He began as an actor, reportedly did some children's theatre, and then moved to New York in the early 1960s. Prior to Hair, Rado originated the Broadway role of Richard Lionheart in The Lion in Winter by James Goldman (starring Robert Preston and Rosemary Harris). Later, both Rado and Hair co-writer Gerome Ragni were cast in the Chicago company of Mike Nichols' production of The Knack, by Ann Jellicoe. They played the roles of Tom and Tolan, becoming a kind of acting duo. In 1968 he would perform with Ragni again when he originated the role of Claude (opposite Ragni's Berger) in Hair, both on Broadway and in Los Angeles.
Since then, he has been active in developing new productions of Hair, including the 11 city 1994 national tour which he directed, and the 2006 CanStage production in Toronto.
I Got Life
James Rado Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I got laughs, sister
I got freedom, brother
I got good times, man
I got crazy ways, daughter
I got million-dollar charm, cousin
I got headaches and toothaches
Like you
I got my hair
I got my head
I got my brains
I got my ears
I got my eyes
I got my nose
I got my mouth
I got my teeth
I got my tongue
I got my chin
I got my neck
I got my tits
I got my heart
I got my soul
I got my back
I got my ass
I got my arms
I got my hands
I got my fingers
Got my legs
I got my feet
I got my toes
I got my liver
Got my blood
I got my guts (I got my guts)
I got my muscles (muscles)
I got life (life)
Life (life)
Life (life)
LIFE!
The song "I Got Life" by James Rado is an uplifting declaration of the singer's gratitude and appreciation for life. The opening verse expresses thanks to his mother for giving him life and his loved ones for bringing happiness and laughter into his life. The following lines celebrate the singer's freedom, crazy ways, charm, and ability to handle difficult times like everyone else.
However, the core of the song lies in the second verse, where the singer lists every part of his body, revealing that he has everything needed to survive and enjoy life. By emphasizing these body parts, the singer highlights the beauty of life's simple things that often go unnoticed. The repetition of the lyric "I got life" adds to the overall message of the song's importance and encourages listeners to appreciate life for what it is.
Line by Line Meaning
I got life, mother
I have a life full of excitement and adventure, Mom.
I got laughs, sister
I have a lot of joy and happiness, sis.
I got freedom, brother
I have the ability to live free and be myself, brother.
I got good times, man
I have had many good memories and experiences, dude.
I got crazy ways, daughter
I have done things that are considered unconventional or eccentric, child.
I got million-dollar charm, cousin
I have a certain attractiveness or charm that is priceless, cuz.
I got headaches and toothaches And bad times too Like you
I have also experienced pain, suffering, and tough times, just like everyone else.
I got my hair I got my head I got my brains I got my ears I got my eyes I got my nose I got my mouth I got my teeth I got my tongue I got my chin I got my neck I got my tits I got my heart I got my soul I got my back I got my ass I got my arms I got my hands I got my fingers Got my legs I got my feet I got my toes I got my liver Got my blood
I have every part of my body that makes me human, from my hair to my liver, blood and everything in between.
I got my guts (I got my guts) I got my muscles (muscles) I got life (life) Life (life) Life (life) LIFE!
I have not only my physical body but also my inner strengths and vitality that keep me alive and thriving. LIFE!
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network
Written by: Galt MacDermot, Gerome Ragni, James Rado
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind