The band split in 1977 and reunited in 1980, splitting again in 1983. Since reuniting in 1996 they have remained active, although Farner left the band in 1999. The group currently consists of Max Carl (vocals), Bruce Kulick (guitar), Mel Schacher (bass), Tim Cashion (keyboards), and Don Brewer (drums, vocals).
Despite their name, their music is far from the style known as "funk"; the name "Grand Funk Railroad" is a play on Michigan's "Grand Trunk Western Railroad" line, and it was chosen before "funk" had become the name of a music genre. In 1968, suburban Michigan teens Don Brewer and Mark Farner quit Terry Knight and The Pack and recruited ? and The Mysterians bass player Mel Schacher to form a power trio inspired by contemporary rock n roll.
Early in their career, they headlined a much hyped free concert in Hyde Park, wowing the audience whilst being virtually unknown in the U.K. They also opened for Led Zeppelin in Michigan, their home state. Originally produced and managed by former band leader Terry Knight who brought the group to Capitol records in 1969, they split from Knight in 1972 after money issues left the group nearly bankrupt despite massive commercial success which began after an successful appearance at the Atlanta Pop Festival.
After releasing 12 albums on Capitol (10 platinum), they intend for their final release to be Born To Die in 1975. They actually reunited & recorded one last effort in 1976 with Frank Zappa called "Good Singin' Good Playin' " and then called it quits.
Farner released two solo albums, Mel & Don recorded as Flint with Craig before Craig joined [aritst]Bob Seger's band. In 1981 Mark Farner & Don reformed the band without Mel and released a song on the animated Heavy Metal soundtrack and new album Grand Funk Lives. They toured until 1983.
In 1996 all three original members reunited for a summer tour in which they played to over 250,000 people, and a slate of Bosnian relief dates in 1997 including several TV performances. In 1998 they did a 65+ date tour listed as one of the 10 top grossing tours of the year. In 1999 Capitol issued a 3 disc box set called "Thirty Years Of Funk" 1969-1999, including recent recordings made in 1997.
Original Grand Funk Railroad members Don & Mel still tour and write new material to this day although the group have seen various line up changes, including the absence of original lead singer Mark Farner. Mark is active with his New band Nr'G. They have released 3 CD's since 1999 with For The People released in 2006.
Studio Albums:
* On Time (1969)
* Grand Funk (The Red Album) (1969)
* Closer to Home (1970)
* Survival (1971)
* E Pluribus Funk (1971)
* Phoenix (1972)
* We're an American Band (1973)
* Shinin' On (1974)
* Monumental Funk (1974)
* All the Girls in the World Beware!!! (1974)
* Born to Die (1976)
* Good Singin', Good Playin' (1976)
* Grand Funk Lives (1981)
* What's Funk? (1983)
Live albums:
* Live Album (1970)
* Caught in the Act (1975)
* Bosnia (1997)
* Thirty Years of Funk: 1969-1999 (1999)
* Live: The 1971 Tour (2002)
Compilations:
1972 Mark, Don & Mel: 1969–71
1976 Grand Funk Hits
1990 The Best of Grand Funk
1991 Capitol Collectors Series
1992 Heavy Hitters!
1999 Thirty Years of Funk: 1969-1999
2002 Classic Masters
2006 Greatest Hits
Crossfire
Grand Funk Railroad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What does it matter any.
We all are gamblers just by livin'.
You hold a hopeless token.
Even though your heart is broken.
'cause you've nothin' left for the love you're givin'.
(chorus)
Caught in the crossfire.
Caught in the crossfire ... of love.
Caught in the crossfire.
Caught in the crossfire ... of love.
Caught in the crossfire.
Caught in the crossfire.
You played your hand at poker.
But do you understand this joker.
Who shot down all your hopes and dreams.
Why do they always hurt you.
You think they won't but you know they're sure to.
Can't trust a soul no more it seems.
(chorus)
Caught in the crossfire.
Caught in the crossfire.
You caught your love red handed.
Been stuck up like a bandit.
Crossfire.
Low down dirty underhanded.
Just ain't right can't understand it.
Crossfire.
(chorus)
Caught in the crossfire.
Caught in the crossfire.
Caught in the crossfire.
The lyrics to Grand Funk Railroad's song Crossfire depict the struggles of love and relationships, likening them to a game of chance where one can win or lose a penny. The first verse suggests that everyone is a gambler in life, implying that taking risks is an inherent part of living. The second verse talks about a token that represents hopelessness, a situation where one has given everything for love but receives nothing in return. The chorus reveals that the singer is caught in the crossfire of love and feels trapped, unable to extricate oneself from the conflicts and complexities of a relationship.
The third verse expands on the theme of gambling, using the metaphor of poker to describe how the singer's hopes and dreams were shot down by a joker. The last line of this verse, "Can't trust a soul no more it seems," suggests that the singer has lost faith in people and love in general. The final verse talks about being betrayed by a lover, left to feel betrayed and helpless. The lyrics employ repetition to emphasize the feeling of being caught in the crossfire - a state of being trapped and unable to escape.
Line by Line Meaning
You win or lose a penny.
Whether or not you succeed, the outcome won't have much significance.
What does it matter any.
The outcome won't have any noticeable impact on your life.
We all are gamblers just by livin'.
Every individual partakes in the uncertainties of life.
You hold a hopeless token.
You have a worthless and powerless target to accomplish.
Even though your heart is broken.
Although sorrow and misery override you.
'cause you've nothin' left for the love you're givin'.
Because you offered all you had to love someone and are left with nothing.
Caught in the crossfire.
Trapped amidst a chaotic situation.
Caught in the crossfire ... of love.
Entangled within the complications of romance.
You played your hand at poker.
You took a chance on something knowing the risk involved.
But do you understand this joker.
Do you recognize the individual contributing to your sufferings?
Who shot down all your hopes and dreams.
Who crushed your aspirations and goals.
Why do they always hurt you.
Why do they consistently inflict pain and distress on you.
You think they won't but you know they're sure to.
Even if you believe they won't hurt you, it's evident that they will.
Can't trust a soul no more it seems.
It seems impossible to confide in anyone anymore.
You caught your love red-handed.
You discovered your partner involved with someone else.
Been stuck up like a bandit.
You've been robbed of all the love and trust you provided unconditionally.
Low down dirty underhanded.
Deceitful and unethical actions.
Just ain't right can't understand it.
It's not appropriate, and it's difficult to comprehend.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: MARK FARNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind