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
High On A Horse
Grand Funk Railroad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ain't no doctor, who can help the way I feel.
Once you got her, boy, she let's you know it's real.
Learn to love her, or the opposite is right.
Feel so good, yeah! That you never want to come down.
But you should, yeah! If you want to stay around.
In Grand Funk Railroad's song "High on a Horse," the lead singer expounds on the feelings that he experiences when he is with his lover. He acknowledges the helplessness that he feels when he is without her and praises the intense emotions that their relationship ignites in him. The lyrics explain that once you have found true love, there's no medical condition that can cure or replace the emotions you feel. One thing that stands out in these lyrics is the description of the contrast between loving this woman and not loving her. The lead singer claims that if you don't love her, you will be wrong, and the opposite is right if you do.
He goes on to say that being with her makes him feel high above everything else out of sight; this is where the title of the song comes from. The lyrics then take a cautionary turn, warning that these good feelings shouldn't make you complacent as you may never want to come down. The singer urges that you need to know when to come down and level yourself to maintain your sanity, stability and probably continue enjoying the moment.
In conclusion, Grand Funk Railroad's song "High on a Horse," is all about the emotional high that the lead singer experiences when he's with his lover. However, he highlights the importance of knowing when to come down, and the risks of not coming down. The lyrics show that while love and emotions are essential, one still needs to keep their head level to make the most of them.
Line by Line Meaning
Ain't no doctor, who can help the way I feel.
My emotional state cannot be cured by a physician.
Once you got her, boy, she let's you know it's real.
Once you have this girl, you will know that the relationship is genuine.
Learn to love her, or the opposite is right.
Either love this girl, or don't be with her at all.
To rise above her, you'll be so high you're out of sight.
If you can overcome any difficulties in the relationship, it will elevate you to a high state of happiness.
Feel so good, yeah! That you never want to come down.
Being with this girl feels amazing, and it's hard to imagine ever feeling otherwise.
But you should, yeah! If you want to stay around.
Despite how great it feels, it's important to come back down to reality if you want the relationship to last.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARK FARNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind