About the song
“Bring It On Home to Me” is a classic soul ballad by Sam Cooke, first released on May 8, 1962. As the B-side to Cooke’s upbeat track “Having a Party,” this song quickly established itself as a standout piece and a significant part of Cooke’s storied discography. With its soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics, it not only climbed to number two on Billboard’s Hot R&B Sides chart but also reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song has since become a pop standard, covered by a diverse array of artists and earning a place among The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.
The genesis of “Bring It On Home to Me” occurred during Cooke’s tour for Henry Wynn, where Cooke, already known for his smooth vocal delivery and rich emotional expression, was crafting new material. Originally offered to fellow singer Dee Clark, the song was eventually embraced by Cooke, who felt a strong connection to its gospel-infused melody and lyrical appeal. Co-producer Luigi Creatore, impressed by the song’s potential, arranged a recording session in Los Angeles. The atmosphere of the session was described as exceptionally joyful, with a lively mood that reflected the song’s heartfelt plea. Cooke’s friends and colleagues, including the legendary Lou Rawls, contributed to the session, adding layers of vocal harmonies and instrumental textures that enriched the track’s soulful essence.
“Bring It On Home to Me” is noted for its reworking of Charles Brown and Amos Milburn’s 1959 single “I Want to Go Home.” While retaining the gospel undertones and call-and-response elements, Cooke’s version shifted the focus to a more secular expression of longing and devotion. The song is characterized by its lush orchestration, featuring an 18-piece backing group with strings and rhythm instruments that perfectly complement Cooke’s passionate vocals.
Recorded on April 26, 1962, at RCA Studio 1 in Hollywood, the track was engineered by Al Schmitt, with René Hall handling the arrangement and conducting duties. The session also yielded “Having a Party,” showcasing Cooke’s versatility and his ability to blend upbeat rhythms with soulful ballads seamlessly.
“Bring It On Home to Me” reflects Sam Cooke’s profound connection to his gospel roots and his skill in translating that depth into secular music. The song’s enduring appeal is a testament to Cooke’s influence on soul music and its ongoing impact across genres and generations.
Video
Lyrics
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)…