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
Some Kind Of Wonderful
Grand Funk Railroad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't need a big, fine car
I got everything that a man could want
I got more than I could ask for
I don't have to run around
I don't have to stay out all night
'Cause I got me a sweet, a sweet lovin' woman
And she knows just how to treat me right
Well my baby, she's all right
Well my baby, she's clean out of sight, don't you know that
She's
She's some kind of wonderful
She's some kind of wonderful
Yes she is, she's a
She's some kind of wonderful
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
When I hold her in my arms
You know, she sets my soul on fire
Ooh, when my baby kisses me
My heart becomes filled with desire
When she wraps her lovin' arms around me
It 'bout tires me out of my mind
Yeah, when my baby kisses me chills run up and down my spine
Well my baby, she's all right
Uh, my baby, she's clean out of sight, don't you know that
She's
She's some kind of wonderful
She's some kind of wonderful
Yes she is, she's a
She's some kind of wonderful
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Now is there anybody got a sweet little woman like mine
Got to be somebody, got, got a sweet little woman like mine
Can I get a witness
Can I get a witness
Can I get a witness
Can I get a witness
Can I get a witness
Can I get a witness
I'm talkin', talkin' 'bout my baby
She's some kind of wonderful (yeah)
Talkin' 'bout my baby
She's some kind of wonderful
Talkin' 'bout my baby
She's some kind of wonderful
I'm talkin' 'bout my baby
She's some kind of wonderful (my baby, my baby)
I'm talkin' about my baby,
(My baby, my baby) she's some kind of wonderful
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah my baby, my baby
She's some kind of wonderful
Talkin' 'bout my baby
(My baby, my baby) she's some kind of wonderful
I'm talkin' 'bout my baby
(My baby, my baby) she's some kind of wonderful
I'm talkin' 'bout my baby
She's some kind of wonderful
She's some kind of wonderful
The lyrics to Grand Funk Railroad's "Some Kind of Wonderful" talk about how the singer doesn't need money or material possessions because he has everything he wants in his loving relationship with his partner. He emphasizes that his partner knows how to treat him right and makes him feel complete. The chorus repeats the title phrase "She's some kind of wonderful," which serves as a loving praise for his partner. The singer also talks about the physical passion and desire he shares with his partner, which is reinforced by the repetition of the phrase "When my baby kisses me." The song ends by asking if anyone else has a "sweet little woman" like his.
The lyrics of "Some Kind of Wonderful" are a classic love song with a relatable message. The singer highlights the importance of a deep emotional connection with a partner and finds joy and satisfaction in their love. The song also celebrates physical intimacy and the attraction between the two partners. Overall, "Some Kind of Wonderful" is a wonderful tribute to the power of love in making life complete.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't need a whole lots of money
Money is not everything in life. Happiness can be achieved without wealth.
I don't need a big, fine car
Material possessions are not important. True happiness is found through love and companionship.
I got everything that a man could want
The love and affection of a good partner is all that is needed to lead a fulfilling life.
I got more than I could ask for
The love and companionship of his partner exceeds all expectations and desires.
I don't have to run around
He doesn't have to go searching for happiness or love because he has it already.
I don't have to stay out all night
He doesn't feel the need to go out and party or drink to enjoy life because he has everything he needs at home.
'Cause I got me a sweet, a sweet lovin' woman
His partner is the reason he is happy and content. He values and cherishes her love very much.
And she knows just how to treat me right
She understands his needs and desires, and she supports and caters to them.
Well my baby, she's all right
His partner is amazing and wonderful. He is proud and happy to have her in his life.
Well my baby, she's clean out of sight, don't you know that
His partner is exceptional and outstanding. She exceeds all expectations when it comes to love and companionship.
She's some kind of wonderful
His partner is truly amazing and special. She brings unmatched joy and happiness into his life.
Yes she is, she's a
He wholeheartedly believes that his partner is one of a kind and precious beyond measure.
When I hold her in my arms
He loves to hold his partner and feel her love and warmth. It brings happiness and peace of mind to him.
You know, she sets my soul on fire
His partner ignites a spark and passion within him that fills him with energy and excitement.
Ooh, when my baby kisses me
The touch and kiss of his partner excite him and fill him with happiness and love.
My heart becomes filled with desire
He yearns and craves for the love and affection of his partner. She completes him and makes him whole.
When she wraps her lovin' arms around me
His partner's embrace gives him comfort and security. He feels safe and loved in her arms.
It 'bout tires me out of my mind
His partner's love and affection is so intense that it leaves him mentally and physically spent in the best way possible.
Yeah, when my baby kisses me chills run up and down my spine
His partner's kisses give him shivers of excitement and love. He feels an electric connection with her.
Now is there anybody got a sweet little woman like mine
He believes that his partner is the best and most amazing woman in the world, and wonders if anyone else has someone as wonderful as her.
Can I get a witness
He asks for someone to testify to the awesomeness of his partner and the love they share.
I'm talkin', talkin' 'bout my baby
He is proud and happy to talk about his amazing partner.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah my baby, my baby
He loves his partner more than anything in the world. She is the most important person in his life.
Talkin' 'bout my baby
He can't help but gush and talk about his partner.
Lyrics © JAMIE MUSIC PUBLISHING CO
Written by: John Ellison
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind