Welcome to the world of Get Up Off That Thang, the iconic song performed by funk and soul artist James Brown. This song has been a source of inspiration for many over the decades since its release in 1968. It is an uptempo track with an infectious beat and memorable lyrics that have many of us singing along whenever we hear it. In this article, I will be taking an in-depth look at the lyrics of Get Up Off That Thang and exploring the meaning behind them. I will also discuss the cultural impact of the song and how it has influenced music for generations. So, let’s get up off that thang and explore the words of this timeless classic.
James Brown – Get Up Offa That Thing
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Get Up Off That Thang
“Get Up Off That Thang” is a classic disco funk song released by James Brown in 1979. It was written by the famous musician and singer and was one of the most popular singles of that year. The lyrics of the song are about encouraging the listener to take action and get up off their feet and dance.
The song has been sampled by numerous artists over the years, from hip hop icons such as Run DMC and Tupac, to pop stars like Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears. The catchy hook and message of self-empowerment contained within the lyrics continues to resonate in the music industry today.
The song has been widely praised for its ability to make people move and inspire. It has been covered by many different artists over the years and has been featured in TV shows, films, and commercials. It was even included in the Grammy Hall of Fame for its influence and impact.
The song has been credited with being a major influence in the development of funk and disco music as well as being a major factor in the rise of rap music. It has also been used as a tool for political and social change, with its message of empowerment and perseverance.
In a world where so many are looking for a message of hope, “Get Up Off That Thang” is a timelessly relevant and powerful anthem that will continue to inspire and motivate music lovers for years to come.
Verses 1 & 2: Lyrics Breakdown
“Get up off that Thang” is a popular song from the late 1980s by James Brown and the JB’s. It was first released in May 1988 as a single and later appeared on the album “Static”. The uplifting, funky rhythm and catchy chorus make it a favorite among fans of soul and funk.
The song’s lyrics, written by Brown and Bobby Byrd, are meant to encourage listeners to stand up and take action. The chorus includes the lines, “Get up off that thang / You got to get up off that thang / And dance to this funky music / Yeah, get up off that thang”. The verses add more details, such as the line, “Gonna prove it to you, how it’s gonna be / Sweat it out, and you’ll have your own victory”.
The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including the group Tower of Power in 1989 and the rapper LL Cool J in 1996. According to the website Songfacts, the song has also been sampled in over 70 other songs since its release. It remains an important part of the James Brown legacy and continues to be a popular choice for DJs and for dancing.
Overall, “Get up off that Thang” is an upbeat and motivating track that has become a staple of soul and funk. It has withstood the test of time and remains a favorite for many fans of the genre. Its positive message of success and perseverance is sure to keep listeners moving and grooving.
Chorus: Catchy Hook
The chorus of the popular 70s funk-infused song “Get Up Off That Thang” by James Brown is arguably the most memorable part of the track. With its catchy hook and upbeat tempo, it is no surprise why it has become a timeless classic. The lyrics of the chorus go “Get up offa that thang and dance till you feel better, Get up offa that thang and try to release that pressure”. These simple words are believed to be the motivation behind the famous “James Brown Dance” which was popular amongst people of all ages and backgrounds. This dance style is still seen today in modern pop culture and has even made an appearance in the 2019 movie Bohemian Rhapsody.
In addition to the James Brown Dance, “Get Up Off That Thang” is also credited with popularizing the funk genre of music. By blending different genres together, including soul, blues, and jazz, James Brown helped to create a completely new style of music that has since influenced many artists. According to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, James Brown is known as “one of the most influential figures in 20th century music” and “ ‘Get Up Off That Thang’ is a prime example of his innovative songwriting and revolutionary musical style.”
It is clear that “Get Up Off That Thang” is an iconic song that has had a lasting influence on funk music and dance styles. Its upbeat chorus and accompanying dance moves are sure to
Production: Instrumentation
“Get Up Off That Thang” is one of the most popular songs by James Brown. The first version of the song was released in 1970, and it was a huge hit. It has been sampled and remixed by numerous artists over the years, including Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and even the Black Eyed Peas.
The production and instrumentation on the song is a perfect example of how Brown was able to combine funk and soul music to create a unique sound. The track is built around a drumbeat and an electric guitar riff. The drums were played by Clyde Stubblefield and the guitar was played by Jimmy Nolen. The song also features a horn section and backing vocals by Lyn Collins and Marva Whitney.
The main appeal of the song is its infectious groove. Brown’s vocals are the star of the show, but the production and instrumentation adds to the overall experience. The funk guitar riff adds a layer of depth to the track, while the driving drums provide the perfect foundation. The backing vocals are also essential as they make the track sound larger than life.
“Get Up Off That Thang” was a landmark song for James Brown and funk music in general. It was a pioneering record that paved the way for many other artists to follow in Brown’s footsteps and create new sounds. It also stands as a testament to Brown’s innovative spirit and his aptitude for creating danceable and irresistible music.
Context: Soul Music Roots
The classic disco-funk song “Get Up Off That Thang” was recorded in 1976 by James Brown and his band The J.B’s. This song is widely regarded as a staple of soul music, a genre that had roots in African American gospel, blues, jazz, and traditional drumming. It gained popularity in the late 1950s and 1960s as a response to the civil rights movement, and was immensely influential in shaping the sound of popular music for decades to come.
“Get Up Off That Thang” was a reminder of the tenacity and strength of the African American community at the time. The song’s call to action to “get up off that thang” united listeners, urging them to unite and rise up in adversity. This song still resonates with many today, as it provides a sense of hope and determination in its lyrics.
This particular song is part of a broader movement of “funk”, an offshoot of soul music that was predominantly popular in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The genre was known for its use of synthesizers and electric bass to create a sound that was distinct from the slower and more methodical music of the era. Throughout the decade, funk music gained traction and proved to be an influential part of the cultural landscape.
James Brown was one of the most iconic figures of the time, and his career was greatly informed by his personal experience and social context. His work pushed the boundaries of soul music and helped create a unique sound that was distinctly
Reception: Critical & Popular
The Get Up Off That Thang lyrics, written by James Brown, have been met with overwhelmingly positive reception. Critically, the song is an iconic example of funk music and has been noted as an example of its genre-defining sound. Rolling Stone included it in its list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, a testament to its lasting impact. It’s also been heavily sampled in contemporary music, with artists such as Kendrick Lamar featuring it in their songs.
The song’s popularity has endured over the years. In the US, Get Up Off That Thang peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Top R&B Singles chart and was also successful in other countries such as the UK, where the single was a top ten hit. It was also popular in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, and has since been featured in a variety of compilations.
Its success has not gone unnoticed. The track was nominated for a Grammy award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1970 and James Brown himself was posthumously inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
Get Up Off That Thang is an international hit that will remain remembered for decades to come. Its combination of funk and soul continues to be an influence on the music of today and its legacy stands the test of time. Its lyrics and classic sound have endured, proving that Get Up Off That Thang truly is a timeless classic.
Legacy: Influence & Impact
The lyrics of James Brown’s iconic song “Get Up Offa That Thang” have been inspiring people to get up and dance since its release in 1976. Although it’s become a funk classic, the song’s influence is still felt today. From its uplifting message to its groovy beats, the song’s legacy has impacted generations of music lovers.
The lyrics are rooted in the 70’s funk and soul movement, which was a major influence in the development of hip-hop and modern day R&B. The song’s catchy lyrics, which include the now iconic phrase, “get up offa that thang,” are often sampled by contemporary artists. According to Billboard, the song has been covered by over 200 artists, giving “Get Up Offa That Thang” a lasting influence.
The impact of the song is also seen in popular culture. For example, the song has appeared in popular films such as The Jungle Book and Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse. In addition, the song has been featured in numerous television shows, commercials, and dance battles. It’s even been sampled by some of today’s biggest stars, including the late great Prince.
The legacy of the song has endured over the decades. “Get Up Offa That Thang” has become an anthem of sorts, inspiring people to get up and dance no matter what life throws at them. The song has transcended generations
Conclusion
“Get Up Off That Thang” by James Brown is an iconic funk and soul song that has been covered by countless artists. It is a testament to the timelessness of Brown’s music as well as to the complexity of funk music. The lyrics are full of energy and passion, encouraging listeners to move and dance. It is an anthem for self-expression and joy, and an example of how music can transcend generations. I would encourage everyone to find a version of this classic song and let the lyrics inspire you to get up off that thang and have some fun.
