The group's most successful period was in the late 1970s and early 1980s when Lionel Richie was co-lead singer. The band's biggest hit singles are ballads such as "Easy", "Three Times a Lady", and "Nightshift"; and funky dance hits which include "Brick House", "Fancy Dancer", "Lady (You Bring Me Up)", and "Too Hot ta Trot". In 1986 the Commodores won their first Grammy for the song "Nightshift".
Band history
The Commodores originally came together from two former groups, the Mystics and the Jays. There was even a Jazz aspect to one of the groups. They wanted to change the name. Together, a six-man band was created from which the notable individuals were Lionel Richie, Thomas McClary, and William King from the Mystics; Andre Callahan, Michael Gilbert, and Milan Williams were from the Jays. To choose a new name, William "WAK" King opened a dictionary and randomly picked a word. "We lucked out", he remarked with a laugh when telling this story to People magazine. "We almost became 'The Commodes!
The band originated while its members attended Tuskegee University in Alabama. After winning the university's annual freshman talent contest, they played at fraternity parties as well as a weekend gig at the Black Forest Inn, one of a few clubs in Tuskegee that catered to college students. They performed mostly cover tunes and some original songs with their first singer, James Ingram (not the famous solo artist). Ingram, older than the rest of the band, left to serve active duty in Vietnam, and was later replaced by Walter "Clyde" Orange, who would write or co-write many of their hit tunes. Lionel Richie and Orange alternated as lead singers. (Orange was the lead singer on the Top 10 hits "Brick House" and "Nightshift".)
The Commodores made a brief appearance in the 1978 film Thank God It's Friday. They performed the song "Too Hot ta Trot" during the dance contest; the songs "Brick House" and "Easy" were also played during the movie.
"Machine Gun", the instrumental title track from the band's debut album, became a staple at American sporting events, and is similarly featured in many films, including Boogie Nights and Looking for Mr. Goodbar. It reached No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1975. Another instrumental, "Cebu" (named after an island in the Philippines), later became a staple in the Quiet storm format. Three albums released in 1975 and 1976 (Caught in the Act, Movin' On, and Hot on the Tracks) are considered the peak of their harder funk period. After those recordings the group started to move towards a softer sound. That move was hinted at in their 1976 Top Ten hits "Sweet Love" and "Just to Be Close to You". In 1977 the Commodores released "Easy", which became the group's biggest hit yet, reaching No. 4 in the U.S., followed by "Brick House", also top 5, both from their album The Commodores, as was "Zoom". The group reached No. 1 in 1978 with "Three Times a Lady". In 1979 the Commodores scored another top-five ballad, "Sail On", before reaching the top of the charts once again with another ballad, "Still". In 1981 they released two top-ten hits with "Oh No" (No. 4) and their first upbeat single in almost five years, "Lady (You Bring Me Up)" (No. 8).
In 1982, Lionel Richie left to pursue a solo career. A transition that was smooth but slow, Richie's departure was evident after it was mentioned to the band why his distinct sound would never be a part of The Commodores; Skyler Jett replaced Richie as co-lead singer. Also in 1982, their manager Benjamin Ashburn who also managed another band Platinum Hook died of a heart attack aged 54.
Over time, several founding members left - McClary left in 1983 (shortly after Richie) to pursue a solo career and to develop a gospel music company. McClary was replaced by guitarist-vocalist Sheldon Reynolds while LaPread left in 1986 and moved to Auckland, New Zealand and Reynolds departed for Earth, Wind & Fire in 1987, which prompted trumpeter William "WAK" King to take over primary guitar duties for live performances. Keyboardist Milan Williams exited the band in 1989 after allegedly refusing to tour South Africa.
The group also gradually abandoned its funk roots and moved into the more commercial pop arena. In 1984 former Heatwave singer James Dean "J.D." Nicholas assumed co-lead vocal duties with drummer Walter Orange. The band remained hitless until 1985 when their final Motown album, Nightshift, produced by Dennis Lambert—all prior albums were produced by James Anthony Carmichael)—delivered the Grammy Award-winning title track "Nightshift" (No. 3 in the U.S.). It was a tribute to Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson. In 2010 a new version was recorded, dedicated to Michael Jackson. The Commodores were on a European tour performing at Wembley Arena, London, on June 25, 2009, when they walked off the stage after they were told that Michael Jackson had died. Initially the band thought it was a hoax. However, back in their dressing rooms they received confirmation and broke down in tears. The next night at Birmingham's NIA Arena, J.D. Nicholas added Jackson's name into the lyrics of the song, and thenceforth the Commodores have mentioned Jackson and other deceased R&B singers. Thus came the inspiration upon the one-year anniversary of Jackson's death, to re-record, with new lyrics, the hit song "Nightshift" as a tribute. "Nightshift" won The Commodores their first Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals in 1985.
In 1990 the Commodores formed Commodores Records and re-recorded their 20 greatest hits as Commodores Hits Vol. I & II. They have recorded a live album Commodores Live! along with a DVD of the same name, and a Christmas album titled Commodores Christmas. In 2012, the band was working on new material, some contributions written by current and former members.
The Commodores now consist of Walter "Clyde" Orange, James Dean "J.D." Nicholas, and William "WAK" King, along with their five-piece band, known as the "Mean Machine". The group continues to perform, playing at arenas, theaters, and festivals around the world.
Studio albums
Machine Gun (1974)
Caught in the Act (1975)
Movin' On (1975)
Hot on the Tracks (1976)
Commodores (1977)
Natural High (1978)
Midnight Magic (1979)
Heroes (1980)
In the Pocket (1981)
Commodores 13 (1983)
Nightshift (1985)
United (1986)
Rock Solid (1988)
Commodores Christmas (1992)
No Tricks (1993)
Girl
Commodores Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That you're the only one for me (one for me)
You make me feel good, so good inside
Stay by me, woman, for the rest of my life
And as I think of you more every day
There's only one thing, girl, I can say
And that's, girl, I think the world about you, whoo
Oh, girl, I think the world about you
I'm always thinkin' of you
Yeah
So many wonders in your world, it seems (world, it seems)
You're the picture of a woman, a little girl's dream (wanna dream)
You seem so weak sometimes to be so strong
You make a man like me find a need to belong
No words can say how much I need you so
But oh, my love, I want the world to know
Girl, I think the world about you
I'm always thinkin' of you
Oh, girl, I think the world about you
I'm always thinkin' of you, ooh
Ooh
There's no words to say how much I need you so
But oh, sweet girl, I want the world to know
Girl, I think the world about you, whoo
I'm always thinkin' of you
Oh, girl, I think the world about you
Yeah, yeah, girl
Thinking about you, my baby, my baby, yeah
Thinking about you, my baby, my baby, yeah
Thinking about you, my baby, my baby, yeah
Thinking about you, my baby, my baby, yeah
Na-na-na-na-na-na, girl
Na-na-na-na-na-na, girl
Girl, I think the world about you, I really do love you
I really do need you
I really do love you
I really do need you
I really do love you
I really do need you
Really do, really do, really do, really do
Really do, really do, really do, really do love you
The lyrics to Commodores' "Girl I Think the World About You" are a testament to the love and admiration that the singer has for his significant other. The song is a tribute to a woman who is the only one for him and who makes him feel good inside. The lyrics express how the woman is the picture of a little girl's dream and she can sometimes seem weak but is actually strong, which makes the singer feel like he belongs. He can't express in words how much he needs the woman in his life, but he wants the world to know how much he thinks about her and how much he loves her.
The lyrics are an ode to the singer's deep love and appreciation for his significant other. He feels grateful to have her in his life and his love for her is unconditional, as it is clear that he thinks about her all the time. The lyrics also touch upon the need for belonging and how the woman makes him feel like he belongs. Overall, the lyrics are a beautiful and romantic portrayal of a deep love and admiration for the singer's significant other.
Line by Line Meaning
Sweet little woman, can't you see?
I care about you deeply, and I hope you feel the same way.
That you're the only one for me (one for me)
I am completely devoted to you, and I want you to be with me.
You make me feel good, so good inside
Being with you brings me joy and happiness that I can't describe.
Stay by me, woman, for the rest of my life
I want to spend the rest of my days with you, and I hope you feel the same way.
And as I think of you more every day
My love for you continues to grow stronger with each passing day.
There's only one thing, girl, I can say
I have one simple message to tell you.
And that's, girl, I think the world about you, whoo
My love for you is limitless and all-encompassing, and I want you to know that.
Always thinkin' of you
You are always on my mind, and I can't stop thinking about you.
So many wonders in your world, it seems (world, it seems)
You are an amazing person with so much to offer, and I feel lucky to be with you.
You're the picture of a woman, a little girl's dream (wanna dream)
You embody everything that someone would want in a partner, and I feel so fortunate to be with you.
You seem so weak sometimes to be so strong
You may appear fragile or vulnerable at times, but I see a strength and resilience in you that is truly remarkable.
You make a man like me find a need to belong
Being with you makes me feel like I have finally found my home, and I never want to leave.
No words can say how much I need you so
I don't have the words to fully express how much I love and need you in my life.
But oh, my love, I want the world to know
Despite my inability to fully express myself, I want the world to know how much you mean to me.
Thinking about you, my baby, my baby, yeah
You are always on my mind, and I can't help but think about you.
Na-na-na-na-na-na, girl
I can't help but sing your praises and let everyone know how wonderful you are.
I really do love you
My feelings for you are genuine and deep, and I want you to know that.
I really do need you
I can't imagine my life without you, and I need you by my side.
Really do, really do, really do, really do
I truly mean it when I say that I love and need you.
Really do, really do, really do, really do love you
My love for you is true and unwavering, and I will always cherish you.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LIONEL RICHIE, THOMAS MCCLARY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
alberto gorin
Sweet little suus, can't you see?
that i made plenty mistakes
You make me feel good, so good inside
as i see your smile for me
And as I think of you more every day
There's only one thing, suus, I can say
And that's, suus, I think the world about you, whoo
Always thinkin' of you
Oh, suus, I think the world about you
I'm always thinkin' of you
Yeah
you can run away
you can hide away
fly with a plain fair away
but mi mind drift away
memory stay intact
But oh,suus one thing i got let you know
And that's, suus, I think the world about you, whoo
Always thinkin' of you
Oh, suus, I think the world about you
I'm always thinkin' of you
ooh
as i ask god each time when i sit on bed
take care of suus
And that's, suus, I think the world about you, whoo
Always thinkin' of you
Oh, suus, I think the world about you
I'm always thinkin' of you
Thinking about you, suus, yeah
Thinking about you, suus, yeah
Thinking about you, suus, yeah
Thinking about you, suus, yeah
Na-na-na-na-na-na, suus
Na-na-na-na-na-na, suus
suus, I think the world about you, I really like you
I really do need a friend
I really do like you
I really do need a friend
I really do like you
I really do need a friend
Really do, really do, really do, really do suus
Really do, really do, really do, really do suus
dedicate to suus
alberto gorin
sweet suus your so fair away
all the doors are closed for me
don t know if your happy or down
your tear might fall down
as i was down mi self i get up
and tell to you
And that's, suus, I think the world about you, whoo
Always thinkin' of you
Oh, suus, I think the world about you
I'm always thinkin' of you
you can run away
you can fly away
going to the moon
as fair from here until the end
And that's, suus, I think the world about you, whoo
Always thinkin' of you
Oh, suus, I think the world about you
I'm always thinkin' of you
There's no words to say how much I care for you
But oh, sweet suus, I want the world to know
Thinking about you, suus, yeah
Thinking about you, suus ,yeah
Thinking about you, suus, yeah
Thinking about you, suus, yeah
Na-na-na-na-na-na, suus
Na-na-na-na-na-na, suus
suus, I think the world about you, I really do care
I really do care
I really do care
I really do care
I really do care
I really do need you
Really do, really do, really do, really do
Really do, really do, really do, really do care
dedicate to suus
alberto gorin
ooh suus
how do you do
are you alright
do you have your smile on
as i sit here old men
one thing i can say
And that's,suus, I think the world about you, whoo
Always thinkin' of you
Oh,suus, I think the world about you
I'm always thinkin' of you
you can hide
you can walk away
you can run away
you can fly around the world
and stay as far as you can
you know suus
And that's,suus, I think the world about you, whoo
Always thinkin' of you
Oh,suus, I think the world about you
I'm always thinkin' of you
ooh
i always pray to god
asking god keep you save
asking to forgive me
There's no words to say how much I need you so
But oh,suus, I want the world to know
And that's,suus, I think the world about you, whoo
Always thinkin' of you
Oh,suus, I think the world about you
I'm always thinkin' of you
Thinking about you, my friend, mi friend, yeah
Thinking about you, my friend, my friend, yeah
Thinking about you, my friend, my friend, yeah
Thinking about you, my friend, my friend, yeah
Na-na-na-na-na-na,suus
Na-na-na-na-na-na,suus
suus, I think the world about you, I really do care
I really do need you suus
I really do care you suus
I really do need you suus
I really do care you suus
I really do need you suus
Really do, really do, really do, really do
Really do, really do, really do, really do care
dedicate to suus
Melvin Barnes
They have just as many hits as any 70's group, but yet they don't get their just due. They were a great group!
rufus317
They even had more hit singles than Earth, Wind & Fire! They need to be inducted in The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Melvin Barnes
I love Lionel Richie wit the Commodores, I swear I do!
Jasper Jones
One of the best group's out of the 70's
Melvin Barnes
This song is just as good as their hits. Very underrated dong
NoizePunk
It's so good!! Also, I feel I have an underrated dong as well! I mean...It's pretty decent 😂
Pamela Neal
This is a hidden gem.
Desserie Shaw
Love this so much takes me way back simpler times
Jerry Thomas
2022 Still love this music 🎶🎵❤
Hylan Smith
This was the song that made me the Greatest Bahamian Commodores Fan! Heading in Tuskegee right now to check out the home of Lionel Richie and The Commodores for the third time in thirty five years!!!