If You Can’t Groove To This Then You Probably Are Dead

Jim Adams aka Newepicauthor, the creator of A Unique Title For Me, is hosting SONG-LYRIC-SUNDAY and this week he has chosen the theme: HIP HOP RAP

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

There are two tracks that I was torn between for today. I think most of us think of The Sugarhill Gang’s “Rappers Delight”…and what a phenomenal track it is. But I have gone for another HUGE hit!

This track brings back memories of one of my bosses dancing whenever she did something clever at work and achieved results. The ultimate track for boasting in a comidic manner. This is the one and only MC Hammer with”U Can’t Touch This”.

My, my, my, my music hits me so hard
Makes me say, "Oh my Lord,
Thank you for blessing me
With a mind to rhyme and two hype feet."
It feels good, when you know you're down
A super dope homeboy from the Oaktown
And I'm known as such
And this is a beat, uh, you can't touch

I told you homeboy (You can't touch this)
Yeah, that's how we living and you know (You can't touch this)
Look in my eyes, man (You can't touch this)
Yo, let me bust the funky lyrics (You can't touch this)

Fresh new kicks, and pants
You gotta like that, now you know you wanna dance
So move, outta your seat
And get a fly girl and catch this beat
While it's rolling, hold on
Pump a little bit and let 'em know it's going on
Like that, like that
Cold on a mission so fall on back
Let 'em know, that you're too much
And this is a beat, uh, they can't touch

Yo, I told you (You can't touch this)
Why you standing there, man? (You can't touch this)
Yo, sound the bell, school is in, sucker (You can't touch this)

Give me a song, or rhythm
Make 'em sweat, that's what I'm giving 'em now,
They know
You talking about the Hammer you talking about a show
That's hyped, and tight
Singers are sweating so pass them a wipe
Or a tape, to learn
What's it gonna take in the 90s to burn
The charts? Legit
Either work hard or you might as well quit

That's word because you know...

You can't touch this

Break it down!

Stop! Hammer time!

Go with the flow, it is said
If you can't groove to this then you probably are dead
So wave your hands in the air
Bust a few moves, run your fingers through your hair
This is it, for a winner
Dance to this and you're gonna get thinner
Move, slide your rump
Just for a minute let's all do the bump, bump, bump, bump

Yeah... (You can't touch this)
Look, man (You can't touch this)
You better get hype, boy, because you know you can't (You can't touch this)
Ring the bell, school's back in

Break it down!

Stop! Hammer time!

You can't touch this

Break it down!

Stop! Hammer time!

Every time you see me
The Hammer's just so hype
I'm dope on the floor and I'm magic on the mic
Now why would I ever stop doing this?
With others making records that just don't hit
I've toured around the world, from London to the Bay
It's "Hammer, go Hammer, MC Hammer, yo Hammer"
And the rest can go and play

You can't touch this

(Yeah) You can't touch this
(I told you) You can't touch this
(Too hype) Can't touch this
(Yeah, we outta here) Can't touch this

Written by: Rick James, Alonzo Miller, and Stanley Kirk Burrell

Rhythm Carries All The Action

Jim Adams aka Newepicauthor, the creator of A Unique Title For Me, is hosting SONG-LYRIC-SUNDAY and this week he has chosen the theme: DISCO

Photo by Ali Pazani on Pexels.com

Such a great theme – so many songs to choose from! I have lots of favourite disco tracks. But when I was trying to pick one, I noticed some of them have great dancy arrangements and mournful lyrics. I personally prefer to dance to songs that are 100% upbeat if I have the choice. So, I picked a track that is all about the music.

“Turn The Beat Around” has been covered several times, but I picked the recording from Vicki Sue Robinson. It is such an amazing invitation to jump up on the dance floor – not that I am one to wait for an invitation!

Turn it up, turn it up, turn it upside down
Turn it up, turn it up, turn it upside down
Turn it up, turn it up, turn it upside down
Turn it up, turn it up, turn it upside down

Turn the beat around
Love to hear the percussion
Turn it upside down
Love to hear the percussion
Love to hear it

Blow horns you sure sound pretty
Your violins keep movin' to the nitty gritty
When you hear the scratch of the guitars scratchin'
Then you'll know that rhythm carries all the action, so
Whoa yeah

Turn the beat around
Love to hear the percussion
Turn it upside down
Love to hear the percussion
Love to hear it

Turn the beat around
Love to hear the percussion
Turn it upside down
Love to hear the percussion
Love to hear it

Flute player play your flute 'cause
I know that you want to get your thing off
But you see I've made up my mind about it
It's got to be the rhythm, no doubt about it, whoa whoa
'Cause when the guitar player start playing
With the syncopated rhythm, with the scratch, scratch, scratch
Makes me wanna move my body yeah, yeah, yeah
And when the drummer starts beating that beat
He nails that beat with the syncopated rhythm
With the rat, tat, tat, tat, tat, tat on the drums, hey

Turn the beat around
Love to hear the percussion
Turn it upside down
Love to hear the percussion
Love to hear it
Love to hear it
Love to hear it
Love to hear it

Turn it up, turn it up, turn it upside down
Turn it up, turn it up, turn it upside down
Turn it up, turn it up, turn it upside down
Turn it up, turn it up, turn it upside down

Turn the beat around
Love to hear the percussion
Turn it upside down
Love to hear the percussion
Love to hear it

Written by: Gerald Jackson and Peter Jr. Jackson

The Nights Were Always Warm With You

Jim Adams aka Newepicauthor, the creator of A Unique Title For Me, is hosting SONG-LYRIC-SUNDAY and this week he has chosen the theme: BOY BANDS

Photo by Wendy Wei on Pexels.com

So, when I was a little one, some of my school friends began to become really quite scarily obsessive with a boy band. It was the first time I had seen my peers behave in a rather deranged manner – with really quite a frightening fascination with their idols. They were telling me they were going to marry men who were many years older than them, studying all the magazines so they knew the favourite colour, food and everything else of their favourite band member. I did not get it. I was really confused by what was possessing my friends strange speech and behaviour.

Then…the boy band that they were obsessed with released the track with music video featured below. Somehow, I now seemed to get it. It was as if one music video hurled me at full throttle into puberty.

The boy band in question – Take That (who incidentally will be playing at the Coronation concert this weekend – see the video at the end of the post for their quite phenomenal performance!) The track I have chosen for today “Pray”. The video (lots of bare chests on display) perhaps illustrates how it is that boy bands have done so well in securing armies of adoring fans. Oh the memories!!! Did I ever mention that when I worked for a record company up in Manchester, we used to receive sacks of fan mail addressed to Robbie Williams (post Take That departure)?

When the time grew near
For me to show my love
The longer I stayed away for
Hiding from a word I need to hear now
Don't think I'll hear it again (don't think I'll hear it again)

But the nights were always warm with you
Holding you right by my side (right by my side)
But the morning always comes too soon
Before I even close my eyes (close my eyes)

All I do each night is pray
Hoping that I'll be a part of you again some day
All I do each night is think
Of all the times I closed the door to keep my love within

If you can't forgive the past
I'll understand that
Can't understand why I did this to you
And all of the days and the nights so I regret it
I never showed you my love (I never showed you my love)

But the nights were always warm with you (my love)
Holding you right by my side (right by my side)
But the morning always comes too soon
Before I even close my eyes (close my eyes)

All I do each night is pray
Hoping that I'll be a part of you again some day
All I do each night is think
Of all the times I closed the door to keep my love within

Surely we must be in sight
Of the dream we long to live (we long to live)
If you stop and close your eyes
You'll picture me inside
I'm so cold and all alone
Straight on back to me

All I do each night is pray
Hoping that I'll be a part of you again some day
All I do each night is think
Of all the times I closed the door to keep my love within

Come on
Time is running out
You and me
Harmony
You and me
Harmony
You and me
Forever more
That's what I told you
That's what I'm'a pray for

Written by: Gary Barlow

You Need To Hear These Words

Jim Adams aka Newepicauthor, the creator of A Unique Title For Me, is hosting SONG-LYRIC-SUNDAY and this week he has chosen the theme: GOSPEL MUSIC

Photo by Thirdman on Pexels.com

I have always loved that moment when you are watching a live performance of a pop song and unexpectedly, the lights show up a gospel choir on the outskirts of the stage, elevating a song to a whole other level of emotion. Gospel is a fantastic medium for heightening the feelings in a song – and no wonder as this genre is associated with a form of congregational singing – usually songs of deep feelings and joyous praise.

Whether someone is religious or not, I think everyone is impressed by the harmonious sound of a choir. Seeing a gospel choir live is quite an experience. I was really torn between two pop songs that have great gospel choir versions. Both tracks exhibit the uplifting sound of gospel.

First up is “Jealous” a track from Nick Jonas, and further down there is an acoustic version of “Risk It All” from Ella Henderson (a song that reminds me of where I am with Jack after our past dramas). Both features feature gospel choirs – and I can’t help but smile at hearing these singers really going for it – singing from the belly and raising the roof. Gospel music is a really fabulous sound – and I love it when it features in pop music.

I turn my chin music up
And I'm puffing my chest
I'm getting ready to face
You can call me obsessed
It's not your fault that they hover
I mean no disrespect
It's my right to be hellish
I still get jealous

'Cause you're too sexy, beautiful
And everybody wants a taste
That's why (that's why)
I still get jealous

'Cause you're too sexy, beautiful
And everybody wants a taste
That's why (that's why)
I still get jealous

I wish you didn't have to post it out
I wish you'd save a little bit just for me
Protective or possessive, yeah
Call it passive or aggressive



Written by: Nicholas Jonas, Simon Wilcox, and Nolan Lambroza

I heard that you're no longer together
Forget her, she never loved you like I did

I wasn't ready, but now I'm ready for you
The weight has been heavy, say that you miss me
I know you're unsteady and I don't mean to make this worse
But you need to hear these words

I think about the love you gave every day
I think about the hope you gave and took it away
And baby, if you give me a chance, I'll give all that I can
I know I would risk it all

I think about the love you gave every day
I think about the hope you gave and took it away
And baby, if you give me a chance, I'll give all that I can
I know I would risk it all

Love hurts
And it's a gamble saying three words
And I heard that you gotta lose to win sometimes (Win sometimes)

I wasn't ready, but now I'm ready for you
The weight has been heavy, say that you miss me
I know you're unsteady and I don't mean to make this worse
But you need to hear these words

I think about the love you gave every day
I think about the hope you gave and took it away
And baby, if you give me a chance, I'll give all that I can
I know I would risk it all (Risk it all)

I wasn't ready, I wasn't ready
Now I know I, now I know I, I'll risk it all
I wasn't ready, I wasn't ready
Now I know I, now I know I, I'll risk it all

(For you, I would, for you, I would
For you, I would) Yeah, I would risk it all
(For you, I would, for you, I would
For you, I would) Oh no, no

I think about the love you gave every day
I think about the hope you gave and took it away
And baby, if you give me a chance, I'll give all that I can
I know I would risk it all (Risk it all)

I wasn't ready, I wasn't ready
Now I know I, now I know I, I'll risk it all
I wasn't ready, I wasn't ready
Now I know I, now I know I, I'll risk it all

Written by: Robert Harvey, Ella Henderson, Lewis Daniel Thompson, and Charlotte Haining

And I Don’t Know Why

Jim Adams aka Newepicauthor, the creator of A Unique Title For Me, is hosting SONG-LYRIC-SUNDAY and this week he has chosen the theme: REGGAE MUSIC

Photo by Joshua Abner on Pexels.com

I was listening to a reggae song recently, a song I think I must have heard a hundred times, and I realized how much I loved it. The lyrics are simple, but I just love this track. Until recently, I had no idea who I was listening to. It turns out to be Alton Ellis.

The song that I love is called “I’m Still In Love”. It is such a chilled vibe yet lovely sentiment – I could listen to this all day long…preferably with a mojito in my hand while I am lazing in a hammock.

I'm still in love with you, girl
I'm still in love with you, girl
I'm still in love with you, girl
Know I'm still in love, I'm still in love with you

You don't know how to love me (oooh ooh ooh)
Not even how to kiss me (ahhh ahhh ahh)
And I don't know why
My baby

I'm still in love, 
I'm still in love with you, girl
I'm still in love with you, girl (lord knows)
I'm still in love with you, girl
Said, I'm still in love, still in love with you

You don't know how to love me (oooh ooh ooh)
Not even how to kiss me (ahhh ahhh ahh)
And I just don't know why
My baby

I'm still in love with you, girl
I'm still in love with you, girl
I'm still in love with you, girl
Know I'm still in love, I'm still in love with you

Written by: Alton Ellis

Play That Bad Funk

Jim Adams aka Newepicauthor, the creator of A Unique Title For Me, is hosting SONG-LYRIC-SUNDAY and this week he has chosen the theme: FUNK

Another great genre for us to explore this week. My first choice of song was “Play That Funky Music“, but I decided that does not really portray the best of Funk. So, I opted instead for an amazing track.

So, I saw that he had more than one mention last weekend, but I see no reason not to let James Brown into the spotlight again. “Get Up Offa That Thing” has one of those irresistible sounds. Perhaps that is what Funk is – you can hardly call it background music – it has a way of grabbing your attention and taking over. Funk has an amazing sound has already and will go on inspiring new generations who discover it.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW!!!

OH!

Say it now!

I'm back!

I'm back!

I'm back!

I'm back!

Get up offa that thing,
and dance 'till you feel better,
Get up offa that thing,
and dance 'till you, sing it now!
Get up offa that thing,
and dance 'till you feel better,
Get up offa that thing,
and try to release that pressure!
Get up offa that thing,
and shake 'till you feel better,
Get up offa that thing,
and shake it, say it now!
Get up offa that thing,
and shake 'till you feel better,
Get up offa that thing,
and try to release that pressure!
Get up off!
Ha!
Good God!
So good!

Ha!
Everybody ready?!

Follow me!

Get up offa that thing,
and shake 'till you feel better,
Get up offa that thing,
and shake it, sing it now!
Get up offa that thing,
and shake 'till you feel better,
Get up offa that thing,
and try to release that pressure!
Get up offa that thing, (Ha!)
and twist 'till you feel better,
Get up offa that thing,
and shake 'till you, sing it now!
Get up offa that thing,
and shake 'till you feel better,
Get up offa that thing,
and try to release that pressure!

Huh!
Get funky!

So good, Uh!
I'm first to stop, ha!
I've told them now, ha!
Uh!
Ha!
Ohio player!
Can you hit it one time, from the top?!
Get up offa that thing,
and dance to try, you better!
Get up offa that thing,
and... Help me!
Get up offa that thing,
and dance 'till you feel better!
Get up offa that thing,
and try to release that pressure!

Huh!

I need it!

That's the wise old brother at the side start good!
C'mon Clive do it!

Do it!

Uh!
Ha!
Good God!
God Good!
Huh!
Feels good!
Feels good!
Do it to me!
Huh!
Good God!
I want you all in the jam!
Gonna get you all in the jam!
Play that bad funk!
Show 'em how funky you are!
Play it JB's!
Play it now!
Hey!
Get up offa that thing,
and dance 'till you feel better!
Get up offa that thing,
and dance 'till you, help me out!
Get up offa that thing,
and dance 'till you feel better!
Get up offa that thing,
and try to release that pressure!
Get up offa that thing,
and shake 'till you feel better!
Get up offa that thing,
and try to release, say it now!
Get up offa that thing,
and shake 'till you feel better,
Get up offa that thing,
and try to release that pressure!
Get up and... call it!
I feel good!

Written by: Yamma Brown, Deanna Brown, and Deidra Jenkins

Find Out What It Means To Me

Jim Adams aka Newepicauthor, the creator of A Unique Title For Me, is hosting SONG-LYRIC-SUNDAY and this week he has chosen the theme: SOUL MUSIC

Trying to pick one song for this incredible theme is a huge challenge. I could spend hours suggesting songs that I just love. I remember though that when I was a little girl, my Dad bought a soul compilation album that introduced me to some iconic tracks. I loved that album! Which of those songs was my absolute favourite?

One song stood out above all others. Aretha Franklin singing “Respect“. Oh my goodness – did I love this song!!! Everything about it. Aretha’s sensational voice, the musical arrangement, the catchy lyrics, the real emotion coursing through the verses. This is just a taste (but one heck of a taste) of all that Soul Music embraces.

What you want
Baby, I got it
What you need
Do you know I got it?

All I'm askin'
Is for a little respect
When you come home
(just a little bit)
Hey, baby
(just a little bit)
When you get home
(just a little bit)
Mister
(just a little bit)

I ain't gonna do you wrong
While you're gone
Ain't gonna do you wrong
'Cause I don't wanna

All I'm askin'
Is for a little respect
When you come home
(just a little bit)
Baby
(just a little bit)
When you get home
(just a little bit)
Yeah
(just a little bit)

I'm about to give you all of my money
And all I'm askin' in return, honey
Is to give me my propers
When you get home

(just a, just a, just a, just a)
Yeah, baby
(just a, just a, just a, just a)
When you get home
(just a little bit)
Yeah
(just a little bit)

Ooh, your kisses
Sweeter than honey
And guess what?
So is my money

All I want you to do for me
Is give it to me when you get home
(re, re, re ,re)
Yeah, baby
(re, re, re ,re)
Whip it to me
(respect, just a little bit)
When you get home, now
(just a little bit)

R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Find out what it means to me
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Take care, TCB

Oh (sock it to me, sock it to me
Sock it to me, sock it to me)
A little respect
(sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me)
Whoa, babe
(just a little bit)
A little respect
(just a little bit)

I get tired
(just a little bit)
Keep on tryin'
(just a little bit)
You're runnin' out of foolin'
(just a little bit)
And I ain't lyin'
(just a little bit)

(re, re, re, re) 'spect
When you come home
(re, re, re, re)
Or you might walk in
(respect, just a little bit)
And find out I'm gone
(just a little bit)
I got to have
(just a little bit)

Writer: Otis Redding

I Put On Clothes To Make Me Look Like Someone Else

Jim Adams aka Newepicauthor, the creator of A Unique Title For Me, is hosting SONG-LYRIC-SUNDAY and this week he has chosen the theme: ALTERNATIVE ROCK (outside the mainstream)

So…I suppose that rules out most of my favourite alternative rock songs which have become mainstream. I suppose one definition of “alternative” is that it is not mainstream? Please correct me if I am wrong (those of you who like to correct others). What do I know after working for two independent record labels?

Photo by Mantas Hesthaven on Pexels.com

So…after ruling out some amazing bands which started out “alternative rock” but became very much mainstream, I decided to dig into some of the lesser known bands who released phenomenal songs that were hugely popular back in the day.

When I was fourteen, I went to see a band called Sleeper (yay!!!) play in Manchester. They were supported by two other bands, Octopus started off the show and did very well at making the crowd super excited about all that was to come. Next on were Longpips and wow!…just wow! I don’t think I have ever seen a supporting band do so well. The crowd loved loved loved them! Seriously. It turned out to be one of the most excitable nights of live music I have ever been at.

Octopus, Longpigs, and then the incredible Sleeper – what a memory. That crowd was crackers!!! But the music was so so good! So…as a memory of that night is one of the songs that caused a mighty roar from the crowd. This is “She Said” from Longpigs – AMAZING!!! This is so not mainstream alternative rock.

And there's no clothes I can buy make me feel like myself, she said
So I put on clothes to make me look like someone else, instead

And as a matter of fact, I don't like to be seen
'Cause I'm not satisfied with myself, she said

She said (She said)
She said (She said)
She said (She said)
She's dead

There's no perfume I can buy make me smell like myself, she said
So I put on perfume to make me smell like someone else in bed

And as a matter of fact, I don't like to be scented
'Cause I don't like to smell myself, she said

She said (She said)
She said (She said)
She dead (She's dead)
She said

I'm not afraid of being more than pretty
But you're getting paid
To wind yourselves up until you drop
Yeah

There's no one I can talk to like I talk to myself, she said
So I play games to make them think I'm someone else, it's inbred

And as a matter of fact, I don't like to be seen
'Cause I'm not satisfied with myself, she said

I'm not afraid of being more than pretty
While you're getting paid
To wind yourselves up until you drop

She said (She said)
She said (She said)
She's dead (She's dead)
She's dead
And it's ingrained (She said)
She said (She said)
She's trade (She said)
She's played (She said)

Credits: Crispin Hunt

All The Stars Were Just Like Little Fish

Jim Adams aka Newepicauthor, the creator of A Unique Title For Me, is hosting SONG-LYRIC-SUNDAY and this week he has chosen the theme: GRUNGE MUSIC

Photo by Harrison Haines on Pexels.com

So…I was thinking lots of random thoughts about the genre of Grunge Rock. It somehow does not seem as pretentious as the era that pre-empted it. You know those egotistical rock icons with their big hair and sparkly platforms, their super tight trousers and big power ballads. Somehow, Grunge music felt like a rebellion against all of that.

Yet, Grunge became almost as iconic – mainly through some of the tragic demises of legendary names that left the world slightly traumatised. I think that there is an emotive connection to Grunge that every has felt ought to be memorialized – whether or not you actually like the sound of Grunge music.

Most of the music I hear within the category of Grunge sounds troubled – to say the least. I am never sure if this is a stroppy teenager having a big fat hissy fit because they cannot get their own way – or some surrealist flexing their creative muscles in warped directions. Somehow, I feel safer with the stroppy hissy fit than the surreal but warped creative genius.

My main gripe with Grunge – is the horrific association of iconic Grunge musicians with disturbing abuse of drugs. I sort of write them off as fools for this reason. I have seen people destroy their lives through drugs – and I have even tried to tackle this bizarre form of self-destruction in my writing. I detest the abuse of drugs. So it is hard for me to feel any sort of respect or admiration for anyone who dabbles, becomes entangled, becomes enslaved by drugs.

My choice for today is another legendary icon – Courtney Love and the band Hole with a track called “Violet“.

And the sky was made of amethyst
And all the stars were just like little fish
You should learn when to go
You should learn how to say "NO"

Might last a day, yeah
Mine is forever
Might last a day, yeah
Mine is forever

When they get what they want, they never want it again
When they get what they want, they never want it again

Go on, take everything, take everything, I want you to
Go on, take everything, take everything, I want you to

And the sky was all violet
I want it again, but violent more violent
Hey, I'm the one with no soul
One above and one below

Might last a day, yeah
Mine is forever
Might last a day, yeah
Mine is forever

When they get what they want, they never want it again
When they get what they want, they never want it again

Go on, take everything, take everything, I want you to
Go on, take everything, take everything, I dare you to

I told you from the start just how this would end
When I get what I want then I never want it again

Go on, take everything, take everything, I want you to
Go on, take everything, take everything, I want you to
Go on, take everything, take everything, I want you to
Go on, take everything, take everything, I want you to
Go on, take everything, take everything, I want you to
Go on, take everything, take everything, take everything, take everything

Written by: Courtney Love and Eric Erlandson

The Woman That’s A Got That Beat

Jim Adams aka Newepicauthor, the creator of A Unique Title For Me, is hosting SONG-LYRIC-SUNDAY and this week he has chosen the theme: ROCKABILLY

Photo by Cleyton Ewerton on Pexels.com

I have discovered something while researching potential song choices for this week’s theme – I really really really like Rockabilly! In the end I picked a track which just seemed to embrace this genre so heartily. It is a great song and for that reason it has been covered many many times and my some top music icons. But it was Gene Vincent that originally launched this track “Be-Bop-A-Lula”.

I found a golden oldie of a video showing a live performance, but the sound quality was very poor. I love this recording – it really captures the incredible this phenomenal sound of Rockabilly.

Well, be bop a-lula, she's my baby
Be bop a-lula, I don't mean maybe
Be bop a-lula, she's my baby
Be bop a-lula, I don't mean maybe
Be bop a-lula, she's my baby doll,
My baby doll, my baby doll
She's the woman in the red blue jeans
She's the woman that's the queen of the teens
She's the one woman that I know
She's the woman that loves me so

Be bop a-lula, she's my baby
Be bop a-lula, I don't mean maybe
Be bop a-lula, she's my baby doll,
My baby doll, my baby doll

She's the woman that's a got that beat
She's the woman with the flying feet
She's the one woman that I know
She's the woman that loves me so

Be bop a-lula, she's my baby
Be bop a-lula, I don't mean maybe
Be bop a-lula, she's my baby doll,
My baby doll, my baby doll

Be bop a-lula, she's my baby
Be bop a-lula, I don't mean maybe
Be bop a-lula, she's my baby
Be bop a-lula, I don't mean maybe
Be bop a-lula, she's my baby doll,
My baby doll, my baby doll

Written by: Gene Vincent and Tex Davis (the story has it that Donald Graves had a big part to play in this song)