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
No Lies
Grand Funk Railroad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's what I been tryin' to tell ya', for a long, long time.
We need each other, to live in peace and harmony.
Don't need a whole lot to give, 'cause love is for free.
I ... I got one thing to tell ya',
I ... oooo, I ain't tryin' to sell ya',
Forget all of your troubles, for a minute or two.
Just listen to what I'm sayin', 'cause I'm talkin' to you.
We don't need no leader, to tell us just what's wrong.
We need love in the country, so we can get strong.
And, I ... oh, you know, I got one thing to tell ya',
I ... oooo, I ain't tryin' to sell ya',
No lies.
I ... I got one thing to tell ya',
I ... oooo, I ain't gonna' sell ya',
No lies.
I ... I got one thing to tell ya',
I ... oooo, I ain't gonna' sell ya',
No lies.
The lyrics of "No Lies" by Grand Funk Railroad mainly touch on the subject of spreading love and peace. The opening lines express the importance of understanding and accepting each other to coexist in harmony. The lyrics signify that love is not something to be bought, but rather it's free for everyone to give without expecting anything in return. The song encourages listeners to forget their troubles and focus on listening to its message because all they need is love to bring peace and strength to their country. The track also highlights that people do not need leaders to always tell them what is right or wrong, rather self-love and compassion can go a long way in enabling people to find their own path to prosperity.
Overall, the song has a hopeful tone and a positive message that reminds listeners that, despite ongoing turmoil or distress, love will always prevail over lies and deceit.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh ... I got one thing to tell ya', then you make up your mind.
I have something important to tell you, but I want you to make your own decision about it.
It's what I been tryin' to tell ya', for a long, long time.
I've been wanting to tell you this for a while now.
We need each other, to live in peace and harmony.
We must depend on one another to achieve peace and harmony in our lives.
Don't need a whole lot to give, 'cause love is for free.
Love doesn't require much, it's free and should be given freely.
Forget all of your troubles, for a minute or two.
Take a break from all your troubles, even if it's just for a few moments.
Just listen to what I'm sayin', 'cause I'm talkin' to you.
Please pay attention to what I'm saying, I am speaking directly to you.
We don't need no leader, to tell us just what's wrong.
We don't require a leader to inform us about what's wrong in society.
We need love in the country, so we can get strong.
Love is what we need in our society to become stronger.
I ... oh, you know, I got one thing to tell ya',
I have something important to tell you, as you already know.
I ... oooo, I ain't tryin' to sell ya',
I am not trying to persuade or deceive you, I just want to share this important message.
No lies.
I promise to be truthful in what I'm telling you.
I ... oooo, I ain't gonna' sell ya',
Again, I am not trying to persuade you, I just want to share this message.
No lies.
I promise to be honest and transparent in my communication.
I ... oooo, I ain't gonna' sell ya',
Once more, I am not trying to sell you on this idea or message, I simply want to share it with you.
No lies.
I will remain truthful and sincere in our interaction.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARK FARNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind