me”? Matters of the heart is the theme with potential reconciliation the goal, and perhaps, the expectation from Solomon Burke.  The relationship has ended, however, Solomon ‘leaves the door open,’ if you well.  Essentially, if she needs him, he advises her to call, and he’ll be there.  Honestly, he asserts, “And I’ll hurry home / Where I belong.” Of course, we get a snapshot into what might’ve gone awry: “People always said, darlin’ / That I didn’t mean you no good / And you would need me someday.” Hmm, interesting! He continues singing, “Way deep down in my heart / I know I’ve done the best I could / That’s why I know that one of these days / It won’t be long, you’ll come…” Fill in the ellipsis!

Final Thoughts 💭 

🎵 “If You Need Me” is a prime example of that old-school, vintage R&B – the early stuff.  That said, the message and theme is timeless.  Love continues to kick everyone’s butts 50 years after Burke recorded this gem.  Even beyond the relatable message, Solomon showcases why he was such an elite, one-of-a-kind soul musician.  “If You Need Me” is timeless, period.

🎙 Solomon Burke • 💿 If You Need Me • 🏷 Atlantic • 🗓 1963

Solomon Burke, “If You Need Me”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 121 (2022) [📷: Atlantic, Brent Faulkner, Gerhard G., JL G via Pixabay,  Karl Hörnfeldt via Unsplash,  The Musical Hype]