James Carr – The Dark End of the Street

About The Song

“The Dark End of the Street” is a classic soul song originally recorded by American singer James Carr in 1966. Known for its emotive vocals and poignant lyrics, the song addresses themes of forbidden love and secrecy. It has since become a soul standard and has been covered by various artists across different genres.

Five Facts about “The Dark End of the Street” by James Carr (1966):

Original Release: James Carr’s rendition of “The Dark End of the Street” was released in 1967 as a single on Goldwax Records. The song was written by Dan Penn and Chips Moman, two prolific songwriters in the Southern soul genre.
Critical Acclaim: While “The Dark End of the Street” did not achieve massive commercial success upon its release, it gained critical acclaim for its emotional depth and Carr’s soul-stirring performance. Over time, it has come to be recognized as one of the finest soul recordings of its era.
Cover Versions: The song has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, including Aretha Franklin, Linda Ronstadt, Percy Sledge, and Elvis Costello. Its enduring appeal lies in the universal themes of heartbreak and forbidden love that resonate with audiences.
Influence on Southern Soul: “The Dark End of the Street” is often cited as a quintessential example of Southern soul music. It captures the essence of the genre with its heartfelt delivery, emotionally charged lyrics, and the use of rich, soulful instrumentation.
Cultural Impact: The song has left a lasting impact on popular culture and has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials. Its evocative storytelling and timeless quality have contributed to its continued relevance in the realm of soul and R&B music.

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Lyrics

At the dark end of the street
That’s where we always meet
Hiding in shadows where we don’t belong
Living in darkness to hide our wrongs
You and me at the dark end of the street
You and me

I know time is gonna take it’s toll
We have to pay for the love that we stole
It’s a sin and we know it’s wrong
Oh, but our love keeps coming on strong
Steal away to the dark end of the street

They’re gonna find us
They’re gonna find us
They’re gonna find us
Lord, someday
You and me at, at the dark end of the street
You and me

And when the daylight hour rolls around
And by chance we’re both downtown
If we should meet, just walk on by
Oh darling, please don’t cry
Tonight we’ll meet at the dark end of the street
You and me