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
Paranoid
Grand Funk Railroad Lyrics
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Did you ever have that feeling in your life, that someone was watching you?
He don't have no reason, that's right. But, still he's there watching you.
Someone is waiting just outside the door, to take you away.
Everybody knows just what he's there for, to take you away.
But, you don't know why he's been waiting.
But, you don't know why he's been waiting.
Spent too much time anticipating.
Spent too much time anticipating.
Did you ever think it could be you, that's just outside the door?
There's just one way to find out if it's true. So, what you waiting for?
Oh, get yourself together now, my friend, and step outside the pad.
If there's no one waiting for you there, my friend, I think you should be glad.
But, who wasn't there that you should look out for?
But, who wasn't there that you should look out for?
Get back inside your wall, and shut the door.
Get back inside your wall, and shut the door.
You don't have nobody, don't need nobody, can't love nobody,
You're better off by yourself.
You ain't feelin' too bad, you're driving me mad, and say you're bad,
You're better off by yourself.
You don't have nobody, don't need nobody, can't love nobody,
You're better off by yourself.
You ain't feelin' too bad, you're driving me mad, and say you're bad,
You're better off by yourself.
Ahhhhh ...
The song "Paranoid" by Grand Funk Railroad, released on their 1970 album titled "Closer to Home," is a highly introspective and thought-provoking song about paranoia and the fear of being watched. The lyrics reflect the feelings of someone who always feels like someone is watching them, even without any reason. The first few lines set the tone for the song, with the singer asking if the listener ever had that feeling that someone is watching them. The line "He don't have no reason, that's right. But, still he's there watching you," highlights the irrationality of this fear.
Throughout the song, the singer talks about the feeling of being watched and the fear of being taken away by someone waiting just outside the door. The chorus repeats the same lines over and over again, emphasizing the fear and anticipation associated with this feeling. The second verse is more of a challenge to the listener, asking them to get themselves together and step outside the door to find out if anyone is really waiting for them.
The song takes an interesting turn towards the end, with the singer telling the listener that they don't need anybody and are better off by themselves. This reflects the idea that sometimes, in order to overcome paranoia and fear, we need to be able to rely on ourselves and not let our fears control us.
Line by Line Meaning
Did you ever have that feeling in your life, that someone was watching you?
Have you ever been paranoid about someone watching you?
He don't have no reason, that's right. But, still he's there watching you.
There is no apparent reason for his presence but he is present nonetheless and watching you.
Someone is waiting just outside the door, to take you away.
Someone is lurking outside the door waiting to abduct you.
Everybody knows just what he's there for, to take you away.
Everyone knows that the stalker's intent is to abduct you.
But, you don't know why he's been waiting.
You don't understand why the stalker has been waiting for you.
Spent too much time anticipating.
You've spent too much time worrying and expecting the worst.
Did you ever think it could be you, that's just outside the door?
Have you ever considered that you might be the person outside the door?
There's just one way to find out if it's true. So, what you waiting for?
Take action to confirm or deny if you are the person outside the door.
Oh, get yourself together now, my friend, and step outside the pad.
Get yourself together and take a step outside your house.
If there's no one waiting for you there, my friend, I think you should be glad.
If there is no one outside waiting for you, consider yourself lucky.
But, who wasn't there that you should look out for?
Who was not present that you need to be aware of?
Get back inside your wall, and shut the door.
Go back inside and lock the door.
You don't have nobody, don't need nobody, can't love nobody, You're better off by yourself.
You are comfortable being alone with no one to rely on and no one to love.
You ain't feelin' too bad, you're driving me mad, and say you're bad, You're better off by yourself.
You don't feel bad about being alone but your independence is making me angry.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARK FARNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind