Due to legal difficulties between Clinton and Revilot, The Parliaments' label, the name was abandoned in favor of Funkadelic, which consisted of the same group of people (that is, both the former Parliaments and their back-up band, now both combined in the name "Funkadelic"). The group signed to Westbound in 1968.
The group's self-titled debut album, Funkadelic, was released in 1970. The credits listed organist Mickey Atkins plus Clinton, Fulwood, Hazel, Nelson and Ross, though the actual recording also included several uncredited sessionmen then employed by Motown, as well as Ray Monette (of Rare Earth) and Bernie Worrell.
Bernie Worrell was officially credited starting with Funkadelic's second album, 1970's Free Your Mind... and Your Ass Will Follow, thus beginning a long collaboration between Worrell and Clinton (who had been friends for quite a while). Worrell would go on to produce many Parliament and Funkadelic albums, as well as play keyboard on albums by other members of P Funk.
After the release of Maggot Brain in 1971, Bootsy Collins and Catfish Collins joined the group. The brothers would go on to become major contributors to the P Funk sound. In 1972, this new line-up released America Eats Its Young, but many members left the group after that, due to internal squabbles, plus Hazel spending a year in jail for drug possession and assault and Tawl Ross experiencing a bad LSD trip and/or speed overdose, while Billy Bass quit due to financial concerns. Michael Hampton, a seventeen-year-old guitar prodigy, replaced Hazel.
1975 brought Funkadelic to Warner Brothers, and saw the release of Hardcore Jollies in 1976. The same year, Westbound released a compilation of archived tracks titled Tales of Kidd Funkadelic, which did significantly better than Hardcore Jollies and included "Undisco Kidd", a R&B Top 30 single. In 1977, Westbound capitalized on the success of Tales of Kidd Funkadelic by releasing The Best of the Early Years. Funkadelic recorded and released its magnum opus, One Nation Under a Groove in 1978. The title track spent six weeks at #1 on the R&B charts, while Parliament was enjoying success with "Flash Light" and "Aqua Boogie."
As the 1980s wore on, legal difficulties arising from the multiple names used by multiple groups, as well as a shakeup among Parliament's record label, Parliament and Funkadelic disintegrated. George Clinton recorded several solo albums (sometimes under the name George Clinton & the P-Funk Allstars).
Filmmaker Yvonne Smith of Berkeley, California-based Firelight Media produced Funkadelic: One Nation Under a Groove, a full-length documentary about the groundbreaking group, which aired on PBS in 2005.
ALSO......
Though it often took a back chair to its sister group Parliament, Funkadelic furthered the notions of black rock begun by Jimi Hendrix and Sly Stone, blending elements of '60s psychedelia and blues plus the deep groove of soul and funk. The band pursued album statements of social/political commentary while Parliament stayed in the funk singles format, but Funkadelic nevertheless paralleled the more commercial artist's success, especially in the late '70s when the interplay between bands moved the Funkadelic sound closer to a unified P-Funk style.
In the grand soul tradition of a backing band playing support before the star takes the stage, Funkadelic began life supporting George Clinton's doo wop group, the Parliaments. After having performed for almost ten years, the Parliaments had added a rhythm section in 1964 -- for tours and background work -- consisting of guitarist Frankie Boyce, his brother Richard on bass, and drummer Langston Booth; two years later, the trio enlisted in the Army. By mid-1967, Clinton had recruited a new backing band, including his old friend Billy "Bass" Nelson (born January 28, 1951, Plainfield, NJ) and guitarist Eddie Hazel (born April 10, 1950, Brooklyn, NY). After several temporary replacements on drums and keyboards, the addition of rhythm guitarist Lucius "Tawl" Ross (born October 5, 1948, Wagram, NC) and drummer Ramon "Tiki" Fulwood (born May 23, 1944, Philadelphia, PA) completed the lineup.
The Parliaments recorded several hits during 1967, but trouble with the Revilot label backed Clinton into a corner. He hit upon the idea of deserting the Parliaments' name and instead recording their backing group, with the added vocal "contributions" of the former Parliaments -- same band, different name. Billy Nelson suggested the title Funkadelic, to reflect the members' increased inspiration from LSD and psychedelic culture. Clinton formed the Funkadelic label in mid-1968 but then signed the group to Detroit's Westbound label several months later.
Released in 1970, Funkadelic's self-titled debut album listed only producer Clinton and the five members of Funkadelic -- Hazel, Nelson, Fulwood, and Ross plus organist Mickey Atkins -- but also included all the former Parliaments plus several Motown sessionmen and Rare Earth's Ray Monette. Keyboard player Bernie Worrell also appeared on the album uncredited, even though his picture was included on the inner sleeve with the rest of the band.
Worrell (born April 19, 1944, Long Beach, NJ) was finally credited on the second Funkadelic album (1970's Free Your Mind...and Your A** Will Follow). He and Clinton had known each other since the early '60s, and Worrell soon became the most crucial cog in the P-Funk machine, working on arrangements and production for most later Parliament/Funkadelic releases. His strict upbringing and classical training (at the New England Conservatory and Juilliard), as well as the boom in synthesizer technology during the early '70s, gave him the tools to create the horn arrangements and jazz fusion-inspired synth runs that later trademarked the P-Funk sound. Just after the release of their third album, Maggot Brain, P-Funk added yet another big contributor, Bootsy Collins. The throbbing bass line of Collins (born October 26, 1951, Cincinnati, OH) had previously been featured in James Brown's backing band, the J.B.'s (along with his brother, guitarist Catfish Collins). Bootsy and Catfish were playing in a Detroit band in 1972 when George Clinton saw and hired them.
The Clinton/Worrell/Collins lineup premiered on 1972's America Eats Its Young, but soon after its release several original members left the camp. Eddie Hazel spent a year in jail after a combination drug possession/assault conviction, Tawl Ross left the band for medical reasons relating to an overdose of LSD and speed, and Bill Nelson quit after more financial quarrels with Clinton. Funkadelic hired teenaged guitar sensation Michael Hampton as a replacement, but both Hazel and Nelson would return for several later P-Funk releases.
Funkadelic moved to Warner Bros. in 1975 and delivered its major-label debut, Hardcore Jollies, one year later to lackluster sales and reviews. The same year, Westbound raided its vaults and countered with Tales of Kidd Funkadelic. Ironically, the album did better than Hardcore Jollies and included an R&B Top 30 single, "Undisco Kidd." In 1977, Westbound released The Best of the Early Years while Funkadelic recorded what became its masterpiece (and arguably the best P-Funk release ever), 1978's One Nation Under a Groove.
During the most successful year in Parliament/Funkadelic history, Parliament hit the charts first with "Flash Light," P-Funk's first R&B number one. "Aqua Boogie" would hit number one as well late in the year, but Funkadelic's title track to One Nation Under a Groove spent six weeks at the top spot on the R&B charts during the summer. The album, which reflected a growing consistency in styles between Parliament and Funkadelic, became the first Funkadelic LP to reach platinum (the same year that Parliament's Funkentelechy Vs. the Placebo Syndrome did the same). In 1979, Funkadelic's "(Not Just) Knee Deep" hit number one as well, and its album (Uncle Jam Wants You) reached gold status.
At just the point that Funkadelic appeared to be at the top of its powers, the band began to unravel. As is sometimes the case, commercial success began to dissolve several old friendships. In 1977, original Parliaments members Fuzzy Haskins, Calvin Simon, and Grady Thomas had left the P-Funk organization to record on their own. In early 1981, they hit the R&B charts with a single called "Connections and Disconnections," recorded as Funkadelic. To confuse matters more, the original Funkadelic appeared on the charts at the same time, with the title track to The Electric Spanking of War Babies.
During 1980, Clinton began to be weighed down by legal difficulties arising from Polygram's acquisition of Parliament's label, Casablanca. Jettisoning both the Parliament and Funkadelic names (but not the musicians), Clinton began his solo career with 1982's Computer Games. He and many former Parliament/Funkadelic members continued to tour and record throughout the '80s as the P-Funk All Stars, but the decade's disdain of everything to do with the '70s resulted in critical and commercial neglect for the world's biggest funk band, especially one which in part had spawned the sound of disco. During the early '90s, the rise of funk-inspired rap (courtesy of Digital Underground, Dr. Dre, and Warren G.) and funk rock (Primus and Red Hot Chili Peppers) re-established the status of Clinton & co., one of the most important forces in the recent history of black music. ~ John Bush, Rovi
Grooveallegiance
Funkadelic Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They asked me where was I going
Ya know
I, said, well
You have to be reasonable
So you know
I've never been away from home before
And, uh, besides
And I think that, uh
Funkadelica is
You know, the nation,
that, you know, I would like to, live under
(What in the world is this boy talking about?)
Pledge a groovallegiance to the funk
The United Funk of Funkadelica
Uh, dey funk, well dey funk, today funk
Of da United Funk of Funkadelica
I pledge groovallegiance to the flag
Of funky, funky, funkadelica, yeah
(What)
Who
With the united funk we can fly!
For if our cause was unjust
We couldn't bring this funk to you.
So we feel that it's a must
It is something we should do
Let me take you by the hand
And spread the funk across the land
It's not hard to understand
Headin' for the master plan...
Pledge a groovallegiance to the funk
(Oh yeah)
The United Funk of Funkadelica
Oh Yea-Hoo
Dey do do do da funk
Do da funk-de e de dee
Pardon me, but I can tell
We know each other very well
Take my funk and let it grow
And then we'll funk some more
Please come on, come all to the funk
Let your feelings grow as one
Join this nation, you will see
That we can make you free
Dip-Dip de-diddy-de-dep-dee
Pledge a groovallegiance to the funk
The United Funk of Funkadelica
Do dey, do dey funk?
Oh yeah
Do dey funk
Un, hum
So if you just take the time
You'd see we need to draw the line
When we do I'm sure you'll find
That we come to free your mind
Oh yeah
Do-doop--doop do-do-wow
Doobie-doobie-doop-do-wow
Do you promise to funk, the whole funk and
Nothing but the funk
Go forth and funk
I am sorry I have but one funk to give to my nation
One nation under a groove
think! it ain't illegal yet
In funk we trust
Do you pledge grooveallegiance to the funk?
One nation under a groove
it ain't illegal yet
I believe in the funk!
The lyrics to Funkadelic's song Grooveallegiance seem to be a satirical take on patriotism in America, using the idea of a pledge of allegiance to the "United Funk of Funkadelica" as a metaphor. The first verse has the singer justifying their decision to join the nation of Funkadelica, saying they've never been away from home before and that they were given a good deal. This could be interpreted as a comment on blind loyalty to one's country, even if that country does not necessarily have the best interests of its citizens in mind.
The chorus then invites listeners to pledge their "groovallegiance" to the funk, with references to the "flag" of Funkadelica and the idea that with the "united funk" we can "fly." There's a suggestion that the nation of Funkadelica has a just cause, and that spreading the funk is something that should be done. It's not entirely clear what the "funk" represents in this context, but it seems to be a force of liberation and unification.
The final section of the song features spoken word interjections and more surreal lyrics, urging listeners to let their "funk" grow and to join the nation of Funkadelica in order to become free. The repetition of "One nation under a groove" could be seen as a subversive commentary on the idea of America as "one nation under God," suggesting that unity can come through something as simple and joyous as music rather than through rigid nationalistic values.
Line by Line Meaning
'Bout that time
It's time for me to explain myself
They asked me where was I going
Someone asked me where I'm headed
Ya know
You know what I'm saying?
I, said, well
I responded
You have to be reasonable
Logic is important
So you know
As you understand
I've never been away from home before
I'm new to this
And, uh, besides
Also,
They gave me a good deal
I got a good offer
And I think that, uh
I believe that
Funkadelica is
Funkadelica represents
You know, the nation,
The group,
that, you know, I would like to, live under
I would enjoy being a part of
(What in the world is this boy talking about?)
What is this person talking about?
Pledge a groovallegiance to the funk
Commit to funky music
The United Funk of Funkadelica
The collective of Funkadelica's funk music
Uh, dey funk, well dey funk, today funk
They play great music
Of da United Funk of Funkadelica
Belonging to the collective of Funkadelica's funk music
I pledge groovallegiance to the flag
I commit to the funky music
Of funky, funky, funkadelica, yeah
Of the funky music group, Funkadelica
Who
Whoever
With the united funk we can fly!
Together, we can soar with the power of funk music
For if our cause was unjust
If our movement was not righteous
We couldn't bring this funk to you.
The power of our music would not be possible
So we feel that it's a must
It's necessary for us to do this
It is something we should do
We have to do it
Let me take you by the hand
Allow me to guide you
And spread the funk across the land
Share our funk music far and wide
It's not hard to understand
It's easy to comprehend
Headin' for the master plan...
Moving towards the ultimate vision
(Oh yeah)
Excitement or affirmation
Please come on, come all to the funk
Everyone is welcome to our funky nation
Let your feelings grow as one
Unify your emotions with ours
Join this nation, you will see
Become a part of this group, and experience it yourself
That we can make you free
We can liberate you in a way
Dip-Dip de-diddy-de-dep-dee
Vocals of the music
Do dey, do dey funk?
Do they play great music?
Un, hum
Yes
So if you just take the time
If you only give it a chance
You'd see we need to draw the line
You would realize there is a point where change is necessary
When we do I'm sure you'll find
Once the decision is made, you will see
That we come to free your mind
We are here to liberate you mentally
Doobie-doobie-doop-do-wow
Vocals and sound effects
Do you promise to funk, the whole funk and
Will you commit to funky music entirely
Nothing but the funk
No exceptions, only the funky music
Go forth and funk
Engage in funky music
I am sorry I have but one funk to give to my nation
I regret that I can only provide so much funk music to my community
One nation under a groove
A group of people united by a common love for funky music
think! it ain't illegal yet
Consider the possibilities; it's not against the law
In funk we trust
We have faith in funky music
One nation under a groove
A group of people united by a common love for funky music
it ain't illegal yet
It is not yet against the law
I believe in the funk!
I have faith in funky music
Contributed by Victoria L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@nautaujackson1687
I was born in 2001 but the funk we live on, I pledge my allegiance to the funk. I wonāt fake the funk and the funk wonāt fake me.
@DanHorn-sp5bf
I'm a little after the time too, but we know where our groovallegience lies. The whole funk and nothing but. My brother.
@marcsnead2798
Killin this song in 2023!
@81nitestan
does anybody else notice the bass guitars' fantastic creativity throughout this song?
@gliddenlake
one hundred percent. it's what keeps me coming back.
@hyramjackson
Boost coolins man! Edit: Rodney Skit Curtis
@lvargas4christ
Wonderful bass work
@al_burg_slimthawaterwalker8571
I donāt think that bass line ever repeats itself except for midway to get into the last half of this jam then itās all freestyle.. Banger!!
@chrisedwards3214
@@hyramjackson its skeet he always did this when he was playing
@mashupgal
Those keys, that Bass. My happy place