I don’t know how I came across this highly emotive and energetic song, but it was very recent and I was sold. Give Me Just a Little More Time was the debut single for Chairmen of the Board and features singer General Johnson as the narrator, (backed by group members Danny Woods, Harrison Kennedy and Eddie Curtis) begging a sweetheart not to rush intimacy: “We both want the sweetness in life/ But these things don’t come overnight.“
Life’s too short to make a mistake
Let’s think of each other and hesitate
Young and impatient we may be
There’s no need to act foolishly
If we part our hearts won’t forget it
Years from now we’ll surely regret it
Give me just a little more time
And our love will surely grow
Give me just a little more time
And our love will surely grow
You can feel he is singing the words with his heart, begging and pleading, for a little more time. Just a stand-out voice and so unique. I especially like when he sings the Spanish sounding of ‘Brrrrr‘. As someone commented, ‘why in the hell isn’t music these days just a fraction as marvelous as this?’ There is of course some good modern music, but considerably more good oldies; may be because I’m just a has-been!
The song peaked at No 3 on the US Billboard charts and had already sold 1 million records in the US by September 1970. Give Me Just a Little More Time was covered in 1992 by Australian pop singer Kylie Minogue which tries to mimic the original and ridiculously so, but The Chairmen version remains unfettered.
Their original version is such a great song which I have enjoyed listening to over and over. To my ear, their verses supersede the chorus which always invigorates me.
Reference:
1. Give Me Just a Little More Time – wikipedia
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
Matt…did I not comment on this…this morning? I must be losing my mind! I love seventies R&B and soul! This is a wonderful song! I love the feeling they put in it.
That’s one area of music I could brush up on – R&B and soul. I’m glad you thought so highly of this song. Have a great day Max!
Well as it happens Matthew, I am a soul music freak! Great tune. Over way too quickly for me. Thanks for sharing.
I agree the song seems to end too quickly. I really get-down with a song when I enjoy the verses more than the chorus and that is certainly the case with this gem. You’re a soul-music freak? May be you can teach me a thing or two.
Yep, Matthew would love to! Anything you want to know about soul music, I am a good place to start! It’s my all-time favourite music genre! And I go back years!
Thanks Sharon. Very kind of you. Where are you based?
Hi Matthew, I’m based in London, if that helps!
Oh nice. Can I ask, what are your three favourite R&B and soul songs which are not so widely known?
Probably too many to mention. Let me have a think about that one!
There’s no rush. I appreciate you thinking about it. Have a good night.
Hi Matthew, well as you can imagine it was all but impossible to think of my favourite lessor known soul song or ‘rare grooves’ (there are simply too many). Teddy Pendergrass ‘Be Sure’ is one; Marvin Gaye, ‘If I Should Die Tonight’ another. Both very mellow and wouldn’t be as well known. Both would be available via You Tube easily enough. However, if you tune into Jazz FM radio you will find plenty of soul music and and jazzy songs you might like. R&B can probably be best described as a more modern-day/commercial advancement of the soul music genre. Artists like Usher, Beyonce, and Ne-Yo are just three examples of R&B performers. Again, all easily available on You Tube. Ps. listen out for the veteran radio presenter Robbie Vincent on Sundays between 1-3 pm London time. He plays some great soul music. Hope this helps! All the best.
Thanks so much for your suggestions and taking the time to inform me about how I might learn more. I enjoyed the songs you mentioned. Very mellow indeed. Jazz is another genre I want to delve into. I have a couple in my music library, but not nearly enough. Cheers Sharon.
You are welcome! You have so much to choose from. Enjoy!
Sorry Matthew forgot to say, Robbie Vincent is on Jazz Fm radio!
I imagine that is available on the Internet?
Yes, you should be able to listen to it live. Or you can download the App!
Hey Sharon, thank you again for taking the time to outline such detailed recommendations about where I can go to expand my knowledge of Soul and Jazz music!
https://sharonswriterstidbits.wordpress.com/2016/03/25/soul-and-the-city/
Take a look at the above post Matthew, in the meanwhile. It dates back to 2016!
Hi Sharon, I’m sorry I haven’t replied to you earlier. I’m currently reading your article Soul in the City. I liked what you wrote about engaging in something meaningful and losing track of time. I will look up the artists you mentioned and get back to you. Thank you.
Please do! These are some of my favourite artists with huge catalogues! Take your time! Enjoy!
I love R&B and soul, but hated this song when it came out in 1970, as I found the singer’s vocals so incredibly annoying. In time, however, the song grew on me, though it’s never been one of my favorites.
I must admit I really like his vocals, but each to his own. I was listening to Kylie’s version of this song and it just isn’t in the same league in terms of its delivery and impact.
Yes, the singer has an unusual vocal, quite shrill, but it fits the song well!