The group formed in Los Angeles, California, and originally consisted of Janice Marie Johnson (vocals, bass), Hazel Payne (vocals, guitar), Perry Kibble (keyboards) and Donald Johnson (drums).
Their first single, "Boogie Oogie Oogie," from their self-titled debut album A Taste of Honey, tapped into the popular disco style and spent three weeks at number one (#1) on the Hot 100 in 1978.
The group were awarded a platinum record for this single and went on the win the Grammy Award for Best New Artist (as was previously mentioned).
Their subsequent disco releases, such as "Do It Good" (#79 in 1979) from Another Taste and "Rescue Me" (1980) failed to attract attention, and by 1980 the group had reduced to a duo consisting of Janice Marie Johnson and Hazel Payne.
When recording their cover version of the Kyu Sakamoto song "Sukiyaki" (from their third album- Twice As Sweet, released in 1980) they resisted suggestions to turn it into a dance tune, and as a soft and simple ballad it brought them the second and final major hit of their careers in 1981, when it reached number one (#1) on the Billboard R&B and Adult Contemporary charts and number three (#3) on Hot 100. The group were awarded a gold record for this single.
A Taste of Honey released their final major album, Ladies of the Eighties in 1982. It featured their final Billboard Hot 100 charting single "I'll Try Something New" (#41).
Although their popularity waned in the early 1980s and beyond, both Janice Marie Johnson and Hazel Payne have remained periodically active in the music business and each of the two released solo albums after their group's success.
Do It Good
A Taste Of Honey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Close your eyes and feel the vibe of the music
Don’t hold back, let it go
Don’t be afraid ‘cause it’s okay to let it flow
Hey, do it
Do it, do it good
Get up and do it
Come on and do it
Do it, do it good
Get up and do it
Do it, do it good (Yeah)
Hmm...hmm...hmm...
Clap your hands, stomp your feet
Move your body to the disco beat
The stage is set now, the light’s on you
You can do it, get into it, feel it through and through
Don’t be shy, get it on
And put your hand on your hips, let your back bone slip, now get it on
Hey, do it
Do it, do it good
Get up and do it
Do it, do it good
Come on and do it
Do it, do it good
Get up and do it
Do it, do it good
Everybody do it
Do it, do it good
Come on and do it
Do it, do it good
Come on and do it
Do it, do it good
Do it
Do it, do it good
Hmm...hmm...hmm...
Oh
Oh, clap your hands, stomp your feet
Move your body to the freaky beat
Come on now
Shake it on down
Get up, you can do it
Shake it on down
Get up
Oh, you can do it
Shake it on down
Get up, you can do it
Shake it on down
Get up
Clap your hands, stomp your feet
Move your body to the disco beat
Shake it on down
Get up, you can do it
Shake it on down
Get up
Clap your hands, stomp your feet
Move your body to the disco beat
Shake it on down (Woo)
Get up, you can do it
Shake it on down (Mmm...hmm...hmm...)
Get up
Clap your hands, stomp your feet
Move your body to the disco beat
Go on now
Shake it on down
Get up, you can do it (Mmm...hmm...)
Shake it on down
Get up
Clap your hands, stomp your feet
Move your body to the disco beat
Oh, you can do it
Shake it on down
Get up, you can do it
Shake it on down
Get up
Clap your hands, stomp your feet
Move your body to the disco beat
Shake it on down
Get up, you can do it
Shake it on down
Get up
Clap your hands, stomp your feet
Move your body to the disco beat
The lyrics to A Taste of Honey's "Do It Good" exude a playful and energetic tone that is sure to make listeners want to get up and dance. The song encourages listeners to let loose and enjoy themselves while feeling the beat of the music. It begins by urging listeners to take advantage of the moment and let go of their reservations. The lyrics mention that it's alright to let the rhythm take over and move one's hips, letting the body "flow."
The chorus encourages the listener to "do it" and do it "good." In this context, "doing it" refers to dancing and letting oneself feel the music. The song's repeated urging to "get up and do it" emphasizes the importance of action and actively participating in the experience. The lyrics mention clapping hands, stomping feet, and moving the body to the music, as well as referencing the disco beat.
Line by Line Meaning
Come on and get down while you can
Take advantage of this opportunity to dance and have fun
Close your eyes and feel the vibe of the music
Allow yourself to fully immerse into the rhythm and melody
Don’t hold back, let it go
Do not restrain yourself, allow your body to move freely with the music
Don’t be afraid ‘cause it’s okay to let it flow
Do not feel scared or ashamed of expressing yourself through dancing
Hey, do it
Encouragement to start dancing
Do it, do it good
Dance with passion and energy
Get up and do it
Stand up and start dancing
Come on and do it
Invitation to start dancing
Hmm...hmm...hmm...
Musical interlude
Clap your hands, stomp your feet
Rhythmic actions that synchronize with the beat
Move your body to the disco beat
Dance to the style and rhythm of disco music
The stage is set now, the light’s on you
The environment is perfect for dancing and the attention is on you
You can do it, get into it, feel it through and through
Believe in yourself and express the music completely
Don’t be shy, get it on
Do not feel bashful, let loose and dance
And put your hand on your hips, let your back bone slip, now get it on
Instructions on how to move your body to the music
Everybody do it
Encouragement for everyone to dance
Come on and do it
Invitation for everyone to dance
Oh
Exclamation of excitement or pleasure
Shake it on down
Move your body energetically to the rhythm
Oh, you can do it
Positive reinforcement of one's capabilities
Go on now
Encouragement to continue dancing
Woo
Exclamation of excitement or delight
Contributed by Charlie G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Marcus Anderson
The bass is badass! 🎸🎼🎼🎼🖤
Bruno Muzi
I love the Disco Funky sound! Good vibes from my childhood. I was born in 1967. And the music accompanied me from the cradle. I happily own their first self-titled album (A Taste Of Honey)!
MEL PELL
This is the first time I've heard this song since 1979!!! WOW!!! Sounds as good as I remember it.
Scott Neufville
Me too!
survivor
Listening at 2020...but makes me feel good. Love these girls...
Luevernon Cross
Yet another classic. The bass line is incredible. Thanks for posting.
Ronald Thomas
Love this song. !!!
CK Kim
Playing such a funky bassline and singing at the same time.... Long Live Ms. Johnson!
Stacey Dash
Clap your hands stomp your feet move your body to the disco beat. 🕺💃😍🥰🕺
jonanthan firmino de melo
funk,soul,groove...a taste of honey é d+,demais a janice e a payne!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!