Written by musician, composer, and record producer Steven Greenberg and sung by Cynthia Johnson, the song expresses the singer's pining for a metaphorical place that will "keep me movin', keep me groovin' with some energy". Steven wrote the song while the band was living in Minneapolis with dreams of moving to New York.
"Funkytown" entered the US Billboard Hot 100 on March 29, 1980, and spent four weeks at number one, from May 31 to June 21, 1980.
Funkytown
Lipps Inc. Lyrics
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Town to keep me movin'
Keep me groovin' with some energy
Well, I talk about it, talk about it
Talk about it, talk about it
Talk about, talk about
Talk about movin'
Gotta move on
Gotta move on
Gotta move on
Won't you take me to
Funkytown?
Won't you take me to
Funkytown?
Won't you take me to
Funkytown?
Won't you take me to
Funkytown?
Won't you take me to
Funkytown?
Won't you take me to
Funkytown?
Won't you take me to
Funkytown?
Won't you take me to
Funkytown?
Gotta make a move to a town that's right for me
Town to keep me movin'
Keep me groovin' with some energy
Well, I talk about it, talk about it
Talk about it, talk about it
Talk about, talk about
Talk about movin'
Gotta move on
Gotta move on
Gotta move on
Won't you take me to
Funkytown?
Won't you take me to
Funkytown?
Won't you take me to
Funkytown?
Won't you take me to
Funkytown?
Won't you take me down
To Funkytown?
Won't you take me down
To Funkytown?
The song "Funkytown" by Lipps Inc. is about the desire to find a new town, one that is perfect for supporting the energy and movement of the singer. The lyrics express a need to keep moving, keep grooving, and keep the energy up. The repetition of the phrases "gotta make a move" and "town to keep me movin'" emphasize the importance of finding the right place, and the energy driving the singer's search for it. The phrase "talk about it" is repeated several times, perhaps indicating a need to share this desire and search with others.
The chorus of the song, "won't you take me to Funkytown?" is repeated throughout, acting as a plea for the listener or someone to take the singer to this mythical place. The song features a disco beat, and the use of synthesizers and funky bass lines that were popular in the 1980s. "Funkytown" is a metaphor for a place where the singer can feel free and express themselves without judgement or inhibition. Lipps Inc.'s "Funkytown" became an instant hit upon its release, and it continues to be a beloved and iconic disco song today.
Line by Line Meaning
Gotta make a move to a town that's right for me
I need to find a place to live that suits me best
Town to keep me movin'
A place that keeps me active
Keep me groovin' with some energy
Keep me happy and full of excitement
Well, I talk about it, talk about it
I can't stop talking about it
Talk about it, talk about it
I keep talking about it
Talk about, talk about
I keep talking and talking
Talk about movin'
I talk about the need to move
Gotta move on
I have to leave
Won't you take me to Funkytown?
Can you please take me to a fun and exciting place?
Won't you take me down to Funkytown?
Can you take me to this amazing and cool place?
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Steve Greenberg
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind