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.
Hues Corporation
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
Ever since our voyage of love began
Your touch has thrilled me like the rush of the wind
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, 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, rock the boat.
The Hues Corporation's "Rock the Boat" has often been interpreted as a love song, with lyrics depicting a journey of a happy couple who have faced the ups and downs ("storm" indicated in the lyrics), but still going strong. The key theme of the song, however, is to rock the boat, but not to tip it over. With the boat symbolizing the relationship, the singer urges the partner to take risks but not to go overboard, to balance their passion with caution. The lyrics emphasize that the singer has found stability and tranquility with their loved one, but is afraid of risks jeopardizing their relationship.
By proposing that they have a 'quiet spot' to harbor each other and that their love is like a 'ship on an ocean,' the singer suggests the idea of a mutually safe zone. The lyrics further shed light on how much the singer is reliant on their partner for guidance and reassurance, and that their love is enough to weather the storm as long as they maintain a balance.
Overall, the song conveys a message of taking risks in love while forging stability at the same time, knowing that the journey would not always be smooth but ultimately having confidence that their love can see them through.
Line by Line Meaning
So I'd like to know where, you got the notion
I am curious to know what inspired you to think this way
Said I'd like to know where, you got the notion
I repeat, I want to know what made you think this way
To rock the boat, don't rock the boat baby
Let's not cause any trouble or problems by upsetting the status quo
Rock the boat, don't tip the boat over
We need to maintain balance and stability in our relationship or situation
Rock the boat, don't rock the boat baby, rock the boat
I understand the urge to make changes or take risks, but we need to do so carefully and thoughtfully
Ever since our voyage of love began
From the beginning of our relationship, we have been on a journey together
Your touch has thrilled me like the rush of the wind
Your physical affection has always excited and pleased me
And your arms have held me safe from a rolling sea
You have always been my safe haven and comfort during difficult times
There's always been a quiet place to harbor you and me
We have always had a peaceful retreat where we can be together without interference or distractions
Our love is like a ship on the ocean
Our romantic relationship can be compared to a vessel that navigates the ups and downs of life
We've been sailing with a cargo full of love and devotion
We have been together for a long time, carrying with us our strong emotions of love and commitment
Up to now we sailed through every storm
So far, we have been able to overcome every obstacle and challenge in our relationship
And I've always had your tender lips to keep me warm
Your kisses have always been a source of comfort and passion for me
Oh, I need to have the strength that flows from you
I rely on your emotional and physical support to keep me going
Don't let me drift away my dear, when love can see me through
Please don't let our relationship falter or fail, when our mutual love can help us to overcome any obstacle
Rock the boat, don't tip the boat over, rock the boat, rock the boat
Again, we need to pursue any changes or challenges slowly and cautiously, to ensure our stability and success
Rock the boat, rock the boat, rock the boat, rock the boat
This refrain emphasizes the importance of maintaining our balance and stability in our relationship or situation
Rock the boat, rock the boat, rock the boat, rock the boat
We need to work together and stay on course to achieve our goals and hopes
Rock the boat, rock the boat, rock the boat, rock the boat
Finally, we need to keep moving forward, learning from our experiences and enjoying our journey together
Rock the boat, rock the boat
Let's keep going, but let's do so thoughtfully and harmoniously
Contributed by Micah R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@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!