Weep No More

Annotation

Nathan McKinney recorded the doo-wop track "Weep No More", composed by the blues man Len Johnson. The song, released on the Los Angeles based label Rayco Records (R-526), founded by Floyd Ray, contained themes of the Vietnam War. It is narrated from the soldier's perspective, who tells us that "Uncle Sam is calling for me", and that he is resigned to leaving those he loves: "So I guess I'll have to go". Covers song: Six Pak - "Weep No More".

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Lyrics

English: Weep no more, my baby for me / Weep no more, I say / Daddy is gonna be back home to you some bright and sunny day / You know that Uncle Sam is calling for me / So I guess I'll have to go / But remember that I'm gonna miss you much more then you will ever know... / Just give me one more kiss before I go / Then turn around and walk away / For I want to remember you just like you are / For in my heart you will always say

Notes

Ray-Co R-526 (RC-426), vocal, 45 RPM, black label with silver saxophone and guitar logo; "Weep No More" (Len Johnson), 2:48, Bira Music, BMI; produced by Floyd Ray. [From the record sleeve and labels]

About the artist

American soul singer who recorded two 45s in 1964 for Floyd Ray's Los Angeles label Ray-Co, in a style blending doo-wop, gospel and the blues: 'Weep No More' / ''Oh' How I Love You' (with the Valleyites, Ray-Co R-526) and 'Never Fall in Love' / 'Soldier Boy' (Rayco R-527); his best side was written by bluesman Len Johnson. No personal biographical details documented. [Source: Sir Shambling's Deep Soul Heaven / Discogs / Rate Your Music]

Themes

Soldier's Perspective · Draft

In collections

Draft Songs · Soul, Gospel, & Funk Songs · US Combat Perspective Songs [War Years]