The group formed in 1969 in Los Angeles, California, Before making it big in the music industry, the group appeared in the popular 1972 blaxploitation film Blacula, which starred actor William Marshall and brought the group in contact with songwriter Waldo Holmes. Holmes would go on to pen "Rock the Boat". The Hues Corporation's four other singles to reach the Billboard Hot 100 were "Freedom For The Stallion" (1973, #63), "Rockin' Soul" (1974, #18), "Love Corporation" (1975, #62), and "I Caught Your Act" (1977, #92).
The group's name was a pun on the Hughes Corporation, with the "hue" being the group's African-American heritage. Interestingly, they initially wanted to call themselves 'Children Of Howard Hughes', but that didn't pan out. The band's members were Bernard "St. Clair" Lee, Flemming Williams, and Ann Kelley.
Despite their initial success, the group disbanded in 1978. But with renewed interest in disco music throughout the 90s, the group reunited for tour dates and special events. This included the popular PBS special Get Down Tonight: The Disco Explosion. Bernard "St. Clair" Lee sadly passed away on March 8th, 2011.
"Rock The Boat"
Hues Corporation Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Said I'd like to know where, you got the notion
(To rock the boat), don't rock the boat baby
(Rock the boat), don't tip the boat over
(Rock the boat), don't rock the boat baby
(Rock the boat)
Your touch has thrilled me like the rush of the wind
And your arms have held me safe from a rolling sea
There's always been a quiet place to harbor you and me
Our love is like a ship on the ocean
We've been sailing with a cargo full of love and devotion
So I'd like to know where, you got the notion
Said I'd like to know where, you got the notion
(To rock the boat), don't rock the boat baby
(Rock the boat), don't tip the boat over
(Rock the boat), don't rock the boat baby
(Rock the boat)
Up to now we sailed through every storm
And I've always had your tender lips to keep me warm
Oh, I need to have the strength that flows from you
Don't let me drift away my dear, when love can see me through
(Our love is like a ship on the ocean)
We've been sailing with a cargo full of love and devotion
So I'd like to know where, you got the notion
Said I'd like to know where, you got the notion
So I'd like to know where, you got the notion
Said I'd like to know where, you got the notion
(To rock the boat), don't rock the boat baby
(Rock the boat), don't tip the boat over
(Rock the boat), don't rock the boat, baby
(Rock the boat), don't tip the boat over
(Rock the boat) ooh-ooh
(Rock the boat) rock on with you, baby
(Rock the boat) rock on with you, baby
(Rock the boat) rock on with you, baby
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
The lyrics to Hues Corporation's song "Rock The Boat" seem to be about a couple who are in love, and their love is compared to a stable and safe voyage on the sea. However, the singer is worried that their partner may be "rocking the boat" and could potentially tip it over in their relationship. They are asking their partner where they got the notion to "rock the boat," or cause trouble.
The singer also speaks about how their love is like a ship on the ocean, sailing through storms and difficult times. They have been able to weather these storms together because of their love and devotion to one another. However, the singer still wants reassurance from their partner that they won't do anything to jeopardize their relationship.
Overall, the lyrics appear to be a plea for stability and trust in the relationship. The singer wants their partner to know that they need each other to navigate the rough waters of life, and they don't want anything to come between them.
Line by Line Meaning
So I'd like to know where, you got the notion
The singer is curious about the idea that the other person has brought up and wants to know where they heard it from.
Said I'd like to know where, you got the notion
The singer reiterates their desire to know where the other person got the idea from.
(To rock the boat), don't rock the boat baby
The singer is cautioning the other person not to disturb the current situation, as it is smooth and pleasant.
(Rock the boat), don't tip the boat over
The singer is emphasizing that the boat should not be disturbed to the extent of toppling it over, as it might lead to chaos.
(Rock the boat), don't rock the boat baby
The singer reiterates their cautionary message, suggesting that the present state of affairs be maintained.
(Rock the boat)
The phrase is repeated to emphasize the warning message.
Ever since our voyage of love began
The singer refers to the journey of love from the beginning till now.
Your touch has thrilled me like the rush of the wind
The singer compares the other person's touch to the exhilarating sensation of wind blowing fast.
And your arms have held me safe from a rolling sea
The singer expresses gratitude for the other person's support, comparing their affection to a harbor that provides safety on a tumultuous sea.
There's always been a quiet place to harbor you and me
The singer mentions that they have always had a peaceful haven in each other, which provides solace in life's chaos.
Our love is like a ship on the ocean
The singer is using a metaphor to describe their love as a ship sailing on the vast sea of life.
We've been sailing with a cargo full of love and devotion
The singer says they have been sailing with an abundance of love and care for each other.
Up to now we sailed through every storm
The singer suggests that they have overcome life's challenges together up to this moment.
And I've always had your tender lips to keep me warm
The singer is expressing comfort in the other person's embrace and intimacy.
Oh, I need to have the strength that flows from you
The singer acknowledges that they rely on the other person's strength to help them through difficult times.
Don't let me drift away my dear, when love can see me through
The singer implores the other person not to let go of them, as love can help them weather any storm.
(Rock the boat) ooh-ooh
The phrase is repeated with an interjection to emphasize the warning message.
(Rock the boat) rock on with you, baby
The singer changes the tone and adds a note of playfulness and excitement, suggesting that they want to continue the journey with the other person.
(Rock the boat) rock on with you, baby
The singer repeats the playful sentiment, expressing hope and joy for the future journey of love.
(Rock the boat) rock on with you, baby
The singer reiterates their enthusiasm and confidence in continuing the love journey with the other person.
(Rock the boat)
The phrase is repeated one last time to emphasize the playful and joyful nature of the song.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: STEPHEN GARRETT, ERIC SEATS, RAPTURE N STEWART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@paulbrungardt9823
I am now 66 years of age. When I was 16 years old, I worked with Bernard
St. Claire Lee ( man with headband in video), House of Pancakes, 443
East Manchester blvd, Inglewood, California. This was before Hues
Corporation became recognized. He was an opening cook and I was a weekend bus boy. He would rehearse after work. I am pleased he got recognized for his talent. He was truly a nice man and I don't recall
him ever saying anything bad about anyone else. He passed away a couple
of years ago. He grew up in Santa Monica, Ca and was part American
Indian. I remember him fondly. He gained recognition after " Rock the
Boat" and did sound track for the late 1970s Black spoliation movies. I
became a doctor of optometry at age 26.We never met up after leaving the
House of Pancakes.
@user-zi2kb8li5v
Who's listening to this in 2024
@mhuff2155
I just met Karl..on left
@bluebelluk
Yep! Takes me right back to my youth!
@TerezaSylvio
Me, me, me
@Houkie
ME!
@teerasalato6778
Meeee
@yossarian6799
Summer 1974, and my family are headed back home to PA after a weekend of sun 'n' surf in Rehoboth Beach. Packed in our big blue 1972 Pontiac Grand Safari wagon with the radio tuned to Philly's "Famous 56' WFIL with Mom and Dad and us six kids singing to this song at the tops of or lungs like wannabe rock stars!
@danteoates4965
I do Still listen to This Song In 2024😊
@papatriot7538
A masterpiece of joy and beautifully harmonized vocals... Sad this era ended.
@davidallen5776
Those of us that grew up at this time should consider ourselves fortunate!