Papa
James Brown Lyrics


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Come here sister, Papa's in the swing
He ain't too hip, about that new breed babe
He ain't no drag
Papa's got a brand new bag

Come here mama, and dig this crazy scene
He's not too fancy, but his line is pretty clean
He ain't no drag
Papa's got a brand new bag

It's the Jerk
He's doing the Fly
Don't play him cheap 'cause you know he ain't shy
He's doing the Monkey, the Mashed Potatoes
Jump back Jack, See you later alligator

Come here sister
Papa's in the swing
He ain't too hip now
But I can dig that new breed babe
He ain't no drag
He's got a brand new bag

Oh papa, He's doing the Jerk
Papa, he's doing the Jerk
He's doing the twist, just like this
He's doing the Fly every day and every night
The thing's, like the Boomerang
Hey, come on
Hey hey, come on
Hey hey, said you uptight, out of sight




Come on, see what you know
Come on, see what you know

Overall Meaning

In Papa's Got a Brand New Bag, James Brown wants everyone to know that he has a new, fresh sound. He uses the phrase "brand new bag" as a metaphor for his innovative style. He tells his listeners to gather around him and witness his new approach to music. He is proud of his catchiness and upbeat sound, and he is getting ready to show off his new style to the world.


The lyrics also showcase different dances in the African American community at the time, particularly The Jerk, The Fly, The Monkey, and The Mashed Potatoes. Brown emphasizes the importance of these dances and how they contribute to the African American culture. It was more than just dancing - it was a way to express oneself and to build a community around music and dance.


Overall, James Brown's Papa's Got a Brand New Bag is a message to his fans about his new approach to music and his pride in his African American culture. It is an invitation to everyone to see his new, innovative sound and to join in the dance.


Line by Line Meaning

Come here sister, Papa's in the swing
Come here and listen, Papa is feeling good and grooving to the music


He ain't too hip, about that new breed babe
Papa isn't familiar with the new style of music, but he still enjoys it


He ain't no drag
He is not boring, he's lively and lively


Papa's got a brand new bag
Papa has a new way of doing things, and he's enjoying it a lot


Come here mama, and dig this crazy scene
Listen, Mama, and enjoy the lively and thrilling atmosphere


He's not too fancy, but his line is pretty clean
He's not trying too hard to be cool, but his moves are sharp and precise


He ain't no drag
He is not boring, he's lively and lively


Papa's got a brand new bag
Papa has a new way of doing things, and he's enjoying it a lot


It's the Jerk
The dance style is called the Jerk


He's doing the Fly
He's also doing the Fly dance


Don't play him cheap 'cause you know he ain't shy
Don't underestimate him because he's confident and outgoing


He's doing the Monkey, the Mashed Potatoes
In addition to the Jerk and Fly, he's also doing the Monkey and Mashed Potatoes dances


Jump back Jack, See you later alligator
He's showing off his moves and saying goodbye in a fun way


Oh papa, He's doing the Jerk
Papa is really into the Jerk dance


Papa, he's doing the Jerk
Papa is still doing the Jerk dance


He's doing the twist, just like this
He's also doing the Twist dance


He's doing the Fly every day and every night
He's always dancing and having a good time


The thing's, like the Boomerang
Dancing is like a Boomerang - it comes back around and is always fun


Hey, come on
Let's keep the party going and dance together


Hey hey, come on
Let's go, let's go!


Hey hey, said you uptight, out of sight
Even if you're feeling uptight or nervous, it's still a great time


Come on, see what you know
Come dance and show us what you've got


Come on, see what you know
Come dance and show us what you've got




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: James Brown

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@ABritInThePhilippines

Just awesome...

@matthewjones1774

What is best Sex on Fire

@darlenemcnealy6306

At times u need a brand new bag... just saying... ✌🏾

@antoniogialloreto2528

It is not an offense for ANYONE. MY
IDOLO REMAINS JAMES BROWN but in this version it is less beautiful (in my humble opinion) than in that of OTIS.

@robertsneed5307

@@matthewjones1774 golden Hits

@fredyt6526

Just disgusting...

46 More Replies...

@Lafemme46

My daughter is Autistic but, JB for some reason brings her alive. She loves him and, I’m so grateful when I play his greatest hits she comes alive. Thank You JB!

@astella3

She's artistic!!!

@B0ULLIE

God bless that child’s funk-o-meter!

@TONYTFOREVER

without James Brown there wouldn't be a Michael Jackson

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