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
Please Don't Worry
Grand Funk Railroad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"That stuff you're doin's way too strong."
Pay them no mind, just give us time
Keep your head, you can't do no wrong
Please don't worry 'bout no jury
There's so many of us anyway
If somebody tries to bust you
'Cause you had their daughter late last night
But you must be strong and you just can't get uptight
Please don't worry 'bout no jury
There's so many of us anyway
If somebody says you look funny
'Cause the way you dress to them ain't right
Say "Hey can't you see, you look funny to me?"
"But I'm just tryin' to be polite."
Please don't worry 'bout no jury
There's so many of us anyway
Please don't worry 'bout no jury
There's so many of us anyway
Please don't worry, 'bout no jury,
There's so many, of us anyway
The lyrics to "Please Don't Worry" by Grand Funk Railroad seem to be advocating for individuality and self-expression, while also promoting a sense of unity and solidarity among those who are outside of society's norms. The opening lines, "If somebody tells you 'Look out boy,' 'That stuff you're doin's way too strong,'" could be interpreted as a warning from authority figures or elders, but the following lines suggest that the singer does not care about their admonitions and encourages the listener to stay true to themselves. The repeated refrain, "Please don't worry 'bout no jury / There's so many of us anyway," reinforces the idea that there is a community of like-minded people who will support and protect each other, even in the face of opposition.
The second verse deals with potential legal troubles or social ostracism, but again the singer downplays the severity of the situation and advises the listener to stay calm and confident. The final verse addresses criticism of one's appearance or behavior, again emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself and not worrying about the opinions of others. Overall, the song could be seen as a call to rebel against societal norms and expectations, to embrace individuality and diversity, and to find strength in community and solidarity.
Line by Line Meaning
If somebody tells you 'Look out boy,'
If someone warns you to be careful
"That stuff you're doin's way too strong."
If someone tells you what you're doing is too dangerous for you
Pay them no mind, just give us time
Don't listen to them, just give us a chance
Keep your head, you can't do no wrong
Stay calm and you won't make any mistakes
Please don't worry 'bout no jury
Don't worry about being judged by others
There's so many of us anyway
Because there are plenty of people on your side
If somebody tries to bust you
If someone tries to get you into trouble
'Cause you had their daughter late last night
Because you spent time with their daughter the night before
Don't get me wrong
Don't misunderstand me
But you must be strong and you just can't get uptight
But you have to be strong and not get nervous
If somebody says you look funny
If someone says you look strange
'Cause the way you dress to them ain't right
Because they don't agree with how you dress
Say "Hey can't you see, you look funny to me?"
Respond with "Hey, can't you see? You look strange to me too."
Please don't worry, 'bout no jury,
Don't worry about what others might say or think
There's so many, of us anyway
Because there are many people who support you
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: MARK FARNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Adelardo De Narbardi
LYRICS:
If somebody tells you "Look out boy, "
"That stuff you're doin's way too strong."
Pay them no mind, just give us time
Keep your head, you can't do no wrong
Please don't worry 'bout no jury
There's so many of us anyway
If somebody tries to bust you
'Cause you had their daughter late last night
Don't get me wrong
But you must be strong and you just can't get uptight
Please don't worry 'bout no jury
There's so many of us anyway
If somebody says you look funny
'Cause the way you dress to them ain't right
Say "Hey can't you see, you look funny to me?"
"But I'm just tryin' to be polite."
Please don't worry 'bout no jury
There's so many of us anyway
Please don't worry 'bout no jury
There's so many of us anyway
Please don't worry, 'bout no jury,
There's so many, of us anyway
someguy23475
Schacher’s basslines are what makes this song. A style of playing that seems to be very rare these days.
Sal Rodriguez
I AGREE MEL'S BASS SOUND AND THE WAY HE TAGS THOSE NOTE AT THE END OF THE VERSES....
EDI RICARDO DE FREITAS ARNEIRO
GRAND FUNK RAILROAD : NA MINHA HUMILDE OPINIÃO, É UMA DAS GRANDES BANDAS DA HISTÓRIA DO ROCK AND ROLL!!
Karen Piotte
EDI RICARDO DE FREITAS ARNEIRO Agreed!
ROGER2095
Ah, the wild, shirtless lyrics of Mark Farner, the bong-rattling bass of Mel Schacher, and the competent drum work of Don Brewer.
For more information about Grand Funk Railroad, consult your school library.
Robert Hughes
I was 18 when this album came out still cool after all these years!
Mark Plunkett
Came out when I was in 8th grade. I am now 62 and still love it!
Jim Howard
Saw Mark Farner this weekend, he really rocks! He put on a great show, and I'm sure it helped that he played in front of his hometown too. He is so talented, love his music and style.
nostalgia
This sounds so much like Queens of the Stone Age, i love it.
Loss Orderly
Do you realize this song could go on forever and always keep growing?