The band's first taste of mainstream success came with the release of their fourth album Wild and Peaceful (1973), which contained the US top-ten singles "Jungle Boogie" and "Hollywood Swinging". Kool & the Gang subsequently entered a period of decline before they reached a second commercial peak between 1979 and 1986 following their partnership with Brazilian musician and producer Eumir Deodato and the addition of singer James "J.T." Taylor to the lineup. Their most successful albums of this period include Ladies' Night (1979), Celebrate! (1980), and Emergency (1984), their highest selling album with two million copies sold in the US. Their hit singles during this period included "Ladies' Night", the US No. 1 "Celebration", "Get Down on It", "Joanna", "Misled", and "Cherish". The band continues to perform worldwide, including as support for Van Halen in 2012 and their fiftieth-anniversary tour in 2014.
Kool & the Gang have won numerous awards, including two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, and, in 2006, a Music Business Association Chairman's Award for artistic achievement. As well the band has been inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame and been bestowed with a MOBO Award for Outstanding Achievement, the Soul Train Legend Award, the Marian Anderson Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2007, the band was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. During 2018, the Bells, Brown, and Taylor were also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and received their first-time nomination into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024. Their discography includes 23 studio albums and almost 70 singles. They have sold 7.5 million and 4.5 million RIAA-certified albums and singles, respectively, in the United States. Worldwide, they have sold 70 million albums.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kool_&_the_Gang
Discography
Kool and the Gang (1969)
Music Is the Message (1972)
Good Times (1972)
Wild and Peaceful (1973)
Light of Worlds (1974)
Spirit of the Boogie (1975)
Love & Understanding (1976)
Open Sesame (1976)
The Force (1977)
Everybody's Dancin' (1978)
Ladies' Night (1979)
Celebrate! (1980)
Something Special (1981)
As One (1982)
In the Heart (1983)
Emergency (1984)
Forever (1986)
Sweat (1989)
Unite (1992)
State of Affairs (1996)
Gangland (2001)
The Hits: Reloaded (2004)
Still Kool (2007)
Kool for the Holidays (2013)
Perfect Union (2021)
People Just Wanna Have Fun (2023)
Give Right Now To You
Kool & The Gang Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You looked so good to me
But the way you teased me baby
Brings me to my knees
All I wanna do is get with you
I want love to you
I want to love you now
I want to love you and be with you right now
When I know you want me
Just the same right now
Welcome you now baby to this house of sin
Open up your eyes and let these games begin
I'm sick and tired of playing these games
When I know you want me
Just the same right now
In the first verse, the singer recalls the initial attraction and appeal they felt when they first met their love interest. They were captivated by their appearance and were immediately drawn towards them. However, the love interest's playful teasing and flirty behavior has a powerful effect on the singer, leaving them vulnerable and submissive. Despite this, their desire to connect and be intimate with the person intensifies. They long to express their love and passion for them at that very moment, craving the opportunity to be in their presence and shower them with affection.
The second verse delves deeper into the frustration and confusion the singer feels about the love interest's games. They question why they engage in these games when it is clear that both parties desire each other. The singer acknowledges that they are aware of the love interest's interest in them, and yet they continue to engage in this push-and-pull dynamic. The lyrics express a sense of longing for immediate connection and intimacy, wondering why they can't simply let go of the games and embrace their feelings for each other at that very moment.
The bridge of the song introduces a concept of a "house of sin" as a metaphorical space where these teasing and flirty games take place. It could represent a space where both parties explore their desires and engage in playful behavior. The singer welcomes their love interest into this realm, urging them to open their eyes and participate in these games together. However, the repeated reference to being tired of these games suggests that the singer is growing weary of the teasing and wants a more genuine connection.
In the final part of the lyrics, the singer expresses their frustration and dissatisfaction with the ongoing games. They reiterate that they know their love interest desires them just as much. The line "just the same right now" emphasizes the need for immediate action and fulfillment of their desires. It seems that the singer is yearning for honesty and authenticity in their relationship, wanting to move past the games and establish a deeper connection based on their mutual desire. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and impatience, suggesting that the singer is ready to move forward and confront the love interest about their true feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
When I first met you baby
From the moment I laid eyes on you
You looked so good to me
You appeared incredibly attractive to me
But the way you teased me baby
However, your flirtatious behavior towards me
Brings me to my knees
Leaves me weak and vulnerable
All I wanna do is get with you
My sole desire is to be with you
I want love to you
I want to express my love for you
I want to love you now
I want to love you in this present moment
I want to love you and be with you right now
I yearn to both love and be in your company immediately
I can't understand why we play these games
I fail to comprehend why we engage in these manipulative actions
When I know you want me
When it is evident that you desire me
Just the same right now
With the same intensity at this very moment
Welcome you now baby to this house of sin
Allow me to invite you, my dear, into a realm associated with temptation
Open up your eyes and let these games begin
Be aware and ready for the commencement of these manipulative interactions
I'm sick and tired of playing these games
I am weary and frustrated with participating in these deceitful activities
When I know you want me
Despite being fully aware that you crave my presence
Just the same right now
With the same fervor this very instant
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Martin Nelson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind