The guys auditioned for the seminal music team of Leiber and Stoller, who gave the group its name in 1960. In the manner of the time, Leiber and Stoller wanted to extend this to "Binky Jones and the Americans", but Traynor declined to be known as "Binky Jones" his whole career. He instead offered up "Jay", a family nickname, and it suited everyone.
They first hit the Billboard charts in 1962 with the tune "She Cried". Later covered by several other artists, the track's highest charting was #5, inspiring the group. The next two singles didn't fare nearly as well, however, and John Traynor left the band. David Black (né David Blatt) of The Empires took his place (after first agreeing to adopt the name Jay Black), and Empires guitarist Marty Sanders also joined. Black sang lead for the rest of the group's existence.
They returned to the charts in 1963 with "Only In America", a song originally meant for The Drifters. Other notable hits for the Americans were "Come a Little Bit Closer" in 1964, which hit #3, and "Cara Mia" in 1965, which hit #4. The Americans also recorded a commercial for H.I.S. Slacks, and a public service announcement for the Ad Council, featuring a backing track by Brian Wilson and Phil Spector.
In 1968, they recorded an album of their favorite oldies remade fresh, called Sands of Time, and its single was "This Magic Moment", which also came through the Drifters. That track proved to be the last Top Ten record for the group. However, the band's follow-up album, titled 'Wax Museum', yielded the #19 hit "Walkin' In The Rain". First recorded by The Ronettes, the emotive love song has remained a classic on oldies themed stations along with the group's earlier work.
Their next singles failed to chart, nonetheless, and the band grew apart. The demand for live appearances remained. While the other members moved on to solo musical careers in 1973, Jay Black continued to perform as "Jay and the Americans" or "Jay Black and the Americans" until the 1980s, with a variety of musicians, including Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, who would later found Steely Dan. ."
The group reunited in the 1990s for special performances, most notably the 45 Years of Motown special on PBS.
in 2006, Jay Black filed for bankruptcy due to gambling debts, and his ownership of the name "Jay & The Americans" was sold by the bankruptcy trustee to Sandy Deanne (Yaguda), Black's former band mate and original member of Jay & The Americans for $100,000 to pay Black's debts. With the name purchase, former members Deanne, Howard Kane, and Marty Sanders reunited, and recruited a sound-alike singer from Chicago, coincidentally nicknamed "Jay." Thus, John "Jay" Reincke became the third "Jay" and the band returned to playing both national and international music venues. Their show covers the history of Jay and The Americans, acknowledging all three Jays and featuring all of the top hits in their original arrangements.
David Blatt still tours under his stage name, "Jay Black". Kenny Vance is currently the lead singer of Kenny Vance and the Planotones, a neo-doo wop band that he formed in the 1970s. After leaving the group, John Traynor recorded a handful of songs on the Coral label, including "I Rise, I Fall" in 1964. None were hits, but "I Rise, I Fall" became a minor hit for Johnny Tillotson. The label billed Traynor as "JAY formerly of Jay and the Americans." Traynor now tours with Jay Siegel's Tokens.
Granada
Jay & The Americans Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Kids dream big (Yee yee)
Guess I never grew up then
If we gonna ride, we gonna ride out
Yeah if she wanna slide, let her slide out
If she wanna, if she wanna, if she wanna (Jhee)
If she wanna grind, babe let's go to Granada
My niggas move with that Louis and Prada
Big beef, hoes wanna yada and yada
I can never sleep on my dreams, working harder
I can never sleep on the for the team, I been grinding
Every time I step up to the mic, keep it honest
Every time I step up on the mic, I be on it
With a big full of plenty cash and plenty hundreds
I don't mean to brag, but my friends are fully funded
Shordie wanna rap she but she picking up them hundreds
Girl
Why you picking up them hundreds?
Big bag on me what you know now? (What you know now?)
That's a big bag on me boutta throw down (Throw down)
That's a bag on me boutta go down (Go down)
Better put up both your hands, it's a show down, money on my mind, keep on grinding
If you wanna go to Granada (Yeah)
Never play their games, don't be down with their drama (With their drama)
You don't need the Louis and Prada
Beefin with your people like carne asada (Jhee)
If they going hard, then go harder
Big beef, boy don't work smart, work smarter (Work smarter)
If they going hard, then go harder
Beefin with my enemies like carne asada (Yeah)
I mean no she's not my daughter
But still, hope you know that Ima treat her proper (Facts)
Hot chicks always gotta move with wahala (Right)
I'll take you home, I don't even want a daughter
Knock twice, anybody home? I'm her father
I'm getting sick someone send me to the doctor
I'm hitting licks, ain't nobody hitting harder
If I die, they gon' turn me to a martyr
My bitch pretty, everybody wanna love her (Love her)
She be getting greedy in Prada (Prada)
My niggas know when to light up (Light up)
If she whine, then Granada (Granada)
Big bag on me, cuz i know that she wanna (That she wanna)
Big stacks, on me, never caught with the product (With the product)
I'm hitting licks, ain't nobody hitting harder
If I die, they gon' turn me to a martyr (To a matyr)
If you wanna go to Granada
Never play their games, don't be down with that drama (With their drama)
You don't need the Louis and Prada
Beefin with your people like carne asada (carne asada)
If they going hard, let's go harder
Big beef, boy don't work smart, work smarter (Work smarter)
If they going hard, then go harder
Beefin with your enemies like carne asada (carne asada)
Bag on me, while we walking (Walking)
Stacks on me, shortie wine while you talking (Whine while you talking)
I don't ever play with my piece of the profit (my piece of the profit)
My niggas making 20,000 in profits (Cash)
Big bag, when you want some love you got options (You got options)
All you need is love when you popping (When you popping)
I got what I want I aint stopping
Big bag on me, never run out of options (Options)
You don't need the Louis and Prada (You don't need the Louis and Prada)
Beefin with your people like carne asada (carne asada)
If they going hard, then go harder (Harder)
Big beef, boy don't work smart, work smarter (Work smarter)
If they going hard, let's go harder (Hard, let's go harder)
Beefin with your enemies like carne asada (Carne asada)
If they going hard, then we go harder
Beefin with your enemies like
If we gonna (If we gonna, if we gonna)
The lyrics to "Granada" by Jay & The Americans convey a sense of ambition, determination, and resilience. The opening lines suggest a refusal to grow up and a commitment to pursuing one's dreams with unwavering enthusiasm. The references to riding and sliding indicate a willingness to go with the flow and embrace new experiences.
The mention of Granada, a city in Spain known for its beauty and culture, represents a desired destination, both metaphorically and literally. Going to Granada symbolizes the pursuit of something greater, a place where the singer can escape from drama and focus on their goals. The lyrics emphasize the importance of hard work, grinding, and honesty in achieving success. The repeated line "If they going hard, then go harder" encourages perseverance and not backing down from challenges.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of material wealth. The references to a filled wallet and lots of cash imply a level of financial success, but the singer suggests that it doesn't define them. They reject the need for luxury brands like Louis Vuitton (Louis) and Prada, emphasizing that true success lies in personal growth and relationships rather than material possessions.
Overall, "Granada" is a song that celebrates individual ambition, determination, and the pursuit of dreams, while also challenging societal expectations and redefining what it means to be successful.
Line by Line Meaning
Someone said
An unidentified individual made a statement
Kids dream big (Yee yee)
Children have grand aspirations and ambitions
Guess I never grew up then
It appears that I have not matured or developed as an adult
If we gonna ride, we gonna ride out
If we decide to embark on a journey or adventure, we will fully commit to it
Yeah if she wanna slide, let her slide out
If she desires to engage in a certain activity or behavior, allow her to freely do so
If she wanna, if she wanna, if she wanna (Jhee)
Reiteration of the previous statement, emphasizing the option for her to make her own choices
If she wanna grind, babe let's go to Granada
If she desires to work hard and strive for success, let's travel to Granada as a metaphorical representation of pursuing dreams and goals
I don't really play I ain't down with that drama
I do not engage in unnecessary conflicts or emotional turmoil
My niggas move with that Louis and Prada
My close friends prefer luxury and high-end fashion brands like Louis Vuitton and Prada
Big beef, hoes wanna yada and yada
There are significant disagreements or conflicts, and some individuals are interested in gossip or trivial matters
I can never sleep on my dreams, working harder
I am always determined to pursue and achieve my aspirations, putting in more effort and dedication
I can never sleep on the for the team, I been grinding
I never neglect my responsibilities and commitments to my team, constantly working hard and making progress
Every time I step up to the mic, keep it honest
Whenever I engage in musical performances, I always express my true thoughts and remain authentic
Every time I step up on the mic, I be on it
Whenever I have the opportunity to perform, I take it seriously and give my full effort
With a big full of plenty cash and plenty hundreds
I possess a considerable amount of money, including numerous one-hundred-dollar bills
I don't mean to brag, but my friends are fully funded
I do not intend to boast, but my companions have substantial financial resources
Shordie wanna rap she but she picking up them hundreds
A female individual desires to pursue a career in rapping, and she is accumulating a significant amount of money
Girl, why you picking up them hundreds?
Why are you focused on collecting large amounts of money?
Big bag on me what you know now? (What you know now?)
I possess a substantial amount of money, and I want to inquire if you are aware of this fact
That's a big bag on me boutta throw down (Throw down)
I have a large sum of money, and I am prepared to spend it lavishly or engage in a celebratory act
That's a bag on me boutta go down (Go down)
I have a significant amount of money, and I am ready to enjoy or indulge in a particular event
Better put up both your hands, it's a show down, money on my mind, keep on grinding
Prepare yourself for a confrontation or competition, as I prioritize financial matters and continue to work hard
If you wanna go to Granada (Yeah)
If you desire to pursue your dreams and aspirations
Never play their games, don't be down with their drama (With their drama)
Avoid participating in their manipulative or deceitful actions, and refuse to engage in unnecessary conflicts or emotional turmoil
You don't need the Louis and Prada
It is unnecessary to rely on luxury fashion brands like Louis Vuitton and Prada
Beefin with your people like carne asada (Jhee)
Engaging in disagreement or conflict with your associates, just like the traditional Mexican dish carne asada
If they going hard, then go harder
If others are putting in substantial effort, it is important to surpass their level of dedication and commitment
Big beef, boy don't work smart, work smarter (Work smarter)
Instead of relying on brute force or confrontation, it is advisable to use intelligence and strategic thinking to succeed
Beefin with my enemies like carne asada (Yeah)
Engaging in conflict or rivalry with individuals who pose a threat or opposition, similar to the Mexican dish carne asada
I mean no she's not my daughter
I want to clarify that she is not my biological or adopted child
But still, hope you know that Ima treat her proper (Facts)
Nevertheless, I assure you that I will treat her with respect and care
Hot chicks always gotta move with wahala (Right)
Attractive women often find themselves involved in complicated or troublesome situations
I'll take you home, I don't even want a daughter
I will accompany you to your place of residence, without any desire or intention to build a paternal relationship
Knock twice, anybody home? I'm her father
By knocking on the door twice, I am humorously portraying myself as the father figure in this situation
I'm getting sick, someone send me to the doctor
I am feeling unwell and in need of medical attention
I'm hitting licks, ain't nobody hitting harder
I am achieving great success or making significant gains, surpassing anyone else's accomplishments
If I die, they gon' turn me to a martyr
If I were to pass away, people would elevate me to the status of a martyr or idolize my memory
My bitch pretty, everybody wanna love her (Love her)
My significant other is attractive, and many people desire to be in a romantic relationship with her
She be getting greedy in Prada (Prada)
She becomes overly focused on material possessions, particularly luxury fashion brand Prada
My niggas know when to light up (Light up)
My close friends are aware of when to engage in flamboyant or extravagant behavior
If she whine, then Granada (Granada)
If she dances suggestively or seductively, it brings to mind the concept of Granada, implying a passionate atmosphere
Big bag on me, cuz I know that she wanna (That she wanna)
I possess a significant amount of money because I understand that it is something she desires
Big stacks, on me, never caught with the product (With the product)
I have a large amount of cash and never get caught possessing illegal substances
If I die, they gon' turn me to a martyr (To a martyr)
If I were to pass away, people would elevate me to the status of a martyr or idolize my memory
If you wanna go to Granada
If you have the desire to pursue your dreams and aspirations
Never play their games, don't be down with that drama (With their drama)
Avoid participating in their manipulative or deceitful actions, and refuse to engage in unnecessary conflicts or emotional turmoil
You don't need the Louis and Prada
It is unnecessary to rely on luxury fashion brands like Louis Vuitton and Prada
Beefin with your people like carne asada (Carne asada)
Engaging in disagreement or conflict with your associates, just like the traditional Mexican dish carne asada
If they going hard, let's go harder
If others are putting in substantial effort, it is important to surpass their level of dedication and commitment
Big beef, boy don't work smart, work smarter (Work smarter)
Instead of relying on brute force or confrontation, it is advisable to use intelligence and strategic thinking to succeed
If they going hard, then go harder
If others are putting in substantial effort, it is important to surpass their level of dedication and commitment
Beefin with your enemies like carne asada (Carne asada)
Engaging in conflict or rivalry with individuals who pose a threat or opposition, similar to the Mexican dish carne asada
Bag on me, while we walking (Walking)
I am carrying a significant amount of money while we are casually strolling
Stacks on me, shortie wine while you talking (Whine while you talking)
I have a considerable amount of cash on me, and as you engage in conversation, you can dance and enjoy yourself
I don't ever play with my piece of the profit (My piece of the profit)
I take the money I earn seriously and do not engage in reckless spending or risk it unnecessarily
My niggas making 20,000 in profits (Cash)
My close friends are generating significant amounts of money, specifically 20,000, as profit
Big bag, when you want some love you got options (You got options)
I possess a substantial amount of money, and if you desire affection or attention, you have various choices or alternatives
All you need is love when you popping (When you popping)
When you are in a highly successful or popular state, all that matters is receiving love or support from others
I got what I want I ain't stopping
I have obtained what I desire, and I will not cease my efforts or progress
Big bag on me, never run out of options (Options)
I always have a substantial amount of money, and I am never lacking in choices or alternatives
You don't need the Louis and Prada (You don't need the Louis and Prada)
It is unnecessary to rely on luxury fashion brands like Louis Vuitton and Prada
Beefin with your people like carne asada (Carne asada)
Engaging in disagreement or conflict with your associates, just like the traditional Mexican dish carne asada
If they going hard, then go harder (Harder)
If others are putting in substantial effort, it is important to surpass their level of dedication and commitment
Big beef, boy don't work smart, work smarter (Work smarter)
Instead of relying on brute force or confrontation, it is advisable to use intelligence and strategic thinking to succeed
If they going hard, let's go harder (Hard, let's go harder)
If others are putting in substantial effort, it is important to surpass their level of dedication and commitment
Beefin with your enemies like carne asada (Carne asada)
Engaging in conflict or rivalry with individuals who pose a threat or opposition, similar to the Mexican dish carne asada
If we gonna (If we gonna, if we gonna)
If we are going to pursue something or engage in an activity
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: T. Addo
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind