Patches

Clarence Carter

About Patches

"Patches" (sometimes known as "Patches (I'm Depending On You)") is a country soul song written by General Johnson and Ron Dunbar and best known in the 1970 hit version by Clarence Carter. It won the 1971 Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Song.


Year:
2006
2:57
223 
#2

 Struggling with Patches? Become a better singer in 30 days with these videos!

Down by the river that flows by the coal yards.
Stands wooden houses with shutters torn down
There lives a girl everybody calls Patches
Patches my darling of Old Shanty town

We plan to marry when June brought the summer
I couldn't wait to make Patches my bride
Now I don't see how that ever can happen
My folks say No, and my heart breaks inside

Patches oh what can I do
I swear I'll always love you
But a girl from that place would just bring me disgrace
So my folks won't let me love you

Each night I cry as I think of that shanty
And pretty Patches there watching the door
She dosn't know that I can't come to see her
Patches must think that I love her no more

I hear a neighbor tellin my father
He said a girl name of Patches was found
Floating face down in that dirty old river
That flows by the coal yards in Old Shanty Town

Patches oh what can I do
I swear I'll always love you
It may not be right But I'll join you tonight
Patches I'm coming to you.

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


Clarence Carter

Clarence Carter (born January 14, 1936) is an American soul singer and musician. more »

2 fans

Written by: RONALD DUNBAR, NORMAN JOHNSON

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Genre
"Patches" is classified as Soul music with a distinct sound drawn from the roots of gospel and rhythm & blues.
Record Label
"Patches" was released by Atlantic Records, a label known for signing big names like Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles.
Release Date
The song was recorded and released in the year 1970, during a time where soul music was evolving into a new popular genre.
Chart Success
"Patches" was a notable hit for Clarence Carter, reaching number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the Soul singles chart in the United States. In the U.K., it reached number two on the singles chart.
Grammy Awards
The Grammy Awards recognized "Patches" by presenting Clarence Carter with the Best R&B Song in 1971.
Song Topic
The song narrates the story of a boy named Patches who is unexpectedly obliged to take care of his family after the death of his father, despite living in strong poverty.
Songwriter
"Patches" was written by General Johnson and Ron Dunbar. General Johnson was also the front man for the popular R&B group Chairman of the Board.
Cover Versions
Since its release, "Patches" has been covered by other artists, including George Jones and B.B. King.
Clarence Carter
Clarence Carter, the Alabama native, is a visually impaired rhythm and blues singer and musician who has had great success during the late 1960s and early 1970s, particularly with this his signature song, "Patches."
Social Impact
Since its release, "Patches" has been recognized for addressing social issues, particularly, the hardships faced by African-American youths during that era. The song's story continues to resonate with audiences due to the universal themes of poverty, family responsibilities, and resilience.

Discuss the Patches Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Patches Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 1 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/9130594/Clarence+Carter/Patches>.

    Missing lyrics by Clarence Carter?

    Know any other songs by Clarence Carter? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Patches

    4.2M
    38,838     1,423

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1970

    Billboard #4


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    How tall is Kristian Matsson of Tallest Man on Earth fame?
    A 5'11"
    B 8'11"
    C 15'1"
    D 5'7"

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Clarence Carter tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    Patches

    »