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
Time Machine
Grand Funk Railroad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I said a-hey there baby, do you want to make the scene?
Aw well come on over baby, step into my time machine
You best jump into my action, I'm gonna make you feel right
Aw, jump into my action, I'm gonna make you feel right
Don't worry 'bout tomorrow 'cause I'm gonna love you tonight
Step into the front row, I'm gonna show you how
Don't worry 'bout no time we can always come back to right now
Aw and I'm gonna' give it to you
When you wanna come back, we just a turn about
When you wanna come back, we just a turn about
But we ain't gonna' come back 'till there ain't no doubt
Now don't it get good to you, ah-do you know what I mean?
Said don't it get good to you, don't you know what I mean?
Well come on over baby, jump into my time machine
The lyrics to Grand Funk Railroad's "Time Machine" are a suggestive invitation to a lover to spend time in the singer's company, with the refrain "jump into my time machine" serving as a clever double entendre for the pleasures they could share. The song begins with the singer asking if the woman wants to "make the scene" and "step into my time machine" with him. He promises to give her the attention and affection she deserves, asking her to "jump into [his] action" and reassuring her not to "worry 'bout tomorrow 'cause [he]'s gonna love [her] tonight."
When the singer invites her to "step into the front row," he's suggesting that he's going to give her a performance, likely a sexual one. He encourages her not to worry about time, suggesting that they can always come back to the present moment when they're ready. The song ends with the singer expressing his desire to continue their intimate encounters until there's "no doubt" that they're both fully satisfied.
Overall, "Time Machine" can be interpreted as a catchy ode to hedonistic pleasures and living in the moment. It reflects the free-spirited counterculture of the 1970s and Grand Funk Railroad's reputation for raucous, sensual rock music.
Line by Line Meaning
Well a-hey there baby, do you want to make the scene?
Hello, do you want to experience something exciting?
I said a-hey there baby, do you want to make the scene?
Again, I'm asking if you want to have some fun.
Aw well come on over baby, step into my time machine
Join me and let's travel through time together.
You best jump into my action, I'm gonna make you feel right
Come along for the ride and I'll make sure you enjoy yourself.
Aw, jump into my action, I'm gonna make you feel right
Once again, let's have some fun together and I'll ensure your satisfaction.
Don't worry 'bout tomorrow 'cause I'm gonna love you tonight
Don't stress about the future, just focus on the present moment and let's enjoy each other's company.
Step into the front row, I'm gonna show you how
Come up to the front, I'll show you a good time.
Step into the front row, I wanna show you how
Again, let me entertain you from the front row.
Don't worry 'bout no time we can always come back to right now
Time is not an issue, we can always return to the present moment.
Aw and I'm gonna' give it to you
I'll provide you with a good time.
When you wanna come back, we just a turn about
When you're ready to return, we'll simply turn around and head back.
When you wanna come back, we just a turn about
Repeating the previous line again for emphasis.
But we ain't gonna' come back 'till there ain't no doubt
We won't return until we've had our fill and are completely satisfied.
Now don't it get good to you, ah-do you know what I mean?
Don't you just love this experience and what I'm doing for you?
Said don't it get good to you, don't you know what I mean?
Reiterating how enjoyable this experience is and asking if you agree.
Well come on over baby, jump into my time machine
Once again, let's travel together through time and have some fun.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: FRANK COLUCCI, SAMUEL JACKSON, LEE NEWELL, JOSHUA WARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind