Originally signed to Philly Groove Records via a production contract with Norman Harris, the group came with Harris when he signed onboard the newly formed Salsoul. Most of Harris' work would be issued on the Gold Mind subsidiary of Salsoul - First Choice were no exception. The bulk of the group's offerings came from the stable of Baker/Harris/Young, but other producers and mixers would feature prominently, such as Tee Scott and Tom Moulton (whose mix of "Dr. Love" is the all-time favorite of Salsoul Label head Ken Cayre). "Let No Man Put Asunder" would not reach it's penultimate destination in every urban DJ's front crate until Shep Pettibone re-worked it inthe early 1980's. The group had recorded a Southern Soul styled version of Al Green's "Love and Happiness" for their sole Philly Groove album, where it sat alongside the major hit "Armed and Extremely Dangerous" and the minor hit "Smarty Pants". Salsould would eventually re-mix and re-issue all three tracks in various incarnations, leading to the misconception that they were vintage Salsoul cuts. In fact, they were vintage Baker/Harris/Young productions that preceded Salsoul and were acquire by the label after the fact.
Lead vocalist Rochelle Fleming enjoys a reputation as one of the legendary disco divas, and still lends vocals to the occassional one-off house track, such as Tom De Novy's "Summer Love".
First Choice was an American girl group vocal music trio from Philadelphia. The group produced the disco hits "Armed and Extremely Dangerous", "The Player", "Love Thang", "Let No Man Put Asunder" and "Dr. Love".
Career
Fleming was the main vocalist. The group was originally known as the Debronettes.
Philadelphia DJ Georgie Woods introduced the trio to Norman Harris, guitarist with MFSB, to produce their debut single, "This Is The House Where Love Died". Although it sold poorly, the record led to a recording contract with the Philly Groove record label, and the release of Armed and Extremely Dangerous. Also produced by Harris, the song was a hit first in the UK, where it reached the Top 20 in the UK Singles Chart on Bell Records.
U.S. success followed and the later singles, "Smarty Pants" and "The Player," sold equally well.[citation needed] While producer Harris was associated with numerous hits during the disco boom of the late 1970s, the only later chart entry for First Choice was "Dr. Love," and, in 1984, the group split up.
In 1983, however, the group's 1977 album cut "Let No Man Put Asunder" was remixed by Shep Pettibone and Frankie Knuckles for club play, and became a staple for urban DJs and a classic for listeners. The centerpiece vocals and bass riff of the song were among the most sampled expressions of the emerging Chicago house music scene in the 1980s. Steve "Silk" Hurley used this bass line in his 1987 song "Jack Your Body," which went on to become the first house record to top the UK charts.
In 1987, Fleming re-formed the group with her cousin Laconya Fleming, and Lawrence Cottel, to record Love Itch (Prelude Records). In the same year, a reissue of "Let No Man Put Asunder" was a dancefloor hit in the UK.[citation needed]
Over the years, the group has seen some new success, as many of their songs have been remixed and re-released. Larry Levan remixed its "Double Cross" (Gold Mind, 1979) track, plus Tee Scott's first studio mix was "Love Thang" (1979)). It was also remixed by Tony Humphries in 1993 for the Salsoul remix project, two albums released on Double J Records. First Choice benefitted somewhat when Rhino Records put its Armed and Extremely Dangerous into the Soul Hits of the 70s: Didn't It Blow Your Mind series, and also when the Salsoul catalog was digitally remastered and released in the 1990s.
Fleming has also provided guest vocals for the occasional house music release over the years.
The Player
First Choice Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He'll be knocking at your door
If you let him in one time
You're gonna call him back for more
Drives around at night
Living in his fancy car
Breaking hearts from left to right
'Cause he's a player (player)
He'll get next to you (oh, yeah)
He's a player (player)
This is what he'll do
He'll shoot you down (yeah, yeah)
Right down to the ground (down to the ground)
He'll shoot you down (yeah, yeah)
Right down to the ground
Girls, I'm warning you
He'll have you eating out the palm of his hand
His loving is addictive
You'll never want another man
He'll wine you and he'll dine you
He'll say you're the only one
He'll take your heart, tear it apart
And he'll be on the run
'Cause he's a player (player)
He'll get next to you (oh, yeah)
He's a player (player)
This is what he'll do
He'll shoot you down (yeah, yeah)
Right down to the ground (down to the ground)
He'll shoot you down (yeah, yeah)
Right down to the ground
Cold blooded son of a gun, yes he is (yes, he is)
Cold blooded son of a gun, yes he is (yeah, yeah)
He'll shoot you down (down, down)
Right down to the ground (long way)
He'll shoot you down (shoot you down)
Right down to the ground
'Cause he's a player (player)
He'll get next to you (next to you)
He's a player (player)
This is what he'll do
He'll shoot you down (yeah)
Right down to the ground (down to the ground)
He'll shoot you down (yeah, yeah)
Right down to the ground
Cold blooded son of a gun, that's what he is (son of a gun)
He'll shoot you down
Right down to the ground
Cold blooded son of a gun, that's what he is (yeah, yeah yeah yeah)
He'll shoot you down
Right down to the ground
Cold blooded son of a gun, that's what he is (that's what he is)
He'll shoot you down (shoot you down)
Right down to the ground
Cold blooded son of a gun, that's what he is (that's what he is)
He'll shoot you down (shoot you down)
Right down to the ground (yeah, yeah)
Cold blooded son of a gun, that's what he is
He'll shoot you down (down, down)
Right down to the ground
"The Player," performed by First Choice, explores the archetype of a charming yet deceitful lover, often referred to as a "player." The lyrics present a cautionary tale directed toward women who may be intrigued by the allure of this man. The opening lines set the tone by highlighting the player’s persistence; he will show up at their door, and once he is welcomed in, it’s suggested that he is practically irresistible. This serves to emphasize the vulnerability of those who might fall for his charm, suggesting that the initial invitation may lead to an unending cycle of desire and disappointment. The imagery of "knocking at your door" captures the idea of opportunity and temptation, underscoring how easily one can become entangled in a relationship with someone who has ulterior motives.
As the song unfolds, the narrative delves into the lifestyle of this player, characterized by superficiality and emotional detachment. He drives a fancy car and is described as someone who revels in breaking hearts indiscriminately. The repeated references to him not caring about the identity of his victims evoke a deep sense of apathy, illustrating a lack of emotional investment. The contrast between his glamorous exterior and the harm he causes underlines the predatory nature of his charm. His appeal lies not just in his looks or wealth but in his ability to manipulate emotions, making it clear that beauty can often mask underlying intentions that are anything but pure.
Through the chorus, the song reiterates the player’s defining traits, encapsulated by phrases such as "he'll shoot you down." This metaphor serves a dual purpose; it reflects both the emotional damage inflicted on women he seduces and the sudden, harsh disillusionment that follows his departure. He is characterized as a "cold-blooded son of a gun," symbolizing his ruthless and calculating nature. This description suggests that he operates on instinct without regard for the feelings of others, reinforcing the sense of danger inherent in involvement with someone like him. The listener is led to understand that even those who have been charmed can find themselves feeling utterly devastated, left struggling to reconcile the affection they felt with the reality of betrayal.
Ultimately, "The Player" serves as a powerful anthem of awareness, encouraging listeners to recognize the red flags associated with such manipulative figures in romantic settings. The warnings within the song resonate with personal empowerment, urging women to beware of the transient affection offered by a player. There's a sense of collective experience in the lyrics, as they shed light on the broader issue of heartbreak and emotional vulnerability in relationships. Ultimately, while the singer conveys the seductive allure of this player, the overarching message insists on the importance of caution and self-preservation, as the consequences of falling for a player can be profoundly damaging. The cyclical nature of desire and heartbreak is starkly captured, inviting reflection on the complexities of love and the cost of giving one's heart to someone unworthy.
Line by Line Meaning
Girls, I'm telling you
Ladies, I urge you to listen closely
He'll be knocking at your door
He will come seeking your attention and interest
If you let him in one time
Should you invite him into your life even once
You're gonna call him back for more
You will find yourself wanting his company repeatedly
Drives around at night
He roams aimlessly under the cover of darkness
Living in his fancy car
He boasts a luxurious lifestyle symbolized by his upscale vehicle
Breaking hearts from left to right
He is careless in matters of the heart, leaving emotional turmoil in his wake
He don't care who you are
He is indifferent to your identity or feelings
'Cause he's a player (player)
This is because he is a womanizer at heart
He'll get next to you (oh, yeah)
He will charm his way into your life
He's a player (player)
He is a manipulative individual when it comes to romance
This is what he'll do
This outlines his typical behavior
He'll shoot you down (yeah, yeah)
He will emotionally hurt you
Right down to the ground (down to the ground)
Leaving you feeling utterly defeated or devastated
He'll shoot you down (yeah, yeah)
He will again inflict emotional pain
Right down to the ground
With the same degree of intensity as before
Girls, I'm warning you
Ladies, consider this a cautionary message
He'll have you eating out the palm of his hand
You will be completely captivated and submissive to him
His loving is addictive
His affection is compelling and hard to resist
You'll never want another man
You will feel such a strong attachment that no one else will compare
He'll wine you and he'll dine you
He will lavish you with attention and luxury
He'll say you're the only one
He will deceive you into thinking you hold a unique place in his heart
He'll take your heart, tear it apart
He will ultimately break your heart and feelings
And he'll be on the run
And he will leave swiftly without remorse
'Cause he's a player (player)
For the simple reason that he plays with people's emotions
He'll get next to you (oh, yeah)
He will continue to ingratiate himself into your life
He's a player (player)
He consistently exhibits this manipulative behavior
This is what he'll do
This explains his predictable actions
He'll shoot you down (yeah, yeah)
He will strike you deeply with emotional pain
Right down to the ground (down to the ground)
This impact will leave you feeling crushed
He'll shoot you down (yeah, yeah)
This emotional assault will happen again
Right down to the ground
With the same devastating effect as before
Cold blooded son of a gun, yes he is (yes, he is)
He is a heartless individual, devoid of genuine emotion
Cold blooded son of a gun, yes he is (yeah, yeah)
He is indeed a ruthless person
He'll shoot you down (down, down)
He will emotionally hurt you time and again
Right down to the ground (long way)
His attacks will leave you feeling deeply wounded
He'll shoot you down (shoot you down)
He will cause you undo pain
Right down to the ground
Leaving you devastated and vulnerable
'Cause he's a player (player)
This is all due to his manipulative nature
He'll get next to you (next to you)
He will position himself closely to you emotionally
He's a player (player)
He consistently plays with affections
This is what he'll do
This reveals his trademark pattern of behavior
He'll shoot you down (yeah)
He will hurt you at your core
Right down to the ground (down to the ground)
His actions will leave you profoundly affected
He'll shoot you down (yeah, yeah)
This pain will be inflicted repeatedly
Right down to the ground
Resulting in emotional devastation each time
Cold blooded son of a gun, that's what he is (son of a gun)
He is undeniably merciless in his pursuits
He'll shoot you down
He will continue his pattern of emotional harm
Right down to the ground
Leaving a lasting impact of hurt
Cold blooded son of a gun, that's what he is (yeah, yeah yeah yeah)
He truly lacks empathy and compassion
He'll shoot you down
He will perpetuate his cycle of emotional destruction
Right down to the ground
This is the inevitable consequence of engaging with him
Cold blooded son of a gun, that's what he is (that's what he is)
He exemplifies the cruel archetype of a lover
He'll shoot you down (shoot you down)
He will inflict pain upon you with chilling ease
Right down to the ground
Resulting in emotional devastation each time
Cold blooded son of a gun, that's what he is (that's what he is)
He is a definitive example of someone who is heartless
He'll shoot you down (shoot you down)
Emotional harm is his specialty
Right down to the ground (yeah, yeah)
You will feel the repercussions of this pain deeply
Cold blooded son of a gun, that's what he is
He is a symbol of emotional unavailability
He'll shoot you down (down, down)
This destructive pattern will not relent
Right down to the ground
Leaving devastation in the aftermath of his actions
Lyrics © Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: Allan Felder, Norman Harris
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind