Frequently sampled (see “Rill Rill” by Sleigh Bells), and with its (proper) psychedelic-funk vibe—"Can You Get to That" is one of Funkadelic’s most notorious songs.
While it might sound like a ballad on money, even the ‘broke blues,’ with that twangy guitar in the background, the song itself seems more a gag on love: taking advantage of somebody to the fullest, the way you would a credit card, and being confronted on that issue. The soulful wails can either be a cry of glory for the end of a bad relationship or bouts of warning.
“Can you get to that?” can be a) a reprimand, possibly asking if they’d want the same done to them, or b) a straightforward question to others who have dealt with the problem—a hymn on the glorification of a sour relationship’s parting.
Can You Get to That
Funkadelic Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Life had me
I was one among many
Or at least I seemed to be
Well, I read an old quotation in a book just yesterday
Said, "gonna reap just what you sow
The debts you make you have to pay"
Can you get to that?
Can you get (I want to know)
I want to know if you can get to that (hey) (get to that)
Can you get (can you get to that)(I want to know)
I want to know if you can get to that
I recollect with a-mixed emotions
All the good times we used to have
But you were making preparations
For the coming separation
And you blew everything we had
When you base your love on credit
And your loving days are done
Checks you signed with a-love and kisses
Later come back signed "insufficient funds"
Yeah, get to that
Can you get (I want to know)
I want to know if you can get to that (hey) (get to that)
Can you get (can you get to that)(I want to know)
I want to know if you can get to that
Can you get (I want to know)
I want to know if you can get to that (hey) (get to that)
Can you get (can you get to that)(I want to know)
I want to know if you can get to that
Can you get
I want to know if you can get to that
When you base your life on credit
And your loving days are done
Checks you signed with love and kisses
Later come back signed "insufficient funds"
Y'all get to that
Can you get (I want to know)
I want to know if you can get to that (hey) (get to that)
Can you get (can you get to that)(I want to know)
I want to know if you can get to that
Can you get (I want to know)
I want to know if you can get to that (hey) (get to that)
Can you get (can you get to that)(I want to know)
The lyrics of "Can You Get to That" by Funkadelic seem to explore the theme of love and its consequences. The first stanza talks about being a part of the crowd but feeling like one among many. The quotation about reaping what you sow and paying for the debts you make reflects the idea that decisions have consequences, and we must always be mindful of our actions. The chorus, "Can you get to that," serves as a rhetorical question, challenging the listener to reflect on whether they can reach a place of understanding and self-awareness.
The second stanza delves deeper into the idea of love and relationships. The singer talks about the mixed emotions that come when reflecting on a relationship, that seems to have ended without their consent. The lines, "When you base your love on credit and your loving days are done / Checks you signed with a-love and kisses later come back signed 'insufficient funds'," illustrate the ugly aftermath of relying on external factors to keep a relationship afloat. We might think we have everything under control, but love is not a transactional relationship, and when it comes to an end, it often leaves us feeling alone and empty-handed.
The song's ambiguous nature makes it open to interpretation, but at its core, it seems to be a cautionary tale about the perils of relying on superficial aspects to build our relationships. The upbeat and funky melody of the song makes it easy to overlook the deeper message that lies within the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
I once had a life, or rather Life had me
I used to think I was in control of my life, but now I realize that life itself is in control and dictates what happens to me
I was one among many Or at least I seemed to be
I used to think I was just like everyone else, but now I realize that I am unique and have my own experiences
Well, I read an old quotation in a book just yesterday Said, 'gonna reap just what you sow The debts you make you have to pay'
I recently read a quote that reminds me that you have to face the consequences of your actions and choices in life
Can you get to that?
Do you understand the lesson that I just shared? Can you relate to it?
I recollect with a-mixed emotions All the good times we used to have But you were making preparations For the coming separation And you blew everything we had
I have mixed feelings about the good times we shared in the past, but I am disappointed that you were planning to leave and destroyed everything we had together
When you base your love on credit And your loving days are done Checks you signed with a-love and kisses Later come back signed 'insufficient funds'
If you rely on superficial things like money or gifts to show your love, when those things disappear, you will be left with nothing and may even find yourself in debt
Yeah, get to that
Understand what I am telling you is important
Can you get
Do you get it? Do you understand?
When you base your life on credit And your loving days are done Checks you signed with love and kisses Later come back signed 'insufficient funds'
If you build your life on things that are temporary and not meaningful, you will eventually be left with nothing and may even face financial struggles
Y'all get to that
All of you listening should understand and learn from this lesson
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Erni Harris, George Clinton Jr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lauralopez-gu2qm
LYRICS
I once had a life, or rather
Life had me
I was one among many
Or at least I seemed to be
Well, I read an old quotation in a book just yesterday
Said, "gonna reap just what you sow
The debts you make you have to pay"
Can you get to that?
Can you get (I want to know)
I want to know if you can get to that (hey) (get to that)
Can you get (can you get to that)(I want to know)
I want to know if you can get to that
I recollect with a-mixed emotions
All the good times we used to have
But you were making preparations
For the coming separation
And you blew everything we had
When you base your love on credit
And your loving days are done
Checks you signed with a-love and kisses
Later come back signed "insufficient funds"
Yeah, get to that
Can you get (I want to know)
I want to know if you can get to that (hey) (get to that)
Can you get (can you get to that)(I want to know)
I want to know if you can get to that
Can you get (I want to know)
I want to know if you can get to that (hey) (get to that)
Can you get (can you get to that)(I want to know)
I want to know if you can get to that
Can you get
I want to know if you can get to that
When you base your life on credit
And your loving days are done
Checks you signed with love and kisses
Later come back signed "insufficient funds"
Y'all get to that
Can you get (I want to know)
I want to know if you can get to that (hey) (get to that)
Can you get (can you get to that)(I want to know)
I want to know if you can get to that
Can you get (I want to know)
I want to know if you can get to that (hey) (get to that)
Can you get (can you get to that)(I want to know)
@j.f.greaney
This morning my 20-something daughter was jamming this. I've done something right.
@aaliyahhnicole101
haha I’m 21 I’m jamming this
@ericbutler8712
You did good, the young people need to know the genius of this music. 🤘🏾👍🏽
@guitarheroplayer-fs5js
i'm 18 and been listening to funkadelic since i was 15.
@bertc2314
I like that!!!
@_non_zero_sum_game8958
She found it on her own or heard you playing it? You done her right
@robwalsh9843
That acoustic guitar intro....every time....it just welcomes you home
@maxaronow712
This came up as a recommended spotify song when I was listening to Minnie Riperton. Heard it for the first time on the side of a snow-covered mountain during a hike. Hit just right!
@Droctagon1
Yes man that guitar is killing it through the whole song!!!!!!!
@AlbPerNil
Wtf is it half step down cuz im playing it and the record aint legit to it