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
The Loco-Motion
Grand Funk Railroad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
I know you'll get to like it if you give it a chance now
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
My little baby sister can do it with me
It's easier than learning your A-B-C
So come on, come on, do the Loco-motion with me
You gotta swing your hips, now
Come on
Jump up
Jump back
Well, now, I think you've got the knack
Wow, wow
Now that you can do it, let's make a chain, now
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
A chug-a chug-a motion like a railroad train, now
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
Do it nice and easy, now, don't lose control
A little bit of rhythm and a lot of soul
Come on, come on
And do the Loco-motion with me
Move around the floor in a Loco-motion
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
Do it holding hands if you get the notion
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
There's never been a dance that's so easy to do
It even makes you happy when you're feeling blue
So come on, come on, do the Loco-motion with me
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
So come on, come on and do the Loco-motion with me
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
So come on, come on and do the Loco-motion with me
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
The lyrics to Grand Funk Railroad's song "The Loco-Motion" are all about encouraging listeners to dance along to the fun and easy-to-learn dance called the Loco-Motion. The singer in the song tells the listener that everyone is doing this "brand-new dance," and that they should give it a chance because they'll enjoy it. Even the singer's baby sister can do it, and it's easier than learning the ABCs. The dance involves swinging your hips, jumping up and back, and moving in a chug-a chug-a motion like a railroad train. The singer also suggests doing the Loco-Motion holding hands or in a chain with others. The song itself has an upbeat, lively rhythm that encourages movement and dancing.
Overall, the song is a fun and infectious celebration of dance and movement. It's easy to see why it became such a popular hit, inspiring listeners to get up and dance along with the catchy lyrics and energetic beat.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody's doing a brand-new dance, now
This is a new dance style that is gaining popularity among people.
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
Encouraging the listener to try the new dance style.
I know you'll get to like it if you give it a chance now
If you try this new dance, you will enjoy it.
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
Encouraging the listener to try the new dance style.
My little baby sister can do it with me
This dance is so easy that even a child can do it.
It's easier than learning your A-B-C
The dance is easier than learning the alphabet.
So come on, come on, do the Loco-motion with me
Inviting the listener to dance with the singer.
You gotta swing your hips, now
Instructing the listener to move their hips while dancing.
Come on
Encouraging the listener to dance.
Jump up
Instructing the listener to jump upwards while dancing.
Jump back
Instructing the listener to jump backwards while dancing.
Well, now, I think you've got the knack
The artist thinks the listener has learned how to dance the Loco-motion.
Wow, wow
Expressing excitement about the listener's progress in learning the dance.
Now that you can do it, let's make a chain, now
The singer suggests forming a chain of people who can dance the Loco-motion.
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
Encouraging the listener to dance with the group.
A chug-a chug-a motion like a railroad train, now
The chain of dancers should move like a train with a rhythmic motion.
Do it nice and easy, now, don't lose control
The artist instructs the dancers to maintain control of their movements while dancing.
A little bit of rhythm and a lot of soul
The singer suggests that the dance requires some rhythm and soul to be enjoyable.
Come on, come on
Encouraging the group to continue dancing together.
And do the Loco-motion with me
The artist wants the group to dance the Loco-motion together.
Move around the floor in a Loco-motion
The dancers should move together around the dancefloor with the Loco-motion dance steps.
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
Encouraging the listener to continue dancing with the group.
Do it holding hands if you get the notion
The dancers can hold hands while moving in the Loco-motion dance style.
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
Encouraging the listener to continue dancing.
There's never been a dance that's so easy to do
The Loco-motion dance is one of the easiest dances to learn.
It even makes you happy when you're feeling blue
Dancing the Loco-motion can make you happy even when you are sad.
So come on, come on, do the Loco-motion with me
Inviting the listener to dance the Loco-motion with the singer.
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
Encouraging the listener to continue dancing.
So come on, come on and do the Loco-motion with me
Inviting the listener again to dance the Loco-motion with the artist.
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
Encouraging the listener to continue dancing.
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
Encouraging the listener to continue dancing.
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
Encouraging the listener to continue dancing.
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
Encouraging the listener to continue dancing.
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
Encouraging the listener to continue dancing.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Carole King, Gerry Goffin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
モンちゃん
Everybody's doing a brand-new dance, now
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
I know you'll get to like it if you give it a chance now
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
My little baby sister can do it with me
It's easier than learning your A-B-C
So come on, come on, do the Loco-motion with me
You gotta swing your hips, now
Come on
Jump up
Jump back
Well, now, I think you've got the knack
Wow, wow
Now that you can do it, let's make a chain, now
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
A chug-a chug-a motion like a railroad train, now
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
Do it nice and easy, now, don't lose control
A little bit of rhythm and a lot of soul
Come on, come on
And do the Loco-motion with me
Move around the floor in a Loco-motion
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
Do it holding hands if you get the notion
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
There's never been a dance that's so easy to do
It even makes you happy when you're feeling blue
So come on, come on, do the Loco-motion with me
So come on, come on and do the Loco-motion with me
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
So come on, come on and do the Loco-motion with me
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
Shane McKenna
Best version by miles. I bought this single the week it came out and played it to death at maximum volume. A great decade to be a teenager.
Trevor Miles
Yes, me and my stereo were relegated to the garage. Some how my dad always ended up there with me once I started to play this song and Iron Butterfly. Come to think of it, never did see him walk out with the philips screwdriver he was always looking for. Miss you dad, you were and are a good man.
George Jempty
Yeah I think I was 11 when I bought this.
Marie Keung
LOL! So did I!
James
What’s the other version
Juliet Reminiec
Shane,I was 11 1/2.& just starting Jr High when this song was at number one
D Andres
This was the best song they played at the roller rink in the 70's. Love their version.
Blanca Valencia
This song made me feel chills when I listened to it back in the 70's....and it still does!
CRW
The audacious production and effects here, which so struck me as a little kid and still do, are pure genius. Todd Rundgren!
Gary Kerns
That guitar solo gets me every time!