James Brown

Lyrics

21 ContributorsFunky Drummer LyricsPull back the cover
Shades, good God
It's a raid

Cut off the lights
And call the law
Cut off the lights
And call the law

Standing over there
The devil's Son In Law

Call the law
Call the law
The devil's son-in-law

Bring on the juice
Bring on the juice
Bring on the juice
Bring on the juice
Make me sweat

Still good
Still good
Still good
It's still good
You might also likeTurn over
Turn over
Soulful rover
Turn over
Turn over
Turn over
Take me in the change
Take me in the change
Take me in the change

Honky-tonk women
Is all I need
I'm a member of a brand new breed
Honky-tonk women
Is what I want

Fellas, one more time
I wanna give the drummer
Some of this funky soul we got here

You don't have to do no solo-ing, brother
Just keep what you got
Don't turn it loose
'Cause it's a mother

When I count to four
I want everybody to lay off
Let the drummer go
When I count to four
I want you to come back in
I got to holler
I said, it's in my feet
Feels so sweet
It's in my shake, good God
About to work me to death

It's in my shirt
About to work me to death
It's in my shirt
I want to blow
I want about to blow

One, two, three, four
Get it

Ain't it funky
Ain't it funky
Ain't it funky
Ain't it funky
One, two, three, four

The name of this tune is 'The Funky Drummer'
The funky drummer
The funky drummer
The funky drummer
The funky drummer
The funky drummer
The funky drummer
The funky drummer
Maceo!

If you’re a fan of James Brown or funk music, you have undoubtedly heard of the famous track “Funky Drummer”. It was released in 1970 and quickly became one of the most influential songs of its time. It features the incredible drumming talents of Clyde Stubblefield, who created one of the most iconic drum solos of all time, which has been sampled in over 1500 songs and is still being heard today. Let’s take a closer look at this legendary song and the story behind it.

About Funky Drummer

“Funky Drummer” is a song by James Brown that was originally released as a two-part single in 1970. The track features a drum solo performed by Clyde Stubblefield, one of the most respected and renowned drummers in the music industry. The song became an instant hit among fans and critics, and it has endured as one of the most influential songs from the funk music era.

What makes “Funky Drummer” so special is the incredible drumming of Clyde Stubblefield. His drum solo in this track is considered one of the most iconic and influential drum breaks of all time. The break has been sampled in thousands of songs over the years, from hip-hop to electronic music, and it remains an essential part of modern music.

The song is built around a simple but infectious rhythm that features a funky bassline and bluesy guitar riffs. The groove of the song is driven by Stubblefield’s drumming, which is both intricate and groovy. It’s no wonder that “Funky Drummer” has become one of the most sampled songs in history.

It’s important to note the impact of this song on contemporary music. “Funky Drummer” has been sampled in more than 1500 different songs, which is a testament to the lasting influence of this track. Some of the most recognizable songs that have sampled “Funky Drummer” include Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power”, LL Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out”, and Dr. Dre’s “Let Me Ride.” This shows how the song has helped shape the sound and style of modern popular music.

The Story Behind the Song

The creation of “Funky Drummer” is a fascinating story that sheds light on the creative process behind the song. According to Clyde Stubblefield himself, the song was created during a studio session in the 1960s. The band was sitting around, getting ready for a session, and Stubblefield started playing a pattern on the drums. The bassline and guitar soon joined in, and they had a rhythm going. James Brown, the bandleader, liked what he heard and asked Stubblefield to come up with something to complement the groove.

Stubblefield then proceeded to play one of the most innovative and creative drum solos of all time. His playing was so impressive that Brown immediately recognized its potential and decided to make it the centerpiece of the song. The drummer recalls that Brown never pressured him to play a specific pattern or told him what to do; he just trusted Stubblefield’s talent and let him do his thing.

It’s worth noting that Stubblefield wasn't credited as a songwriter for the track, which meant that he didn't receive any royalties from all of the samples that used his drum pattern. This has been a point of controversy over the years, as many people believe that he deserved recognition and compensation for his contribution to the song.

Why “Funky Drummer” is So Important

Few songs have had as much of an impact on modern music as “Funky Drummer”. From its infectious groove to the innovative drumming of Clyde Stubblefield, everything about this track is a testament to the creativity and originality of James Brown and his band. The fact that it has been sampled in over 1500 songs is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the lasting influence of the song.

“Funky Drummer” also represents a milestone in the evolution of funk music. The song helped solidify the genre and define its sound, establishing James Brown as one of the most important and innovative musicians of his time. The track represents a cultural touchstone that has inspired musicians and listeners for more than five decades and will continue to do so for generations to come.

All in all, “Funky Drummer” is an unforgettable song that has become an essential part of modern music. From its iconic groove to the legendary drumming of Clyde Stubblefield, this track is a testament to the enduring power of funk music and the creative genius of its creators. If you haven't listened to it yet, do yourself a favor, and dive into this timeless classic.

• Release Date: March 1970
• Artist: James Brown