Beginning in 1968, as a pivotal member of James Brown's hard working band, Fred Wesley played on numerous hit recordings including: "Say it Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud;" "Mother Popcorn;" and co-wrote tunes such as "Hot Pants".
The lineup would shift occasionally, and, Wesley who'd left Brown's group for a period, in a pay dispute, rejoined as official leader in 1970, beginning a very fruitful period that lasted through 1975.
The J.B's scored several instrumental hits in the early 70s, including: "Pass the Peas," "The Grunt","Gimmie Some More;" and the #1 R&B "Doing It to Death;" on Brown's People Records imprint distributed through Polydor. In 1974 they had three top 40 hits: "Same Beat;" "If You Don't Get It the First Time, Back Up and Try It Again, Party;" and "Damn Right I Am Somebody."
While the J.B.'s sound has most often been associated with three hornmen in particular -- Wesley, along with saxophonists Maceo Parker and Alfred "Pee Wee" Ellis, other key J.B.'s in the group included at one time or another: tenor saxman St. Clair Pinckney; saxophonist Jimmy Parker, and a trumpet section consisting of Jerone Jasaan Sanford, Russell Crimes, and Isiah "Ike" Oakley.
Others who played on key recordings included: Bobby Byrd on organ; bassists Fred Thomas or William "Bootsy" Collins and his guitarist brother Phelps "Catfish" Collins, other guitarists included Hearlon "Cheese" Martin and Jimmy Nolen.
Drums were played by either John "Jabo" Starks, or John Morgan joined by conga player Johnny Griggs.
Wesley, along with saxophonist Maceo Parker, helped define the instrumental potentials of funk and are heavily sampled by Hip Hop producers & DJs. Both men left Brown's band in 1975, and spent several years playing with George Clinton's various Parliament/Funkadelic projects, like Bootsy’s Rubber Band, and they recorded a couple of albums specifically focused on their talents, as the spin-off group, The Horny Horns featuring fellow J.B.'s refugee, Pee Wee Ellis.
The various members of the J.B.'s occasionally would get back together for reunions and side projects, including a stint in the 90's performing as The JB Horns, and they recently released a single in 2008, admonishing black youth to have some dignity and Pull Your Pants Up!!
I'm Paying Taxes What Am I Buyin'
Fred Wesley & The J.B.'s Lyrics
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A whole lot of government muscle and everybody crying
I'm paying taxes, and everybody [unverified]
A whole lot of government muscle and everybody crying
I'm paying taxes but what am I buying?
A whole lot of government muscle and everybody crying
I'm paying taxes but what am I buying?
I'm paying taxes but what am I buying?
A whole lot of government muscle and everybody crying
I'm paying taxes but what am I buying?
A whole lot of government muscle and everybody crying
The lyrics of the song "I'm Paying Taxes What Am I Buying" by Fred West & The J.B.'s are a cynical commentary on the nature of taxation and government. The opening line, "I'm paying taxes but what am I buying?" is a rhetorical question that highlights the singer's frustration with the lack of transparency and accountability in the tax system. The rest of the lyrics go on to describe the government as a bloated entity, symbolized by the metaphor of "government muscle," that causes everyone to cry.
The repetition of the phrase "a whole lot of government muscle and everybody crying" suggests that the singer sees the government as a force that only brings about pain and suffering. The use of the word "everybody" emphasizes the idea that taxation is a burden that affects everyone, regardless of their class or status.
Overall, the lyrics of "I'm Paying Taxes What Am I Buying" express a sense of disillusionment and frustration with the government and the tax system. The song can be interpreted as a call to action for greater accountability and transparency in the way taxes are collected and spent.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm paying taxes but what am I buying?
I am giving my money to the government, but I am unsure of what I am receiving in return.
A whole lot of government muscle and everybody crying
The government is spending my money on force and power rather than taking care of the people, causing pain and suffering.
I'm paying taxes, and everybody [unverified]
I am contributing to the government with no guarantee that it is being used ethically or for the benefit of society.
I'm paying taxes but what am I buying?
I am still questioning the value and purpose of my tax contributions.
A whole lot of government muscle and everybody crying
The government is continuing to prioritize their own power over the well-being of the people, leading to widespread suffering and misery.
I'm paying taxes but what am I buying?
Even though I have been contributing to the government, I am still uncertain of the tangible benefits I am receiving.
A whole lot of government muscle and everybody crying
The government is using their power to oppress and harm the people, leading to widespread pain and sorrow.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: FRED WESLEY, JAMES BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind