Introduction

When it comes to soulful music that stands the test of time, few artists can match the charisma and talent of Ben E. King. One of his most iconic songs, “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied),” continues to captivate listeners with its emotional depth and timeless melody. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this remarkable song and the artist behind it.Ben E King, singer - obituary

Did You Know?

Ben E. King: A Musical Legend Ben E. King, born Benjamin Earl Nelson, was an American soul and R&B singer and songwriter. He gained worldwide recognition as the lead singer for the Drifters before embarking on a successful solo career. In 1962, he released “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied),” which quickly became one of his signature songs. King’s velvety voice and heartfelt performances left an indelible mark on the music industry.

A Timeless Masterpiece “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)” is a heart-rending ballad that captures the raw emotion of lost love. Its rich, soulful sound and King’s evocative vocal delivery make it an enduring classic. This song has been covered by several artists over the years, a testament to its enduring appeal.

Release Year: 1962 This soulful gem was released in 1962, a time when music was undergoing a significant transformation. It not only resonated with the era but also managed to transcend time and continue touching the hearts of music lovers across generations.

Legacy and Influence Ben E. King’s influence on the music industry cannot be overstated. His contribution to the soul and R&B genres laid the foundation for countless artists who followed in his footsteps. His music remains a source of inspiration for new generations of musicians and continues to be celebrated by fans of all ages.Ben E. King - Stand By Me (Live at Summer Jamboree) - YouTube

Video

Lyrics: Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)

Don’t play it no more
Don’t play it no more
Don’t play it no more
No, no, no, no, no, no, no

Don’t play that song for me
It brings back memories
Of days that I once knew
The days that I spent with you

Oh no, don’t let it play
It fills my heart with pain
Please stop it right away
I remember just what it said

It said, (“Darling, I love you”) You know that you lied
(“Darling, I love you”) You know that you lied
(“Darling, I love you”) You know that you lied
(Hoo) You lied (hoo) You lied, lied, lied, lied

Remember on our first date?
You kissed me and you walked away
You were only seventeen
I never thought you’d act so mean

But baby, you told me you loved me
You told me you cared
You said, “I’ll go with you darlin’
Almost anywhere.” but baby you know that

(“Darling, I love you”) You know that you lied
(“Darling, I love you”) You know that you lied
(“Darling, I love you”) You know that you lied
(Hoo) You lied (hoo) You lied, lied, lied, lied

Don’t play it no more
Don’t play it no more
Stop it baby
No, no, no, no, no, no, no

Don’t play it no more
Baby please, don’t play it baby
Don’t play it no more
No, no, no, no, no, no, stop it, baby

(“Darling, I love you”) You know that you lied
(“Darling, I love you”) You know that you lied
(“Darling, I love you”) Yes baby, you lied

You Missed

MINNIE PEARL WALKED ONSTAGE AT THE GRAND OLE OPRY FOR 50 YEARS WITH A $1.98 PRICE TAG ON HER HAT — AND THEN ONE NIGHT, SHE JUST COULDN’T ANYMORE. Here’s something most people don’t think about with Minnie Pearl. That price tag hanging off her straw hat? It wasn’t random. Sarah Cannon — that was her real name — created it as a joke about a country girl too proud of her new hat to take the tag off. And audiences loved it so much that it became the most recognizable prop in country music history. For over fifty years, that tag meant Minnie was here, and everything was going to be fun. So imagine what it felt like when she couldn’t put the hat on anymore. In June 1991, Sarah had a massive stroke. She was 79. And just like that, the woman who hadn’t missed an Opry show in decades was gone from the stage. But here’s what gets me. She didn’t die in 1991. She lived another five years after that stroke, mostly out of the public eye, unable to perform, unable to be “Minnie” the way she’d always been. Her husband Henry Cannon took care of her at their Nashville home. Friends visited, but they said it was hard. The woman who made millions of people laugh couldn’t get through a full conversation some days. Roy Acuff, her old friend from the Opry, kept her dressing room exactly the way she left it. Nobody used it. The hat sat there. She passed on March 4, 1996. And what most people remember is the comedy. The “HOW-DEEE” catchphrase. The big goofy grin. What they don’t remember is that Sarah Cannon was also a serious fundraiser for cancer research. Centennial Medical Center in Nashville named their cancer center after her — not after Minnie, after Sarah. She raised millions and rarely talked about it publicly. There’s a story about the very last time Sarah tried to put on the hat at home, months after the stroke, and what her husband said to her in that moment — it’s the kind of detail that makes you see fifty years of comedy completely differently. Roy Acuff kept Minnie Pearl’s dressing room untouched for years after she left — was that loyalty to a friend, or was he holding a door open for someone he knew was never coming back?