Barnes was born… Read Full Bio ↴Jimmy Barnes (b. 1956) is an Australian rock singer.
Barnes was born James Dixon Swan on the 28th April 1956 in Glasgow, Scotland, and moved to Australia with his family when he was six years old.
He first came to public attention as the lead singer with popular Australian pub-rock band Cold Chisel, which he joined in 1973 and with whom he recorded seven albums between 1978 and 1983. When the band split up in 1983 he launched a solo career almost immediately; his first album, Bodyswerve, entered the Australian charts at number one. It was the first of a remarkable run of top charting albums for Barnes, as each of his first six solo albums entered the charts at number one, a feat that no other Australian artist is likely to match.
In 1986 Barnes recorded two singles with INXS, duetting with that band's singer Michael Hutchence on a cover of The Easybeats' "Good Times", and "Laying Down the Law", which was co-written by Barnes with INXS members Andrew Farriss and Hutchence. "Good Times" was used as the theme song for the Australia Made series of concerts that toured the country in the summer of 1986-1987. Both songs later appeared on the soundtrack of the 1980s teen vampire film The Lost Boys.
Following Hutchence's death in 1997, Barnes appeared live on stage with INXS at shows throughout Australia between 1999 and 2001.
His album Double Happiness, released in July 2005, reaffirmed his popularity, entering the ARIAnet albums chart at number one, his seventh album to do so. Barnes was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame on the 23rd October 2005 for his solo career efforts. Coupled with Cold Chisel's previous induction, Barnes is the only artist to be entered into the Hall of Fame twice.
Barnes is also the father of singer David Campbell, who recently starred in the Australian production of the musical Sunset Boulevard, and was a contestant on the Australian television programme Dancing with the Stars. The two perform the duet "Wichita Lineman" on Double Happiness.
Sweet Soul Music
Jimmy Barnes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That sweet soul music
Just as long as it's swingin'
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Out here on the floor now
We're going to a go go
Ah dancin to the music
Spotlight on Lou Rawls y'all
Ah don't he look tall y'all
Singin' loves a hurtin' thing now
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Spotlight on Sam and Dave now
Ah don't they look boss y'all
Singin' hold on I'm comin'
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Spotlight on Wilson Pickett
That wicked picket Pickett
Singin Mustang Sally
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Spotlight on Otis Redding now
Singing fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa
Fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Spotlight on James Brown now
He's the king of them all, yeah
He's the king of them all, yeah
Oh yeah, oh yeah
The song Sweet Soul Music by Jimmy Barnes is a tribute to the music of the 60s’ soul legends such as Lou Rawls, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, and James Brown. It starts with the question “Do you like good music?” and promotes a feeling of joy and happiness that comes with listening to soul music. The lyrics talk about dancing to the sweet beats of soul music and admire the legendary singers who have become an essential part of America’s musical heritage.
The use of the spotlight in the lyrics highlights the appreciation and admiration for these soul singers. Lou Rawls is first in the spotlight, singing "Love is a hurtin' thing". Then come Sam & Dave, singing "Hold on, I'm comin'", followed by Wilson Pickett with "Mustang Sally" and Otis Redding with "Fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa". Finally, the song mentions James Brown as the “King of them all”.
The lyrics of Sweet Soul Music emphasize the importance of rhythm and beat in soul music. The repetitive “Oh yeah, oh yeah” in the background adds to the upbeat and lively nature of the song. Overall, the song celebrates the genre of soul music and pays homage to the pioneers of the industry.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you like good music
Do you enjoy listening to quality music?
That sweet soul music
Referring to the genre of soul music which is characterized by emotional, expressive vocals combined with funky rhythms
Just as long as it's swingin'
Only as long as it has a good rhythm and groove
Out here on the floor now
We are now on the dance floor
We're going to a go go
We're going to a dance club
Ah dancin to the music
We are dancing to the sweet soul music
Spotlight on Lou Rawls y'all
Attention now turns to Lou Rawls, who is performing under the spotlight on stage
Ah don't he look tall y'all
He looks imposing and impressive under the stage lights
Singin' loves a hurtin' thing now
He is singing about the pain of love and heartbreak in a soulful way
Spotlight on Sam and Dave now
Sam and Dave now take the stage with the spotlight on them
Ah don't they look boss y'all
They look cool and confident
Singin' hold on I'm comin'
They are performing their hit song, 'Hold On, I'm Comin'
Spotlight on Wilson Pickett
Wilson Pickett now performs under the spotlight
That wicked picket Pickett
The performer, known for his wild and energetic performances, lives up to his name
Singin Mustang Sally
He is singing his famous song, 'Mustang Sally'
Spotlight on Otis Redding now
Otis Redding takes the stage under the spotlight
Singing fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa
He is singing his hit, 'Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)'
Fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa
Repeating the refrain, 'Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa'
Spotlight on James Brown now
Finally, attention turns to James Brown, who enters under the spotlight
He's the king of them all, yeah
James Brown is recognized as the greatest performer of all
He's the king of them all, yeah
Repeating that James Brown is the greatest performer
Contributed by Callie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.