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.
White Man/Black Man
James Gang Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Listen to me
Hear what I've got to say
You've got to learn to live together
Right now
Right away
Before it's too late
Before it's too late
That's been around so long
White man you've got to know
That sometimes you've been wrong
About your brother
'Cause he's a good man
You know he's just like you
The time's gonna come
The time's gonna come
Before it's too late
Before it's too late
Sometimes I get the feelin'
That it's never gonna end
When a brother
And a sister
Somehow become friends
To love each other
Is a good thing
And to know is to love
You've got to love one another
You've got to learn to live together
You've got to love one another
You've got to learn to live together
The song "White Man Black Man" by James Gang is a commentary on the racial divide in America during the 1970s. The lyrics implore both white and black people to overcome their differences and learn to live together. The singer acknowledges that there is a history of hate and mistrust between the two races, but argues that it is not too late to change things. The song also speaks to the idea of brotherhood and how we should treat our fellow humans with kindness and respect.
The lyrics of the song are particularly poignant when you consider the time period in which it was written. The Civil Rights Movement had just ended a few years prior, and race relations in America were still strained. The James Gang, a rock band from Ohio, was never known for political or social commentary in their music, making "White Man Black Man" a unique addition to their discography.
This song is a powerful reminder that we should strive for unity and equality, regardless of race. It serves as a call to action for people to put aside their differences and come together as one. It may have been written over 40 years ago, but its message is still relevant today.
Line by Line Meaning
White man, Black man
The song refers to two groups of people, White man and Black man, who have to listen to the singer's message to bring change to their thinking and work together.
Listen to me
The singer wants to convey a message to White man and Black man.
Hear what I've got to say
The singer wants White man and Black man to give him their undivided attention to his message.
You've got to learn to live together
The singer's message is to encourage White man and Black man to coexist and cooperate in harmony.
Right now
The singer stresses that there's no time to waste, and action must be taken immediately.
Right away
The singer emphasizes that his message is urgent and necessary to take action now.
Before it's too late
The singer warns White man and Black man that time is running out, and they must act before it's too late.
Black man forget the hate
The singer addresses Black man and speaks directly to him, urging him to discard the hateful attitudes towards White man.
That's been around so long
The singer acknowledges that hatred and conflict between White man and Black man have existed for a long time.
White man you've got to know
The singer talks about White man and tells him that he must understand something important.
That sometimes you've been wrong
The singer admits that White man has made mistakes in the past towards Black man, and these actions were unjustified.
About your brother
The singer refers to Black man as White man's brother, stressing the idea that they should see themselves as family and not enemies.
'Cause he's a good man
The singer defends Black man's character and insists that he is a good person despite some misconceptions held by White man.
You know he's just like you
The singer tells White man to realize that Black man is no different from him, and they are both human beings.
The time's gonna come
The singer expresses his hope that the day will come when White man and Black man will work together to build a better future.
Sometimes I get the feelin'
The singer shares his personal thoughts and feelings regarding the ongoing conflict between White man and Black man.
That it's never gonna end
The singer expresses his fear that the conflict will never come to an end if White man and Black man don't change their attitudes.
When a brother
The singer uses the word 'brother' again, stressing the idea of brotherhood, and how White man and Black man ought to see and treat each other.
And a sister
The singer mentions sisters too, highlighting the need for men and women of both races to come together.
Somehow become friends
The singer talks about the need for friendship to develop between the two races, which can only happen by learning to live together.
To love each other
The singer reiterates that love towards each other is a good thing, which both races should aspire to.
Is a good thing
The singer emphasizes the importance of loving one another and how it's beneficial for all.
And to know is to love
The singer taps into the notion that getting to know someone leads to understanding and ultimately love towards that person.
You've got to love one another
The singer reinforces his message of love, stressing that White man and Black man must have love for each other.
You've got to learn to live together
The singer ends his song with a reiteration of his message that White man and Black man must coexist and work together.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DALE PETERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Brooke Nadezhda
White man, Black man
Listen to me
Hear what I've got to say
You've got to learn to live together
Right now
Right away
Before it's too late
Before it's too late
Black man forget the hate
That's been around so long
White man you've got to know
That sometimes you've been wrong
About your brother
'Cause he's a good man
You know he's just like you
The time's gonna come
The time's gonna come
Before it's too late
Before it's too late
Sometimes I get the feelin'
That it's never gonna end
When a brother
And a sister
Somehow become friends
To love each other
Is a good thing
And to know is to love
You've got to love one another
You've got to learn to live together
You've got to love one another
You've got to learn to live together
N Prout
Even after 37 years I still get chills from the guitar solo at the end of the cut. Walsh is certainly on of the premier guitarists of the rock era.
DACOLINC
If only there were more songs like this, as music is the only true universal language. Politicians listen please.
Brett Sutherland
DACOLINC Politicians don't want us to get along . Seperate and conquer, keep us fighting each other so they can do as they please.
Steve Canon
Lets get this song back into circulation. Its needed now, more than ever.
Bob Thompson
No doubt.
USMC Veteran
Yes it is. Great sound coming from James Gang......hope its not to late.
Brooke Nadezhda
White man, Black man
Listen to me
Hear what I've got to say
You've got to learn to live together
Right now
Right away
Before it's too late
Before it's too late
Black man forget the hate
That's been around so long
White man you've got to know
That sometimes you've been wrong
About your brother
'Cause he's a good man
You know he's just like you
The time's gonna come
The time's gonna come
Before it's too late
Before it's too late
Sometimes I get the feelin'
That it's never gonna end
When a brother
And a sister
Somehow become friends
To love each other
Is a good thing
And to know is to love
You've got to love one another
You've got to learn to live together
You've got to love one another
You've got to learn to live together
Gleison Ferreira
Tudo nessa música é incrível. A interpretação vocal, a letra, o clima, o solo de guitarra. O disco inteiro é belíssimo.
🇧🇷.
wellyson omena
"James Gang" na alma! 🌹🤘🎸🇧🇷🇧🇷
Jeffrey Kabik
52 years later and i still tear up every time I hear this 😅