In 1969, Dayton, Ohio native Stephen Shockley formed the Young Underground after exiting the Monterreys. Vocalist Mark Woods, who was a member of the local band the Nomads, joined up with Shockley to form a more mature-sounding Young Underground. The group initially had a record deal with Curtom Records as a result of winning a talent contest in Chicago. However, Curtom folded shortly thereafter. While in Chicago the group renamed itself Lakeside Express, after the Lakeside Express Newspaper in Chicago.
In 1974 the emerging Lakeside Express and another group by the name of Liquid Funk, which featured Dallas native Fred Alexander, Jr. on drums, arrived in Los Angeles around the same time. For the next couple of years the bands performed at events around the greater L.A. area, occasionally crossing paths. The members of Liquid Funk returned to Dallas, but Alexander remained in L.A. Lakeside, who by now had dropped the Express from their name, was seeking additional personnel to solidify their band. After two auditions, Alexander was welcomed into the group.
Lakeside inked a deal with Motown, but found no success. Consequently, they released a ballad on ABC Records, but that label went under. The good fortune they were seeking turned out to be at Dick Griffey's Solar Records. The group signed a deal with Griffey, and released their first Top Ten hit on Solar Records, "It's All the Way Live," which peaked at number four on the Billboard R&B charts.
Lakeside released a host of songs that scaled the R&B charts, but didn't threaten the position of any other artists. However, in 1980 they went storming up the charts again with their smash number one single, "Fantastic Voyage," which was produced by the self-contained band. They followed the success of "Fantastic Voyage" with another Top Ten R&B single, a remake of the Paul McCartney and John Lennon classic "I Want to Hold Your Hand." The group continued their success with the Billboard Top Ten singles "Raid," "Outrageous," and a string of R&B party songs and ballads.
More hits on the R&B charts, such as "Raid" (1983) and "Outrageous" (1984), kept the group going.
Strung Out
Lakeside Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
just pick me up baby
im the one you need to satisfy your questions
so pick me up baby
because those other guys will tell you lies
just to get the things that they want
but when it comes to the bottom line ill be there every time for you ill never say no
The lyrics of the song Strung Out by Lakeside talks about a man reassuring a woman that he is the one she needs for love and affection. The man affirms that he can satisfy all her questions and needs, unlike the other guys who will only lie to get what they want from her. He pledges to always be there for her and never say no when she needs him. The song is a love ballad that assures the woman of the man's unfailing love and loyalty.
This song is a typical example of R&B music that was popular in the '80s. The lyrics are simple and straight to the point, and the melody is catchy, making it a popular hit. The song's message is one of loyalty and devotion, reassuring the woman that the man will always be there for her.
Line by Line Meaning
Girl if you need some love and affection
Hey girl, if you're feeling lonely or need some emotional support, I'm here for you.
just pick me up baby
Just give me a call or reach out to me, and I'll be there for you.
im the one you need to satisfy your questions
I am the person who can give you the answers or solutions you're searching for.
so pick me up baby
Just reach out to me and let me know you need me.
because those other guys will tell you lies
Other men might deceive you and say things they don't mean just to get something from you.
just to get the things that they want
These men are only looking out for their own interests and desires.
but when it comes to the bottom line ill be there every time for you ill never say no
When it really matters, I will always be there for you, and I will never turn you down.
Contributed by Tyler E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Shawn C. T.
Out of all the fantastic dance tracks this legendary R&B/Funk band from "The Gem City", Dayton, Ohio have done, this one heads my list. It's the perfect blend of funk and melody, along with their Grade A accompanying vocals, led by an underrated R&B vocalist from that era, Mark Wood...
Justin Martinez
Funky 😉