Nitty Gritty
Gladys Knight & The Pips Lyrics

Yeah, mmm, yeah
The song begins with an enthusiastic affirmation, signaling the high energy of the upcoming performance.

Do you know that some folks know about it, some don't
The implication here is that there is something special worth knowing, but not everyone has the knowledge or appreciation to recognize it.

Some will learn to shout it, some won't
The 'it' in this context refers to the special something, and the line is suggesting that some people will become passionate and enthusiastic about it, while others will remain indifferent or apathetic.

But sooner or later baby, here's a ditty
The singer is about to share a musical number, implying that the song itself is the 'ditty' being referred to.

Say you're gonna have to get right down to the real nitty gritty
The title phrase is repeated, calling for the listener's attention to focus exclusively on the core essence of the thing being alluded to.

Now let's get right on down to the nitty gritty
The singer reiterates the call to action, highlighting the importance of the task at hand.

Now one, two nitty gritty
This line re-emphasizes the primer given in the previous line and signals a readiness, like a countdown to action.

Now yeah, mmm, nitty gritty now
The singer is signaling the start of the show and announcing that the real sound and soul of the music is beginning to be expressed.

Ooooowee, right down to the real nitty gritty
The singer is hyping up the audience and emphasizing the importance of focusing on the fundamental aspects of the music and message.

Ooooowee, can you feel it double beatin', I keep repeatin
The singer is describing the experience of the music as something that is pulsating and stirring up emotions in the listener, and she repeats the phrase to emphasize the hypnotic effect.

Get right down to the real nitty gritty
The singer re-emphasizes the importance of getting to the core of the matter.

Say it again double beatin'
The singer is calling attention to the rhythmic pattern that reinforces the message and urging the audience to chant along with her.

We gotta get right down to the real nitty gritty
The phrase is repeated again as a mantra to drive home the importance of this message.

Let's get, let's get right on down to the real nitty gritty
The singer is urging the audience to accompany her to the core essence of the music and the message being conveyed.

It's all right, it's all right
The singer offers reassurances that everything is going according to plan and that there's nothing to worry about.

Get on down, get on down
The singer is urging the audience to continue dancing and moving energetically along with the beat of the music.

Listen to me now
The singer is making a call for attention, as if reminding the audience that the singer still has more to say and will not let the audience escape the intended message so easily.

Oooowee, ooowee
The singer is summonsing a responsive chant from the audience, indicating that the excitement level is still quite high.

Come on and let the good times roll
The phrase is a call to action to have fun and take advantage of the exciting, joyous atmosphere created by the music and the energy of the audience.

Let the music sink down into your soul
The singer is calling attention to the depth and impact of the music on the psyche, encouraging the audience to absorb the experience and let it resonate within their souls.

Talkin' about the nitty gritty
The singer repeats the title phrase again as a way to reinforce its central importance and encourage the audience to loudly respond affirmatively.

Just get on down, get on down
The singer is repeating the dance call and encouraging everyone to continue dancing and moving to the beat of the music.

Get on down, get on down
The phrase is repeated one final time to give the impression of the audience and the singer parting ways after a fantastic night of fun and music.