The band went under the name “First Love” and performed at the Hemmens Auditorium Battle of the Bands. The band took first place and won “cash plus recording time”. As time went on the band changed its name to “Black and White” and soon became very popular on the Illinois Club Circuit. The band performed at Chance’s R, Stay Out West and other Classic venues.
Black and White Is:
BOB SLAWEK / VOCALS
JIM PATTERSON / BASS
JEFF SWAN / GUITARS
JOHN BABILA / DRUMS
Under Pressure
Black and White Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm just under pressure, under pressure
Need to be getting better, getting better
Getting my shit together, shit together
Cause you can't live forever, live forever
I'm just under pressure, under pressure
Need to be getting better, getting better
Cause you can't live forever, live forever
I'm just under pressure, under pressure
(pressure)
I'm just under pressure, under pressure
(pressure)
Man fuck the "white man" (fuck)
Fuck a Lee Towle (fuck)
I'm working for myself, for my people (yup)
I see through the system
Through the peep hole (I do)
I have never been treated equal (yup)
Always been above or below, never the same
(uh huh) shout out to my nigga Gelo he
Always told me to be great (yup yup)
Shout out to my nigga Sayvon he
Told me to never change (yup yup he did)
I pray for Amani and Caleb
Also Elijah, Mikali too
(yup yup my family yeah)
I gotta do what I have to do
Please show me gratitude (uh huh, uh huh)
Don't give me attitude
I am not mad at you (yup)
So don't be mad at me
This how it has to be (yup)
This no fat tragedy (yup) it's just
Pressure pressure
(yup yeah, yeah, yeah) under pressure
(uh huh, yup yup)
I'm just under pressure, under pressure
Need to be getting better, getting better
Getting my shit together, shit together
Cause you can't live forever, live forever
I'm just under pressure, under pressure
Need to be getting better, getting better
Getting my shit together, shit together
Cause you can't live forever, live forever
I'm just under pressure, under pressure
(pressure)
I'm just under pressure, under pressure
(pressure)
'Cause love's such an old fashioned word
And love dares you to care for
The people on the edge of the night
(lord help me, lord help me, lord help me
Lord help me)
And love dares you to change our way of
(Hey! Please! God! Help! Me)
Caring about ourselves
This is our last dance
This is our last dance (Hey! God! Help! Me)
This is ourselves under pressure pressure
Under Pressure
Black Cailou no autotune I can take your girl
To the moon if I really wanted to
But sometimes I'm doing what I gotta do
Instead of what I wanna do
The lyrics of Black and White's song "Under Pressure" depict the artist's struggle to cope with the societal pressures and expectations that weigh heavily on them. They express a sense of urgency to improve themselves and get their life together because they understand that life is finite and one cannot live forever. The repetition of "under pressure" emphasizes the constant feeling of being overwhelmed and the need to rise above it.
The lyrics also touch upon themes of inequality and the artist's experience of not being treated equally. They mention being seen as either superior or inferior, never finding a middle ground, and acknowledge their friends who have encouraged them to strive for greatness and remain true to themselves.
The second part of the song takes a different direction, referencing the iconic Queen and David Bowie collaboration "Under Pressure." It emphasizes the power of love and its ability to challenge individuals to care for others and make positive changes in the world. The plea for help from a higher power indicates a sincere desire for guidance and support in navigating the pressures of life.
Overall, "Under Pressure" is a introspective and relatable song that captures the struggle of trying to meet expectations and find one's place in the world while also balancing personal desires and responsibilities.
Line by Line Meaning
Fuck, yuh
Expressing frustration or anger
I'm just under pressure, under pressure
Feeling overwhelmed or stressed
Need to be getting better, getting better
Striving for personal improvement
Getting my shit together, shit together
Organizing and sorting out one's life
Cause you can't live forever, live forever
Recognizing the limitations of mortality
Man fuck the "white man" (fuck)
Expressing frustration or anger towards systemic inequality
Fuck a Lee Towle (fuck)
Dismissing or rejecting a specific individual (Lee Towle)
I'm working for myself, for my people (yup)
Dedicating oneself to personal and collective growth
I see through the system
Recognizing the flaws or injustices of the system
Through the peep hole (I do)
Having a clear perspective or understanding
I have never been treated equal (yup)
Acknowledging experiences of inequality or discrimination
Always been above or below, never the same
Feeling excluded from a sense of belonging or equality
Shout out to my nigga Gelo he
Expressing gratitude and appreciation to Gelo
Always told me to be great (yup yup)
Encouraging the pursuit of greatness
Shout out to my nigga Sayvon he
Expressing gratitude and appreciation to Sayvon
Told me to never change (yup yup he did)
Encouraging authenticity and staying true to oneself
I pray for Amani and Caleb
Sending well wishes or prayers for Amani and Caleb
Also Elijah, Mikali too
Also sending well wishes or prayers for Elijah and Mikali
I gotta do what I have to do
Recognizing the necessity of taking action
Please show me gratitude (uh huh, uh huh)
Requesting appreciation or acknowledgment
Don't give me attitude
Asking to be treated with respect or understanding
I am not mad at you (yup)
Clarifying that there are no negative feelings
So don't be mad at me
Requesting the avoidance of anger or resentment
This how it has to be (yup)
Accepting the current circumstances or situation
This no fat tragedy (yup) it's just
Emphasizing that the situation is not overly dramatic
Pressure pressure
Feeling intense stress or pressure
I'm just under pressure, under pressure
Continuing to express feeling overwhelmed or stressed
Cause love's such an old fashioned word
Reflecting on the traditional, timeless nature of love
And love dares you to care for
Highlighting love's challenge to be compassionate and caring
The people on the edge of the night
Directing attention to those who are vulnerable or marginalized
Lord help me, lord help me, lord help me
Seeking divine assistance or guidance
And love dares you to change our way of
Encouraging a shift in perspective or behavior
Caring about ourselves
Promoting selflessness and consideration for others
This is our last dance
Emphasizing the final opportunity or chance
This is ourselves under pressure pressure
Acknowledging the impact of pressure on oneself
Black Cailou no autotune I can take your girl
Boasting about personal skills or attractiveness
To the moon if I really wanted to
Expressing the ability to achieve great things
But sometimes I'm doing what I gotta do
Acknowledging the need to prioritize responsibilities
Instead of what I wanna do
Sacrificing personal desires for obligations
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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