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
Got This Thing on the Move
Grand Funk Railroad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Come on over to my side, it's where you want to' be.
Come on over to joy ride, and let your morals be.
Ain't no way to deny it, if it's in your soul.
You don't know 'till you try it, baby, let the good times roll.
Let me taste your life. Let me fill your stream.
Let me make you feel it right now, just lay back and dream.
Got this thing on the move, it's beginin'.
Got a strange kind of feeling, under my skin.
I hear my baby knockin', at my front door.
She knows what I got, she wants some more.
And when it's all over, I start to come down.
Think of the restin' place, I'll leave the ground
The lyrics of "Got This Thing On The Move" by Grand Funk Railroad is centered around the idea of letting loose and enjoying life's pleasures. The song opens by inviting someone to come over to the singer's side, where they can embark on a joy ride and cast aside any inhibitions or moral hangups. According to the lyrics, there is something deep inside every person's soul that craves this type of unbridled joy and excitement, but it can only be experienced with a willingness to try something new.
The second verse is focused on a more personal interaction between the singer and his partner, as he implores her to let him "taste" her life and embrace the wildness of the moment. The chorus repeats the phrase "got this thing on the move", which implies that the singer has connected with an energy or feeling that is driving him forward, even if he doesn't fully understand it. The final verse hints at some regret or maybe even a come down from the high of the experience, but the singer chooses to focus on the relief that comes from escaping to a peaceful "resting place".
Overall, the song is a celebration of living in the moment and following one's impulses – even if it isn't always the most responsible choice. Within the context of the 70s music scene, where expression and experimentation were highly valued, this message was undoubtedly appealing to many listeners. "Got This Thing On The Move" is a quintessential rock song that demonstrates the free-spirited attitude and energetic nature of the genre.
Line by Line Meaning
Come on over to my side, it's where you want to' be.
Join me in the world of fun where you can let yourself loose.
Come on over to joy ride, and let your morals be.
Forget the rules for a while and indulge in our thrilling adventure.
Ain't no way to deny it, if it's in your soul.
If something speaks to your heart, you can't ignore it or pretend it doesn't exist.
You don't know 'till you try it, baby, let the good times roll.
You won't know the level of enjoyment until you try it, so open yourself up to the fun.
Let me taste your life. Let me fill your stream.
Allow me to experience your way of life and to join in on your flow of joy.
Let me make you feel it right now, just lay back and dream.
Allow me to give you a thrilling experience that will take you to new heights of happiness.
Got this thing on the move, it's beginnin'.
We have started our journey to a world of fun and adventure.
Got a strange kind of feeling, under my skin.
I feel a stirring deep in my soul that lets me know we're onto something great.
I hear my baby knockin', at my front door.
My friend is calling me to go on another adventure.
She knows what I got, she wants some more.
She knows how exciting my life is, and wants to experience it again.
And when it's all over, I start to come down.
When the adventurous ride is over, I start to feel the gravity of reality.
Think of the restin' place, I'll leave the ground.
I start to think of the place of peace where I can relax and forget the worries of life.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARK FARNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind