Mayfield is probably best known for his anthemic music with The Impressions and for the soundtrack to the blaxploitation film Superfly.
Perhaps because he didn't cross over to the pop audience as heavily as Motown's stars, it may be that the scope of Curtis Mayfield's talents and contributions have yet to be fully recognized. Judged merely by his records alone, the man's legacy is enormous. As the leader of the Impressions, he recorded some of the finest soul vocal group music of the 1960s. As a solo artist in the 1970s, he helped pioneer funk and helped introduce hard-hitting urban commentary into soul music. "Gypsy Woman," "It's All Right," "People Get Ready," "Freddie's Dead," and "Superfly" are merely the most famous of his many hit records.
But Curtis Mayfield wasn't just a singer. Born in in Chicago, IL, he wrote most of his material at a time when that was not the norm for soul performers. He was among the first -- if not the very first -- to speak openly about African-American pride and community struggle in his compositions. As a songwriter and a producer, he was a key architect of Chicago Soul, penning material and working on sessions by notable Windy City soulsters like Gene Chandler, Jerry Butler, Major Lance, and Billy Butler. In this sense, he can be compared to Smokey Robinson, who also managed to find time to write and produce many classics for other soul stars. Mayfield was also an excellent guitarist, and his rolling, Latin-influenced lines were highlights of the Impressions' recordings in the '60s. During the next decade, he would toughen up his guitar work and production, incorporating some of the best features of psychedelic rock and funk.
Mayfield began his career as an associate of Jerry Butler, with whom he formed the Impressions in the late '50s. After the Impressions had a big hit in 1958 with "For Your Precious Love," Butler, who had sung lead on the record, split to start a solo career. Mayfield, while keeping the Impressions together, continued to write for and tour with Butler before the Impressions got their first Top 20 hit in 1961, "Gypsy Woman."
Mayfield was heavily steeped in gospel music before he entered the pop arena, and gospel, as well as doo wop, influences would figure prominently in most of his '60s work. Mayfield wasn't a staunch traditionalist, however. He and the Impressions may have often worked the call-and-response gospel style, but his songs (romantic and otherwise) were often veiled or unveiled messages of black pride, reflecting the increased confidence and self-determination of the African-American community. Musically he was an innovator as well, using arrangements that employed the punchy, blaring horns and Latin-influenced rhythms that came to be trademark flourishes of Chicago soul. As the staff producer for the OKeh label, Mayfield was also instrumental in lending his talents to the work of other Chi-town soul singers who went on to national success. With Mayfield singing lead and playing guitar, the Impressions had 14 Top 40 hits in the 1960s (five made the Top 20 in 1964 alone), and released some above-average albums during that period as well.
Given Mayfield's prodigious talents, it was perhaps inevitable that he would eventually leave the Impressions to begin a solo career, as he did in 1970. His first few singles boasted a harder, more funk-driven sound; singles like "(Don't Worry) If There's a Hell Below, We're All Gonna Go" found him confronting ghetto life with a realism that had rarely been heard on record. He really didn't hit his artistic or commercial stride as a solo artist, though, until Superfly, his soundtrack to a 1972 blaxploitation film. Drug deals, ghetto shootings, the death of young black men before their time: all were described in penetrating detail. Yet Mayfield's irrepressible falsetto vocals, uplifting melodies, and fabulous funk pop arrangements gave the oft-moralizing material a graceful strength that few others could have achieved. For all the glory of his past work, Superfly stands as his crowning achievement, not to mention a much-needed counterpoint to the sensationalistic portrayals of the film itself.
At this point Mayfield, along with Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, was the foremost exponent of a new level of compelling auteurism in soul. His failure to maintain the standards of Superfly qualifies as one of the great disappointments in the history of black popular music. Perhaps he'd simply reached his peak after a long climb, but the rest of his '70s work didn't match the musical brilliance and lyrical subtleties of Superfly, although he had a few large R&B hits in a much more conventional vein, such as "Kung Fu," "So in Love," and "Only You Babe."
Mayfield had a couple of hits in the early '80s, but the decade generally found his commercial fortunes in a steady downward spiral, despite some intermittent albums.
On August 14, 1990, he became paralyzed from the neck down when a lighting rig fell on top of him at a concert in Brooklyn, NY. In 1993, three years after the accident which caused Mayfield's paralysis, Shanachie records released the album People Get Ready: A Tribute to Curtis Mayfield featuring a.o. Jerry Butler, Don Covay and Steve Cropper.
Mayfield received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995.
Curtis Mayfield died December 26, 1999 at the North Fulton Regional Hospital in Roswell, Georgia.
New World Order
Curtis Mayfield Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mother shed tears of joy as baby test his lungs
My daddy's not there where he ought to be
Somewhere in Georgia, skinning and shooting craps on his knees
Another victim born out here in the hood
And based on statistics it really ain't all good
Welfare takes the tab and daddy can't sign
The hunt is on and brother you're the prey
Serving time in jail, it just ain't the way
I'm living so hard, baby, that my hair is gray
We got to make a change, it's a brand new day
A new world order, a brand new day
A change of mind for the human race
A new world order, a brand new day
A change of mind for the human race
Operation influx and it's on the way
We've just marched a million plus the other day
Look we all witnessed the sweat rolling down Ms Liberty's head
She knows the sleeping giant is no longer sleeping dead
Oh, what a fulfillment of prophecy
Let us teach the children freedom's never been free
It's okay to cry, go ahead and cry
'Cause Jesus wept but hope and faith he kept
It's a new day
A new world order, a brand new day
A change of mind for the human race
A new world order, a brand new day
A change of mind for the human race
The die has been cast and there's no need to fear
'Cause people, the answer to your prayers are here
Sister Mary don't you weep, tell Martha not to moan
We need the love and daddy's coming home
There's no need to worry, the times dictate a plan
Mother Earth's given birth to a brand new man
Sister I know you're misunderstood
But hold on to your man 'cause the future looks good
It's a new day
A new world order, a brand new day
A change of mind for the human race
A new world order, a brand new day
A change of mind for the human race
Beware of the lies and false prophecies
We are many with eyes but don't all really see
You must be merciful my friend to obtain the same
So if you break the chain don't pass the blame
We should say unto all and I'll say it again
It's not just to win, shake a hand, make a friend
We who are pure at heart somehow might see
There's still light in the world, come rejoice with me
It's a new day
A new world order, a brand new day
A change of mind for the human race
A new world order, a brand new day
A change of mind for the human race
It's a new day, it's a new day
It's a new day, it's a new day
It's a new day
Yes, Lord, it's a brand new day
Curtis Mayfield's song "New World Order" addresses the struggles of life in the inner city and the need for a change in society. The opening lines set the tone for the song, with the birth of a child bringing joy amidst the darkness of the world. The absence of the father figure is highlighted as a common occurrence and a hindrance, leaving the family to struggle and become a burden on the welfare system. The lyrics touch on the issue of discrimination and perceived unequal treatment in the criminal justice system, with black individuals being preyed upon and incarcerated at a disproportionate rate.
The chorus repeats the phrase "a new world order, a brand new day," emphasizing the need for a fresh start and a shift in mindset for the human race. Mayfield calls for unity and a shared vision for a better future, signified by the million person march mentioned in the lyrics. He warns against false promises and encourages compassion towards one another, recognizing that change must come from within.
Line by Line Meaning
Darkness no longer, a child is born
There is hope for the future as a baby is born, bringing light to a world obscured by the darkness of despair.
Mother shed tears of joy as baby test his lungs
A mother's tears of joy are shed as her newborn baby takes its first breaths and begins to cry.
My daddy's not there where he ought to be
A father is absent from his family, failing to provide the support and guidance that he should.
Somewhere in Georgia, skinning and shooting craps on his knees
The father is lost in gambling and other vices in Georgia, instead of fulfilling his responsibilities as a parent.
Another victim born out here in the hood
Another person is born into a disadvantaged neighborhood, where the odds are set against them from the very start.
And based on statistics it really ain't all good
Looking at the statistics, things aren't looking good for the future of those in the same situation.
Welfare takes the tab and daddy can't sign
The government provides welfare but the father is unable to give his consent or signature for it.
And it can't be seen, the family becomes a crime
The harm done to families through poverty, violence and other circumstances is often unacknowledged or unrecognized.
The hunt is on and brother you're the prey
People in the hood often find themselves in the crosshairs of the law and have to fight to survive.
Serving time in jail, it just ain't the way
It is not right that many people end up incarcerated for their circumstances, rather than being offered real support and solutions.
I'm living so hard, baby, that my hair is gray
The stress and struggles of life have taken a toll, leaving the person prematurely aged and physically worn out.
We got to make a change, it's a brand new day
It is time to make a change for the better, to create a new beginning and a new hope for the future.
A new world order, a brand new day
There needs to be a new kind of order and system in place, creating a brighter future for all.
A change of mind for the human race
People need to change their way of thinking and how they treat each other in order to create real and lasting change.
Operation influx and it's on the way
Plans are in motion for a new approach or initiative to bring about positive change.
We've just marched a million plus the other day
A major event like a march has just taken place, highlighting the urgency and importance of what needs to be achieved.
Look we all witnessed the sweat rolling down Ms Liberty's head
It is clear that the Statue of Liberty is facing challenges and struggles in the same way that the people of the hood are.
She knows the sleeping giant is no longer sleeping dead
The people of the hood and the marginalized communities are starting to wake up and demand to be heard and seen by those in power.
Oh, what a fulfillment of prophecy
This is a moment that has been foretold, where change and progress will finally take place.
Let us teach the children freedom's never been free
It is important to teach younger generations the value of hard work and the true meaning of freedom.
It's okay to cry, go ahead and cry
It is important to express one's emotions and vulnerability, and to seek help and support.
'Cause Jesus wept but hope and faith he kept
Even the strongest and most faithful people still experience moments of sadness and despair.
The die has been cast and there's no need to fear
A decision has been made and the future is set in motion, without needing to fear the consequences.
'Cause people, the answer to your prayers are here
Those who were praying or hoping for change have finally received a positive answer or result.
Sister Mary don't you weep, tell Martha not to moan
Do not despair or mourn, but rather have hope for the future.
We need the love and daddy's coming home
Love and support from those around us is essential, as well as the return of those who have been absent, such as a father figure.
There's no need to worry, the times dictate a plan
There is no need to worry, as the present situation is forcing society to make a plan or decision for the better.
Mother Earth's given birth to a brand new man
The world is in the process of rebirth and change, creating a new and improved type of person who values connection and community.
Sister I know you're misunderstood
It is recognized that some people are misunderstood and have had unique struggles that should not be overlooked or dismissed.
But hold on to your man 'cause the future looks good
Hold on tight and continue to have hope, because the future is looking bright and promising.
Beware of the lies and false prophecies
Be aware of those who might deceive you or offer false promises of hope or deliverance.
We are many with eyes but don't all really see
There are many people who might think they are aware of the situation, but are actually ignorant to what is really going on.
You must be merciful my friend to obtain the same
It is important to show mercy and compassion to others, in order to receive it in return.
So if you break the chain don't pass the blame
Take ownership for your mistakes and do not deflect blame onto others.
We should say unto all and I'll say it again
It is important to communicate the need for change and support to everyone, and to continue to do so until it is achieved.
It's not just to win, shake a hand, make a friend
It is not just about being victorious or winning, but rather about making connections and building relationships with others.
We who are pure at heart somehow might see
Those who are pure of heart and mind may be able to see things more clearly or from a different perspective.
There's still light in the world, come rejoice with me
Despite the struggles and hardships faced by so many, there is still hope and a reason to celebrate and find joy.
It's a new day
The present is a time of renewal, hope and optimism.
Yes, Lord, it's a brand new day
The future is bright and filled with promise, and is a time to give thanks and feel gratitude.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRIAN KEITH FLEMING, CURTIS L. MAYFIELD, RAIMUNDO THOMAS, RAIMUNDO AUGUSTUS THOMAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Thulani Hamilton
Darkness no longer, a child is born
Mother shed tears of joy, as baby test his lungs
My daddy's not there, where he ought to be
Somewhere in Georgia, skinning and shooting craps on his knees
Another victim born out here in the hood
And based on statistics it really ain't all good
Welfare takes the tab and daddy can't sign
And it can't be seen, the family becomes a crime
The hunt is on and brother you're the prey
Serving time in jail, it just ain't the way
I'm living so hard, baby, that my hair is gray
We got to make a change, it's a brand new day
A new world order, a brand new day
A change of mind for the human race
A new world order, a brand new day
A change of mind for the human race
Operation influx and it's on the way
We've just marched a million plus the other day
Look we all witnessed the sweat rolling down Ms Liberty's head
She knows the sleeping giant is no longer sleeping dead
Oh, what a fulfillment of prophecy
Let us teach the children freedom's never been free
It's okay to cry, go ahead and cry
'Cause Jesus wept but hope and faith he kept
It's a new day
A new world order, a brand new day
A change of mind for the human race
A new world order, a brand new day
A change of mind for the human race
The die has been cast and there's no need to fear
'Cause people, the answer to your prayers are here
Sister Mary don't you weep, tell Martha not to moan
We need the love and daddy's coming home
There's no need to worry, the times dictate a plan
Mother Earth's given birth to a brand new man
Sister I know you're misunderstood
But hold on to your man 'cause the future looks good
It's a new day
A new world order, a brand new day
A change of mind for the human race
A new world order, a brand new day
A change of mind for the human race
Beware of the lies and false prophecies
We are many with eyes but don't all really see
You must be merciful my friend to obtain the same
So if you break the chain don't pass the blame
We should say unto all and I'll say it again
It's not just to win, shake a hand, make a friend
We who are pure at heart somehow might see
There's still light in the world, come rejoice with me
It's a new day
A new world order, a brand new day
A change of mind for the human race
A new world order, a brand new day
A change of mind for the human race
It's a new day, it's a new day
It's a new day, it's a new day
It's a new day
Yes, Lord, it's a brand new day
M.B. Pace
Curtis Mayfield was paralyzed from the neck down after lighting equipment fell on him during a live performance at Wingate Field in Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York, on August 13, 1990. Despite this, he continued his career as a recording artist, releasing his final album New World Order in 1996.
Robert Hall
We need a brand new sing on brother Curtis Mayfeild😘😘💖
Patrick Reed
And this man lived on and on and on in so many ways. I love this man and will cherish his memory until the day I drop.
Howard Smith
I have
Robert1967
It’s almost aug 13
Lennard Rankine
5
venicia monea
Soothing to the soul 2020...May God HAVE MERCY UPON US ALL!!
Tamika Perrodin
Same then and we are there now in a different circumstance. NEW WORLD WORD
THANK YOU MR. MAYFIELD
Candy Reign
Word💯
Roderick Peterson
Hey there is a very good at it again but I am not able to get they