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.
We Be's Gettin' Down
Graham Central Station Lyrics
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Judging done by those afraid to pray
Your hair dyed long, one almost could not tell
Your star's well hid but vibes can carry smell
Ooo, we be's gettin' down
Ooo, we be's gettin' down
A pigless oink don't mean that slop don't rot
For me there's death, for you the worst is done
My mama, mama, mama, mama lives
Your father's yet to "cum"
Ooo, we be's gettin' down
I know you, you make your right the way
Judging done by those afraid to pray
Your hair, your hair dyed long
One almost could not tell
Your star's well hid but vibes can carry smell, well
Ooo, we be's gettin' down
Ooo, we be's gettin' down
Ooo, we be's gettin' down
Ooo, we be's gettin' down
Ooo, we be's gettin' down
In "We Be's Gettin' Down," Graham Central Station sings about people who are wrongly judged by others who are too afraid to pray. The lyrics describe a person with long hair who hides their star, but who gives off certain vibes that reveal something about them. The song is a commentary on how people are often made to feel small or unworthy because of their differences, even when those differences don't actually affect their ability to have a good time and enjoy life.
The lyrics in the chorus, "Ooo, we be's gettin' down," reveal a sense of rebellion and defiance in the face of judgment and fear. The song celebrates the idea that no matter who you are or what others may think of you, you can still find joy and connection through music and dance.
In terms of musical style, "We Be's Gettin' Down" features a funky bassline and horn section, along with bright, upbeat vocals. The song was released in 1974 and became a hit for Graham Central Station, reaching Number 9 on the R&B charts and helping to establish the group as a leading force in funk and soul music.
Line by Line Meaning
I know you, you make your right the way
I am aware of you and your actions, you live your life according to your own beliefs and principles
Judging done by those afraid to pray
People who are too afraid to be themselves judge others without knowing their true character
Your hair dyed long, one almost could not tell
Your outward appearance may not always match your inner self
Your star's well hid but vibes can carry smell
Although you may try to hide your true nature, it can still be sensed by others
A rooster's crow ain't always five o'clock, oh no
What might seem obvious or expected may not always be the case
A pigless oink don't mean that slop don't rot
Just because something is missing a key element, it doesn't mean it's not a bad situation
For me there's death, for you the worst is done
Everyone has their own struggles and battles, but what may be difficult for one person may be easier for another
My mama, mama, mama, mama lives
My mother is still alive and well
Your father's yet to "cum"
Your father has not yet achieved success or his true potential
Ooo, we be's gettin' down
We are having fun and enjoying ourselves
Ooo, we be's gettin' down
We are still having fun and enjoying ourselves
Ooo, we be's gettin' down
Our good time is continuing
Ooo, we be's gettin' down
We are dancing and reveling in the moment
Ooo, we be's gettin' down
Our enjoyment and celebration is ongoing
Contributed by Connor V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Blake Kersey
on Today
Wrong lyrics!