Congratulations to Stax Records’ own William Bell on his well-deserved induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame for the timeless classic “You Don’t Miss Your Water.”

Harvey Mason, Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, shares “We’re proud to unveil the diverse mix of recordings entering the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame in its 50th year.” Adding “The music showcased here has played a pivotal role in shaping our cultural landscape, and it’s a true honor to recognize these albums and recordings, along with the profound influence each has had on music and beyond.”

The 2024 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame inducted recordings range from Lauryn Hill’s Miseducation of Lauryn Hill to Guns N’ Roses’ Appetite For Destruction. Others include recordings by De La Soul, Buena Vista Social Club, Donna Summer, Charley Pride, Wanda Jackson, Kid Ory’s Creole Orchestra, Doobie Brothers, and William Bell.

Originally, released on Stax Records in 1961, “You Don’t Miss Your Water” features soulful melodies and poignant lyrics that paint an evocative picture of heartache and introspection. Stax luminaries such as O. B. McClinton, Otis Redding, and Wendy Rene, plus Brian Eno, The Byrds, Peter Tosh & The Wailers would go on to pay homage to this seminal and versatile tune.

Here’s to celebrating this incredible achievement!

Listen to the song here.

 

Lyrics:

“In the beginning, you really loved me
But I was too blind and I couldn’t see

But now you’ve left me, oh, how I cry
You don’t miss your water, till your well runs dry

I kept you crying, sad and blue
I was a playboy and I wouldn’t be true
But when you left me and said ‘Bye, bye’
I missed my water, my well ran dry

Now, I sit and wonder and how can this be?
I never thought, you’d ever leave me

But now you’ve left me, oh, how I cry
You don’t miss your water, till your well runs dry
You don’t miss your water, till your well runs dry”

– William Bell