The founding members of the band were drummer Jim Fox, bassist Tom Kriss, guitarist Ronnie Silverman, keyboardist Phil Giallombardo, and guitarist Glen Schwartz. In 1968 Joe Walsh replaced Schwartz when Schwartz left the band to join Pacific Gas & Electric. The band then released its debut album Yer' Album. In July of 1970, the band released its second album James Gang Rides Again which included the hit single "Funk #49." By this time, Dale Peters had replaced Kriss on bass. The band opened for The Who during a tour of Britain. After two more albums, Thirds, with the single "Walk Away,", and the live album James Gang Live in Concert, Walsh left the band to perform solo and later join the Eagles.
Vocalist Roy Kenner and guitarist Domenic Troiano then joined the band. Troiano left to join Guess Who and was replaced by Tommy Bolin. Bolin left in 1974 to replace Ritchie Blackmore in Deep Purple. After two albums, "Bang" and "Miami", Bolin was replaced by vocalist Bubba Keith and guitarist Richard Shack, who made "Newborn" (which featured a cover of the Elvis Presley song "Heartbreak Hotel"). The band broke up following a final recording, "Jesse Come Home" (which referred to the band's namesake, the outlaw Jesse James), which was made with the collaboration of early member Phil Giallombardo. Fox was the only remaining member of the original quintet when they disbanded early in 1977.
The "classic" lineup of the band (Walsh, Peters, Fox) reunited to perform at an election rally for Bill Clinton in 1996, appearances on The Drew Carey Show in the 1998-99 season, and at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in February 2001, drawing fans from all over the globe.
As of May 2004, Glenn Schwartz was playing guitar and singing Thursday nights at "Major Hooples" in the Flats, Cleveland.
In summer 2006 the Walsh/Peters/Fox lineup of the group toured the United States. In August 2006, the trio appeared performing live on The Howard Stern radio show on Sirius satellite radio.
Funk #49
James Gang Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know where you're going.
I don't that's a-acting right,
You don't think it's showing.
A-jumpin' up, fallin' down,
Don't misunderstand me.
You don't think that I know your plan,
What you try'n to hand me?
Out all night, sleep all day,
I know what you're doing.
If you're gonna a-act that way,
Think there's trouble brewing.
The lyrics to James Gang's song Funk #49 describe a person who is aware of their partner's behavior and intentions. The first verse implies that the person in question is not acting right, regardless of whether or not they think they are getting away with it. The second verse further emphasizes this sentiment by stating that if the person continues to act in such a way, trouble is sure to follow.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "out all night, sleep all day" which suggests that the person in question is living a reckless and irresponsible lifestyle. The listener can infer that this lifestyle is causing strain on their relationships and ultimately leading to consequences.
Overall, the song seems to be a warning to someone who is engaging in self-destructive behavior. The tone is somewhat accusatory, but also indicates a level of concern and care for the person being addressed.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh, sleep all day, out all night,
You spend your days sleeping and your nights out,
I know where you're going.
I am aware of your actions and plans.
I don't that's a-acting right,
I don't think that your behavior is appropriate,
You don't think it's showing.
You don't think that your true intentions are being revealed.
A-jumpin' up, fallin' down,
You're taking risks and experiencing highs and lows.
Don't misunderstand me.
Please don't misinterpret my intentions or words.
You don't think that I know your plan,
You believe that I'm unaware of your scheme,
What you try'n to hand me?
What are you attempting to give me?
Out all night, sleep all day,
You continue to be up all night and sleep through the day,
I know what you're doing.
I have an understanding of your activities and motives.
If you're gonna a-act that way,
If you choose to behave in such a manner,
Think there's trouble brewing.
I believe that there may be problems or issues on the horizon.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DALE PETERS, JAMES K. FOX, JOSEPH FIDLER WALSH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind