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)
Open Sesame
Kool & the Gang Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Get down with the genie.
"Shazam"
"Groove with the genie."
Open sesame of love.
Get down with the genie.
Get down with the genie.
Get down with the genie.
"I am the genie of sound."
"Everybody get down hooah!"
Open sesame of love
"Abracadabra"
"Get on your camel and ride"
Open sesame of love
'Alakazam"
Get down with the genie.
The lyrics of Kool & The Gang's song Open Sesame appear to encourage the listener to let go of their inhibitions and embrace the power of positivity and love. The phrase "open sesame" is a reference to the tale of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, where the password "open sesame" is used to unlock a hidden treasure trove. In this context, it seems to mean that love is the key to unlocking happiness and fulfillment. The verses also use the terms "genie" and "shazam," which are both associated with magic and wishes coming true. The chorus repeats the phrase "get down with the genie," urging the listener to dance and groove to the music.
The lyrics also make reference to exotic elements, such as camels and Middle Eastern-sounding incantations like "alakazam" and "abra cadabra." These phrases, as well as the use of a "genie of sound," create an atmosphere of mystery and wonder. The song seems designed to transport the listener to a place where the worries of the world can be forgotten in favor of joy and celebration.
Line by Line Meaning
Open sesame
Groove with the genie.
Get down with the genie.
Join in and dance to the music.
Shazam
Express excitement and awe with a catchphrase.
Open sesame of love.
This song is the key to unlock your heart to love.
Fly - open up your mind.
Expand your thinking and let your imagination soar.
I am the genie of sound.
The music is magical and I am the mastermind behind it.
Everybody get down hooah!
Everyone should dance and have a good time.
Abracadabra
Another magical catchphrase of wonder and amazement.
Get on your camel and ride
Embark on a journey and enjoy the ride through the music.
Alakazam
Another catchphrase that expresses wonder and amazement.
Open sesame of love
The song acts as a key to unlock the love hidden within your heart.
Get down with the genie.
Join in the fun and dance to the magical music.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RONALD BELL, GEORGE BROWN, DENNIS RONALD THOMAS, CLAYDES SMITH, ROBERT EARL BELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind