Pouring Water On A Drowning Man (1966)

Written by Drew Baker and Danny McCormick  (Quinvy Music Pub Co In)

Produced by Quinton M. Claunch and Rudolph Russell

Review

• A somewhat perky melody and rhythmic line almost mocks the harsher lyrics as James recounts a tale pertinent to all men who have been abused by heartless lovers. (Remember how Howling Wolf's gal had brought him gasoline to quench his first a few years earlier?) As with so many sides by male vocalists from this period, the enormous influence of Sam Cooke is apparent in the style of the composition itself, but James Carr brings a much harsher edge to his delivery, and it is that contrast, and the tension it creates, that makes this track so memorable. 

Singles

• Goldwax 311 b/w Forgetting You

Albums

• The Complete Goldwax Records Singles
• Essential James Carr
• My Soul is Satisfied: The Rest of James Carr
• You Got My Mind Messed Up
• Beg Cream & Shout: The Big Ol' Box of '60s Soul
• Classic Rock: On The Soul Side
• Goldwax Story, Vol. 1
• Groove: Soulful Sounds of Summer
• Real 60's R&B
• Soul Patrol, Vol. 1
• Soul Shots, Vol. 3
• 30th Birthday: Soul and Funk

Also Recorded By

• Buddy Ace on 'Don't Hurt Me No More'
• ?Coe David Allen on 'Rough Rider'
• Big Twist & The Mellow Fellows on 'Playing for Keeps'
• Otis Clay on 'Atlantic Blues (Box)'
• Elvis Costello on 'Kojak Variety'
• Malford Milligan Band on 'Sweet Cherry Soul'
• Darell Nulish & Texas Heat on 'Business as Usual'
• Percy Sledge on 'When A Man Loves A Woman)

Lyrics

You push me when I'm falling
And then you put me down
I guess I missed my calling
I should have been a clown
How much more
How much more can I stand
You're pouring water
On a drowning man

You put me on the right track
And then you put me down
You stab me in the back
Everytime I turn around

You're pouring water
On a drowning man
You treat me like
The fool that I am
You bet that I like everything you do
Put salt in my wounds
It's sad but it's true

You warm me with your kisses
Then you leave me in the cold 
How can I know your wishes
When I've never been told
Won't you please forgive me
Just try and understand
You're pouring water
On a drowning man

You're pouring water
On a drowning man
You treat me like
The fool that I am
You bet that I like everything you do
Put salt in my wounds
It's sad but it's true

You warm me with your kisses
Then you leave me in the cold
How can I know your wishes
When I've never been told
Won't you please forgive me
Just try and understand
You're pouring water
On a poor drowning man

I got tears in my eyes
You're pouring water
Oh, I'm a drowning man
I got tears in my eyes
You're pouring water
on a drowning man
You're pouring water
on a poor drowning man