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
March to the Witch's Castle
Funkadelic Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The prayers of thousands were answered
The war was over, and the first of the prisoners returned
Needless to say, it was the happiest day in up to thirteen years for most
For others, the real nightmare had just begun
The nightmare of readjustment
And for those, we will pray
Whooa-ohh-ohhh
Whoa-oh oh-oh oh-oh oh-oh-oh whooaaa
(x 5)
Father, bless the soldier who has returned home from the war
He has fought with all his might
Yet he knew not for what or who he was fighting for
Death waited in the shadows as he crawled by night for his country
His enemies was many, including the habit he still cannot break
Father, we pray that we might understand what has happened to his mind
And help us understand his reaction
To the changes that has taken place here at home
And father, smile upon us, with your grace, for we will need you more than ever
Help him understand, that when his loved one remarried
They were truly under the impression that he was dead
And never would return
Oh lord, we pray
And father, why must wars be fought?
Someone said this war ended with "Peace with honor"
But can there truly be?
Is there such a thing?
Thousands of boys gave their life, and for what?
Do anybody know?
Oh lord, give us the strength to understand ourselves
For we are mysterious animals, man
And as the boys march home to the witch's castle
They will all need your help
I can hear them calling, calling out for you, father
For there is no one else that can help
Smile upon us, oh lord
For we are very weak
Very weak
Very weak
Very weak
Very weak
The lyrics to Funkadelic’s “March to the Witch’s Castle” describe the emotional struggles of soldiers returning from the war in Vietnam. The song paints a picture of both hope and despair, as thousands prayed for the end of the war, finally welcoming the return of the first prisoners. However, for some, the nightmare of readjustment had just begun, as they struggled to come to terms with the changes that had taken place at home and within themselves, years after fighting in a war they didn’t understand. The song calls upon a higher power to bless these soldiers and provide them with the strength to understand and cope with their experiences.
The lyrics also question the purpose of war and its toll on those who fight. The soldiers fought with all their might, yet they did not truly understand what they were fighting for or who their enemies were. They faced death and suffered from physical and emotional scars, including the habit of addiction, which still haunts them after returning home. They have lost loved ones who thought they were dead, and they are left wondering about the true meaning of “peace with honor.” They call upon a higher power to help them understand and find strength, as they march home to the witch’s castle.
Overall, the song depicts the complexity of emotions and struggles faced by soldiers returning from war. It conveys a message of hope, urging listeners to pray for and support these soldiers in their journey towards healing and readjustment.
Line by Line Meaning
February 12th, 1973
This date marks a special time in history when thousands of people's prayers were finally answered and the war ended, bringing the first batch of prisoners back home.
The prayers of thousands were answered
After 13 years of war, prayers were granted as the conflict came to an end and prisoners of war were allowed to return home.
The war was over, and the first of the prisoners returned
The war finally ended, and the first group of prisoners of war were able to come back home after years of captivity.
Needless to say, it was the happiest day in up to thirteen years for most
This day marked a joyous moment in history for many people who had been living in despair and uncertainty for over a decade due to the war.
For others, the real nightmare had just begun
Despite the end of the war, many people still had to deal with the consequences and challenges of readjustment back into society, which wasn't always easy.
The nightmare of readjustment
For some people, the reality of coming back home after being at war for years was a difficult and traumatic experience to deal with.
And for those, we will pray
We pray for those who have returned home from the war and are struggling with the challenges of readjustment and trauma.
Father, bless the soldier who has returned home from the war
We ask for the blessings and protection of God over the soldiers who have returned home from the war, and who are dealing with the physical and emotional scars of their time at war.
He has fought with all his might
These soldiers have given their all and put their lives on the line to fight for their country and to protect its citizens.
Yet he knew not for what or who he was fighting for
Despite their brave efforts, many soldiers did not fully understand the reasons for the war or the people they were fighting for.
Death waited in the shadows as he crawled by night for his country
The soldiers faced the constant threat of death as they fought for their country, and had to use every skill they possessed to stay alive.
His enemies was many, including the habit he still cannot break
The soldiers faced many enemies during the war, including their own personal demons and addictions which they were unable to overcome even after returning home.
Father, we pray that we might understand what has happened to his mind
We ask for God's guidance and understanding to help us comprehend the trauma that soldiers have gone through and the struggles they face after coming back home from war.
And help us understand his reaction
We also ask for insight into how soldiers react to the challenges of readjustment and the scars left by war, so that we can provide the necessary support and help.
To the changes that has taken place here at home
Coming back home after being at war for years means facing a lot of changes and challenges, and we hope to better understand and support soldiers during this time.
And father, smile upon us, with your grace, for we will need you more than ever
In the face of the challenges that soldiers face and the uncertainties of the future, we ask for God's grace and guidance to help us through these difficult times.
Help him understand, that when his loved one remarried
We hope that soldiers who return home and discover that their loved ones have moved on will be able to come to terms with the situation and find peace in the knowledge that their loved ones thought they were dead.
They were truly under the impression that he was dead
Loved ones who move on from a soldier who has been away for years may believe that the soldier is dead or will never return, making readjustment even more difficult for the returning soldier.
And never would return
Many loved ones feared that the soldiers they had lost to war would never be found, making it especially difficult for them to move on and start a new life.
And father, why must wars be fought?
We question why wars must exist and cause so much pain and suffering to people, and wonder if there is a way to avoid them completely.
Someone said this war ended with "Peace with honor"
Despite the many challenges and losses incurred during the war, some people believe that this conflict ended with some sense of honor and dignity.
But can there truly be?
Despite the idea that the war ended honorably, we question whether or not such a thing is truly possible given the destruction and trauma that typically result from armed conflict.
Is there such a thing?
We wonder whether the concept of a war that ends with honor and dignity is a realistic and achievable possibility.
Thousands of boys gave their life, and for what?
Many young people lost their lives as a result of the war, making us question what exactly they were fighting for and whether their sacrifices were worth it.
Do anybody know?
It seems that nobody truly understands why wars occur and what they truly accomplish, making it difficult to come to a resolution or avoid them altogether.
Oh lord, give us the strength to understand ourselves
We ask for God's strength and guidance as we strive to better understand the human nature and the motives behind war and other forms of violence.
For we are mysterious animals, man
We view human nature as complex and puzzling, making it difficult to fully understand why we engage in violence and warfare.
And as the boys march home to the witch's castle
As soldiers return home from the war, they may feel like they are on a journey to a place of dark magic and witchery, reflecting the challenges and hardships they are likely to face.
They will all need your help
Returning soldiers will need the support and guidance of their communities, friends, and families to help them overcome the difficulties of readjustment and the trauma of war.
I can hear them calling, calling out for you, father
Amidst the challenges of readjustment and trauma, soldiers will often seek comfort and strength from God as they try to rebuild their lives and come to terms with what they have been through.
For there is no one else that can help
Despite the best efforts of their supporters and loved ones, returning soldiers may feel like only God can truly understand their struggle and provide the strength and guidance they need to persevere.
Smile upon us, oh lord
We ask for God's blessing and grace as we endeavor to understand and support returning soldiers during their journey of readjustment and healing.
For we are very weak
Despite our best efforts to help and support others, we recognize our own frailties and limitations, and ask for God's guidance and help as we strive to make a positive difference in the world.
Very weak
We reiterate our need for God's grace and guidance in the face of the challenges and difficulties of life, recognizing that we cannot make it on our own strength alone.
Very weak
We ask again for God's strength and support as we face the daunting task of supporting and understanding returning soldiers and helping them heal from the trauma of war.
Very weak
We acknowledge that we are human and imperfect, and that we need God's grace and strength to overcome our limitations and make a positive impact in the world.
Very weak
We repeat our plea for God's help and guidance as we try to make sense of the challenges of life and work to create a better, more peaceful world for all.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@chrisedwards3214
In his book George said this was Ron bykowski
Eddie's influence is deep all the other guitar players after him emulated his style blackbyrd admitted he tried to copy Eddie's style
Mike, and Gary studied all of Eddie's riffs
Eddie came with most of the riffs funkadelic would used he recorded lots of demos
I think hilel slovek used some of them on the freaky stylee album gc told them to use whatever they wanted no telling how many times the rhcp used that was originally demos by rhcp
Funkadelic recorded demos that Norman Whitfield used for his productions with the temptations, Edwin Starr, and undisputed truth
Isaac Hayes saw George perform he went out And started dressing psychedelic shaved his head
@lynnwood7205
Oh gawd, the hootches, Country & Western, Psychedelic, Soul. From the crunch of beer cans to the fumes.
The monsoon beating down upon the corrugated galvanized steel roof.
Still, the artillery barked, flash of dragon fire and sharp bang.
But here now, not drenched, under flickering electric bulb.
As the BeeGee's. "when the lights go out"
as the short timer going home goes quietly insane, found next morning
But right then, dozed off, slammed later into floor, incoming.
Up in the Hi~ighlands,
Down in the Lo~owlands,
Charlie's waitin for you,
Charlie's waitin for me.
F Biden F em all.
@SBrackeen
i was in senior high school when this came out. I found this very eerie for the Funkadelics, until they did Good Thoughts, Bad Thoughts. I played them both constantly. I ended up joining the Marine Corps just after the Viet Nam War. I used to play this song in my head while on duty, or on patrols out in the field. I have played these two in particular while I replay the scenes and conversations I remember over the years. I am very angry over the countless death and patriotic hypocrisy I see in this society~~
@6lobanegra0
Omega Psi Phi Greek Show --Tennessee State University---My brother took me to see his boys---Ques came out on the song with a bruh in casket---It was Lit!! I am 61 and remember to this day.
@FIFIMIMI-nq7fr
My bro-in-law is a Viet Nam war vet. He saw plenty as a medic ! God bless all Veterans!
@mcpaplus
75-77, 11th Cavalry in Germany. Many Nam holdover soldiers that would play this song, puff a little kiff, stare into candles and not say a thing. They were great men, but in moments like I just described, it was wise to just be quiet and move along.
@kennethcraddock2313
mcpaplus
Understood my brother. I met many in Germany from 73-75. I know many cousins, friends who came back from the Nam different. I thank God for every man and woman who served especially in Vietnam. God bless you all and may God forever rest the souls of those who never made it back alive. I salute you Brothers and Sisters.
@cw5059
So very thankful for your service
@colinthomson5358
@@kennethcraddock2313 - What do you think happened? Why was Vietnam different? You can talk about how brutal it was and sure it was brutal - but let's be honest it is a rare war indeed that isn't brutal.
When I see the number of serial killers who served in Vietnam I can't help thinking something was done to them to break their mind.
@SBrackeen
@@colinthomson5358 War makes you a murderer. If you are convinced to kill someone who hasnt done anything to you ... then I are being formed to be a killer. Either you acknowledge it or go insane!
@WocklessGamingforAnimeMoms
US involvement in both Asia and Germany also sort of helped create this type of music to an extent. "Cosmiche Musik" especially obviously but also Psychedelia in general probably.
@gbrown4x4
I just saw GC & Funkadelic this past wkend at the Golden Nugget n Lake Charles, La. Hadn’t seen them live since ‘81. They tore it up !!!