The founding members of the band were drummer Jim Fox, bassist Tom Kriss, guitarist Ronnie Silverman, keyboardist Phil Giallombardo, and guitarist Glen Schwartz. In 1968 Joe Walsh replaced Schwartz when Schwartz left the band to join Pacific Gas & Electric. The band then released its debut album Yer' Album. In July of 1970, the band released its second album James Gang Rides Again which included the hit single "Funk #49." By this time, Dale Peters had replaced Kriss on bass. The band opened for The Who during a tour of Britain. After two more albums, Thirds, with the single "Walk Away,", and the live album James Gang Live in Concert, Walsh left the band to perform solo and later join the Eagles.
Vocalist Roy Kenner and guitarist Domenic Troiano then joined the band. Troiano left to join Guess Who and was replaced by Tommy Bolin. Bolin left in 1974 to replace Ritchie Blackmore in Deep Purple. After two albums, "Bang" and "Miami", Bolin was replaced by vocalist Bubba Keith and guitarist Richard Shack, who made "Newborn" (which featured a cover of the Elvis Presley song "Heartbreak Hotel"). The band broke up following a final recording, "Jesse Come Home" (which referred to the band's namesake, the outlaw Jesse James), which was made with the collaboration of early member Phil Giallombardo. Fox was the only remaining member of the original quintet when they disbanded early in 1977.
The "classic" lineup of the band (Walsh, Peters, Fox) reunited to perform at an election rally for Bill Clinton in 1996, appearances on The Drew Carey Show in the 1998-99 season, and at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in February 2001, drawing fans from all over the globe.
As of May 2004, Glenn Schwartz was playing guitar and singing Thursday nights at "Major Hooples" in the Flats, Cleveland.
In summer 2006 the Walsh/Peters/Fox lineup of the group toured the United States. In August 2006, the trio appeared performing live on The Howard Stern radio show on Sirius satellite radio.
Funk 49
James Gang Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know where you're goin'
I don't think that's actin' right
You don't think it's showin'
A jumpin' up, fallin' down
Don't misunderstand me
You don't think that I know your plan
Out all night, sleep all day
I know what you're doin'
If you're gonna act that way
I think there's trouble brewin'
The song Funk 49 by James Gang speaks about a man who is aware of his partner's infidelity, and is trying to come to terms with it. The lyrics are melancholic and haunting, as the man is constantly brooding over his partner's night-time activities. He speaks about how his partner is out all night and sleeps all day, and while he knows where she is going, he does not believe that it is the right thing to do. Interestingly, he knows that his partner is cheating on him, but he does not confront her, instead choosing to sound resigned and defeated.
What makes the lyrics so brilliant is the way they blend desperation with resignation. The man is not angry or upset, but instead, he is sad that his relation has come to this. While he tries to understand his partner's reasons, he also understands that their relationship is on shaky ground. Ultimately, he believes that trouble is brewing, and the relationship is about to unravel. Funk 49 is a cautionary tale about infidelity and the way it can affect a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
I sleep all day, out all night
I spend my days sleeping and my nights out and about.
I know where you're goin'
I am aware of your whereabouts.
I don't think that's actin' right
I do not believe your behavior is appropriate.
You don't think it's showin'
You believe that you are hiding your true intentions or actions, but it is obvious to me.
A jumpin' up, fallin' down
You are unpredictable and unstable.
Don't misunderstand me
Do not misinterpret my words or actions.
You don't think that I know your plan
You are underestimating my ability to understand your scheme or intention.
What you tryin' to hand me?
What are you attempting to deceive or give me?
Out all night, sleep all day
You spend your nights outside and sleep during the day.
I know what you're doin'
I am aware of your actions and motives.
If you're gonna act that way
If you persist in behaving in this manner.
I think there's trouble brewin'
I believe that there will be consequences or conflict as a result of your actions.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DALE PETERS, JAMES K. FOX, JOSEPH FIDLER WALSH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@johnnygoodman2003
"I had more fun being 20 in the 70s than I do being 70 in the 20s" -- Joe Walsh.
@jonahhex64
Amen to that brother!!!
@mickie1049
Doesn’t matter… we love you forever!!!
@mickie1049
I got laid by Funk 49!!!
@altreg016
I had more fun being 10 in the 70's than 60 in the 20's too
@morgancasey
Seen him live in Glasgow, loved hearing Joe say this
@garycourm6981
I am a 70 year African American but let it be said more American. I love this music, I play bass guitar and my band rocked our School dances with this music. This music is one of the many things that helped make America Great. Keep the music true. God Bless us all.
@nikospaleologos3907
Rock on brother
@rokhardwoodie75
Love yer work!
@sherwinmarlin2782
Released the year before I was born. Amazing percussion and just the right amount of guitar solo. Real musicianship. Love the timbre of the drumset...amazing!