Let's Face Facts

Annotation

James Carr recorded a wonderful version of the heartfelt song "Let's Face Facts" about a soldier drafted to war - originally written and released by The Masqueraders in 1967 ("Let's Face Facts": Wand Records # WND 1168). The Carr version was probably recorded in the same year, or 1968, but bizarrely sat on the shelves and did not appear until the Japanese only LP Freedom Train (Vivid Sound Corporation # VG 3006), ten years later in 1977.1 On this LP, the song was actually re-titled as "I've Gotta Go (Let's Face Facts)". To re-cap, this song focused on the draft. The soldier, narrating, said that he "don't wanna go" to the war. Yet, he displayed loyalty to his country: "I've got to do my part", even though he will really miss his sweetheart.Sources1songsofsamcooke.com: A man needs a womanLP (archived copy)↩

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Annotation — Soul, Gospel, & Funk Songs

James Carr recorded a wonderful version of the heartfelt song "Let's Face Facts" about a soldier drafted to war - originally written and released by The Masqueraders in 1967 ("Let's Face Facts": Wand Records # WND 1168). The Carr version was probably recorded in the same year, or 1968, but bizarrely sat on the shelves and did not appear until the Japanese only LP Freedom Train (Vivid Sound Corporation # VG 3006), ten years later in 1977.1 On this LP, the song was actually re-titled as "I've Gotta Go (Let's Face Facts)". To re-cap, this song focused on the draft. The soldier, narrating, said that he "don't wanna go" to the war. Yet, he displayed loyalty to his country: "I've got to do my part", even though he will really miss his sweetheart. Sources1songsofsamcooke.com: A man needs a womanLP (archived copy)↩

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Lyrics

English: I just can't stand to see those tears in your eyes / Just smile and believe I'm coming back to your side / I don't wanna go, but it must be this way / If I had my choice I'd be right here with each and every day / So let's face facts, Ive got to go, I'm coming back / I guess I don't have to tell you, you've got to be strong / Because I still want you to be mine when I come home / I've got to go over here and do my part, yes I am / Just pray for my return so we can make a brand new start... / Sometimes this world is so cold outside... / I've got to do my part, so pray it won't take long / Pretty soon this war is gonna be over and done

About the artist

American soul singer, born 13 June 1942 in Coahoma, Mississippi; died 7 January 2001 in Memphis, Tennessee. [Source: Wikipedia]

Themes

Draft · Soldier's Perspective · Patriotic

In collections

Draft Songs · Soul, Gospel, & Funk Songs · US 'Patriotic' / Pro-Government / Anti-Protest Songs [War Years]