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

Dolly Parton turned a simple handmade coat into one of the most powerful songs of her life because to her, it was never really about the fabric. “Coat of Many Colors” sprang directly from Dolly’s growing-up years in East Tennessee. Her mother, Avie Lee, pieced the jacket together by sewing colorful rags the family already owned. Cash was mighty tight, so there was no running down to the store for brand-new clothes. Instead, Avie Lee took what was on hand and stitched together something warm for her little girl to wear. While the needle flew, she shared the Bible story of Joseph and his coat of many colors, turning an ordinary piece of clothing into something special in Dolly’s eyes. Proudly wearing that coat to school, Dolly felt rich, but the other kids saw it differently. They laughed at the patches and teased her for having so little. Years down the road, Dolly penned those childhood memories into “Coat of Many Colors.” Released in 1971, the tune became a shining example of why her songwriting touched so many souls. She never tried to hide hard times or dress up her youth to look prettier than it was. She simply laid the sting of teasing side-by-side with the deep love that stitched the coat together, letting that honest truth speak for itself. The song eventually grew far beyond that original vinyl record. Its spirit inspired the 2015 television movie Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, followed by Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love the very next year. Those films opened a window into Dolly’s mountain home, introducing folks to the hardworking parents and siblings who shaped her long before the bright lights found her. By then, Dolly had worn glittering stage gowns worth more than her family could ever have dreamed. Yet the garment folks remember best remains that humble little coat stitched by a mother’s loving hands when buying something new simply wasn’t in the cards. That is why the memory stayed alive. The scraps faded away, but the lesson underneath never did.