The band's origins date from when Santana guitarist Neal Schon formed the band Azteca along with Larry Graham (bass guitar) and Gregg Errico (drums), both from Sly and the Family Stone, and Peter Sears (keyboards), from Hot Tuna and Jefferson Starship. Santana bass guitar player Tom Rutley would move into to the bass spot with Azteca. That band, like Santana with heavy Latin influences, would eventually morph into Graham Central Station, while Schon would found Journey.
Graham Central Station's biggest hit was Your Love, which charted at number 9 in 1975. The group integrated Graham's slap bass style along with influences ranging from marching band to gospel. They played with the dichotomy between the funk rock star image and the "sanctified" gospel group image. Some of their recordings feature their then Warner Bros labelmates Tower of Power horn section. Graham went solo in the later 1970's having a chart hit with "One in a Million, You".
While no longer as popular as in the 70's, Larry Graham (born in Beaumont Texas in 1946) continues to tour & play music into the 21st century, most notably with Prince with whom he shares an interest in the Jehovah's Witness religion. In 1999, Graham recorded an album for Prince's label under the Graham Central Station moniker that featured old Sly Stone era bandmates Cynthia Robinson and sax player Jerry Martini and performed on Prince's "Rave Un2 2000" live DVD and appeared as a featured act throughout Prince's Jam of The Year tour.
Can You Handle It?
Graham Central Station Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But that made me the man
I was trying to be girl
You done me wrong, yes you did now
But you only made me strong
Yes you did girl, tell me now
Can you handle it?
Can you handle it?
Can you handle it?
You made it what it is
Can you handle it?
Yes, you made a fool out of me girl
To the things I was blind you made me see girl
My heart feels no pain
If there's anyone to blame
It's you, it's you, it's you girl
Tell me now
Can you handle it?
See what you did to me
Can you handle it?
Can you handle it?
You made it what it is
Can you handle it?
Now can you handle it?
See what you did?
Can you handle it?
See what you did?
Can you handle it?
See what you did?
Can you handle it?
See what you did?
You made a fool out of me girl
But that made me the man
I was trying to be girl
My heart feels no pain
If there's anyone to blame
It's you, it's you, it's you girl
Now can you handle it?
Can you handle it?
Now can you handle it?
Can you handle it?
The lyrics of Graham Central Station's "Can You Handle It?" are about a relationship that has ended badly but has ultimately made the singer stronger. The song is addressed to the person who hurt him, who he blames for the pain he experienced. Despite this, the singer feels no pain now and is grateful that he has become the man he always wanted to be. He challenges his former lover to handle the implications of her actions and see what she has done to him.
The song's repetition of the phrase "Can you handle it?" is a challenge to the person who caused the pain to take responsibility for what they have done. The singer is asking if his former lover can handle the fact that she has made him stronger, and that he is no longer hurting from the breakup. The lyrics show resilience and a refusal to be defeated by the pain of heartbreak, and the upbeat rhythm focuses on positivity and strength.
Overall, "Can You Handle It?" is a classic R&B/soul track that showcases the emotions of a broken heart and the strength that can come from overcoming heartbreak.
Line by Line Meaning
You made a fool out of me girl
You embarrassed me, but it helped me become the person I wanted to be.
But that made me the man
I accept and take responsibility for my past mistakes and have grown as a result.
I was trying to be girl
I was trying to be the best version of myself, but you helped me get there in an unexpected way.
You done me wrong, yes you did now
You hurt me, but I am not bitter about it.
But you only made me strong
Your actions made me more resilient and better equipped to deal with challenges.
Can you handle it?
Are you capable of dealing with the consequences of your actions?
See what you did to me
You caused changes in my life that you may not have anticipated.
You made it what it is
Your actions contributed to the current state of my life.
To the things I was blind you made me see girl
You helped me see and understand things about myself and the world around me that I was previously unaware of.
My heart feels no pain
I am not emotionally hurt or damaged by what you did to me.
If there's anyone to blame
You are responsible for your actions and the consequences that followed.
It's you, it's you, it's you girl
You and only you are the one responsible for your actions and their consequences.
See what you did?
Do you understand the impact your actions had on my life?
Contributed by Brooklyn B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@mynitagoodson7053
One of the most gifted and talented musicians EVER ...He doesn't get his just Recognition
@cyndeemiller9695
He SUCKS
@carmenortiz3737
Digdat!
@redacted2275
The entire Family Stone doesn't get the recognition it deserves... including Sly. The Family Stone broke musical and social-political barriers but I guess revolution only matters to people when it divides, not unite.
@morrisparrish76
Sorta like wilt chamberlain
@morrisparrish76
A WNC if you will?
@kyem.7045
I'll be 24 this year....thank you mom for showing me real music my whole life
@davidverge7857
The Voice, The Range, The Control!!
@a.makalani6131
Thank you! I have always said Graham is one of the all-time great Baritones. The versatility in his voice is otherworldly.
@anvil777
That bass...omg. Mr. Graham has to be one of the best bass players in the whole wide world...