I’m Your Man – Brooks O’Dell, Lyrics

I'm Your Man (Brooks O'Dell)

I didn't come back because I miss you, no, no

I didn't come just to kiss you

I didn't come to hold your hand

I only came because I am your man

I only came because I am your man

I was yours when I kissed you

I was yours the first time I held your hand

I was yours, I didn't know it, I didn't show it

This time I'll make your understand

(Your'd better watch your step)

I'm gonna watch my step

I'll be there when you need me this time

I'll be there when you want me, yeah

I'll be there 'cos I need you

Because I am your man

Because I am your man

Written by: Luther Dixon, Tommy Bell, 1964

"I'm Your Man" is not just a song; it is the definitive anthem for the cult following of Brooks O’Dell, an enigmatic figure in the 1960s and 70s Soul and R&B scene. While he never reached the mainstream heights of contemporaries like Otis Redding or Sam Cooke, his work is revered by "Deep Soul" collectors for its raw, "Big City" emotional intensity.

The Origins of "I'm Your Man" (1964)

Originally released in May 1964 on the Gold Records label (catalog number 216), "I'm Your Man" was the follow-up to O'Dell's most successful regional hit, "Watch Your Step."

• Songwriting Pedigree: The track was penned by Luther Dixon and Tommy Bell. Dixon was a titan of the era, known for producing The Shirelles and writing hits like "16 Candles."
• Production & Style: Produced by Dixon and arranged by Bert Keyes, the song is a mid-tempo soul ballad characterized by O'Dell's impassioned, gravelly delivery. It represents the "New York Soul" sound—sophisticated orchestral flourishes layered over a gritty, blues-influenced vocal performance.
• The Flipside: The B-side of the original 7" vinyl was a track titled "Shirley, Remember Me," another Dixon composition.

The Anthology: Reviving a Legend

The song's title was later used for the definitive 2008 compilation, I'm Your Man - The Anthology 1963-1972, released by the UK-based Kent Soul label. Before this release, O’Dell was a ghost in music history; little was known about his life, and his records were rare collector's items.

The anthology was a milestone because it:

• Collected nearly every master recording O'Dell made across various labels (Gold, Bell, Columbia, and Mankind).
• Included nine previously unreleased tracks, such as "The Heartless One," which was unearthed from the Columbia vaults.
• Documented his transition from the polished New York soul of the early 60s to the "Southern Soul" sound of the early 70s.

Key Musical Eras of Brooks O’Dell

To understand "I'm Your Man," let's look at the three distinct phases of O'Dell's career:

Why He Remains a Cult Hero

Brooks O'Dell (born 1933 in Philadelphia) began his career in Chicago and was a member of Carl Holmes & The Commanders. His voice had a "pleading" quality that resonated deeply with the Northern Soul movement in the UK.

Collectors often refer to him as a "singer's singer." Despite working with legendary producers like Swamp Dogg (Jerry Williams Jr.) and Kenny Gamble, O'Dell remained largely obscure. Even when the 2008 anthology was released, researchers struggled to find him or even confirm if he was still alive, adding a layer of mystery to his soulful legacy.