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
Sally
Grand Funk Railroad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sally, I said I love you baby.
Sally, it's alright, it's alright.
Remember girl when we both was younger.
It was the days we had so much fun girl.
Rememberin' all of our childhood days, yeah.
We had our fun in so many ways.
You know I would have loved you anyway.
It ain't just something I just had to say.
Don't let them tell you that you're not my kind.
Sally, Sally, Sally tell them you're mine, mine, mine.
Sally, yeah,
Oh little Sally, I said I love you baby.
Sally, I said I love you baby.
Sally, it's alright.
You know I would have loved you anyway.
It ain't just something I just had to say.
Don't let them tell you that you're not my kind.
Sally, Sally, Sally tell them you're mine, mine, mine.
Oh little Sally, you know I love you baby.
Sally, I love you baby.
Sally, it's alright, it's alright.
It's alright.
Oh little Sally, you know I love you baby.
Sally
Sally, it's alright, it's alright.
It's alright.
It's alright.
The song "Sally" by Grand Funk Railroad is a heartfelt love letter to a woman named Sally. The singer declares his love for her repeatedly throughout the song, assuring her that it's all right and emphasizing that he will love her no matter what anyone else says about their relationship. The lyrics also reminisce about their childhood days and the fun they had together, suggesting that their love has deep roots and a long history.
The lyrics suggest that Sally may be facing some opposition, as the singer assures her that she is his kind and to not listen to anyone who says otherwise. This could be interpreted as the singer coming from a different social or economic background than Sally, or there could be other external factors that are threatening their relationship. Despite any potential obstacles, the singer's love for Sally shines through in the song, with the repeated declarations of love and reassurances that everything will be alright.
Overall, "Sally" is a straightforward love song that emphasizes the strength and depth of the singer's feelings for his beloved. The lyrics use simple, repetitive language that underscores the singer's earnestness and sincerity, and the upbeat tempo and catchy melody of the music add to the song's overall charm.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh little Sally, you know I love you baby.
The singer is expressing their affection to Sally and assuring her of their love.
Sally, I said I love you baby.
Reaffirming the love for Sally.
Sally, it's alright, it's alright.
Consoling Sally that everything is alright.
Remember girl when we both was younger.
Recalling the earlier times with Sally.
It was the days we had so much fun girl.
Reflecting on the good times they had together.
Rememberin' all of our childhood days, yeah.
Continuing to reminisce on the past.
We had our fun in so many ways.
Detailing the enjoyable activities they engaged in as friends.
You know I would have loved you anyway.
Revealing that the artist's love for Sally is unconditional.
It ain't just something I just had to say.
Emphasizing the sincerity of the artist's love.
Don't let them tell you that you're not my kind.
Discouraging others from interfering in their relationship.
Sally, Sally, Sally tell them you're mine, mine, mine.
Encouraging Sally to assert that she belongs to the singer and no one else.
Oh little Sally, you know I love you baby.
Repeats the opening sentiment to further emphasize the artist's love.
Sally, I love you baby.
Reiterating the love for Sally.
Sally, it's alright, it's alright.
Reassuring Sally again that things are okay between them.
It's alright.
Concluding the song with a final assurance that everything is indeed alright.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: MARK FARNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@KCOliver1960
I didn't know this song existed until today. I did had the pleasure of meeting her a few years ago. RIP Miss Kellerman.
@tommyf01
Mark Farner was the heart beat of GFR. Without Mark Farner there is no Grand Flint Railroad. Love ya Mark!
@luisc1748
FYI, today, Sally Kellerman passed away, she and Mark Farner had a thing back in the day, and he wrote this song for her and about her. RIP, Hot Lips.
@qsmithfield9746
That's what brought me here. RIP
@len2193
Same here . Loved GFR! RIP Sally 'Hot Lips"
@kellyphendler
First concert I ever attended . Vancouver BC Canada 1974. Redbone backed them up. Come and Get Your Love. Never forget it.
@progithyphalic
RIP Sally! I loved you in Back To School.
@tommiesmith3191
Farner had a knack for writing catchy tunes like this.
As far as GFR goes it ain't
GFR without Farner.
CASE CLOSED!!!!
@ChihuahuaboyDH
I love this 1976 Grand Funk Railroad hit, which peaked @ #69 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart! "Sally" should've hit the Top 40!
Bravo, Mark, Don, Mel & Craig!
@jimpalmer792
R.I.P. 'Hot Lips'
Thanks for the laughs/memories.
[p.s. great tune, Mark !].