About The Song

You Send Me: A Soulful Serenade by Sam Cooke

In the realm of soul music, few names resonate with the enduring brilliance of Sam Cooke. Revered as the “King of Soul,” Cooke’s honeyed vocals and heartfelt delivery captivated audiences worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the genre’s rich tapestry. Among his many timeless gems, “You Send Me” stands as a beacon of soulful expression, a testament to Cooke’s ability to weave heartfelt emotions into unforgettable melodies.

Released in 1957, “You Send Me” marked a pivotal moment in Cooke’s career. Having previously found success with gospel-infused R&B groups, Cooke ventured into the world of popular music with this single, showcasing his burgeoning artistry and captivating a broader audience. The song’s opening notes, a gentle cascade of piano chords, set the stage for Cooke’s impassioned vocals, his voice imbued with a tenderness that draws listeners into the depths of his emotions.

“You Send Me” is a love song that transcends the boundaries of mere sentiment. Cooke’s lyrics paint vivid images of adoration, his words capturing the intoxicating rush of newfound love. He sings of a love that “sends shivers down my spine” and “makes my heart beat like a drum,” phrases that resonate with the universal experience of romantic bliss.

Yet, “You Send Me” is more than just a declaration of love; it’s an exploration of the profound impact that another person can have on our souls. Cooke’s voice conveys a sense of awe and wonder, as if he’s marveling at the transformative power of love. He sings of how his beloved’s presence “makes me whole again,” a testament to the transformative power of love.

The song’s arrangement perfectly complements Cooke’s soulful delivery. A steady rhythm section provides a solid foundation, while understated guitar lines and splashes of cymbals add subtle layers of texture. The arrangement never overpowers Cooke’s vocals, instead serving as a gentle backdrop for his impassioned performance.

“You Send Me” proved to be an instant success, topping the Billboard R&B Singles chart and reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s popularity extended beyond the United States, becoming a hit in Europe and further cementing Cooke’s international stardom.

“You Send Me” remains a cornerstone of Sam Cooke’s legacy, a timeless classic that continues to touch hearts and inspire generations of music lovers. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and honesty, a testament to the power of genuine emotion and heartfelt expression. Cooke’s soulful serenade is a reminder that love, in its purest form, has the power to move us, transform us, and make us whole.

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Lyric

Darling you send me
I know you send me
Darling you send me
Honest you do, honest you do
Honest you do, whoa

You thrill me
I know you, you, you thrill me
Darling you, you, you, you thrill me
Honest you do

At first I thought it was infatuation
But wooh, it’s lasted so long
Now I find myself wanting
To marry you and take you home, woah

You, you, you, you send me
I know you send me
I know you send me
Honest you do

Whoa, whenever I’m with you
I know, I know, I know when I’m near you
Mmm hmm, mmm hmm, honest you do, honest you do
Whoa, I know

I know, I know, I know, when you hold me
Whoa, whenever you kiss me
Mmm hmm, mmm hmm, honest you do

At first I thought it was infatuation
But wooh, it’s lasted so long
Now I find myself wanting
To marry you and take you home

I know, I know, I know, you send me
I know you send me
Whoa, you you you you send me
Honest you do