The group's lead-singer was Cynthia Johnson, and the rest of the group consisted of a changing group of session musicians. One of them was guitarist David Rivkin AKA David Z. who later on produced, mixed and wrote for many others and worked closely with Prince. Steven Greenberg wrote and produced most of the group's music.
Lipps, Inc. achieved popularity during the end of the disco era at the late 1970s and early 1980s and had one major international pop hit. "Funkytown" spent four weeks at number one on both the Hot 100 and on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play charts in the United States and was awarded a platinum record soon after its release. It reached number two in the United Kingdom and not only was a hit throughout the world back then, but also continuous to play an important role in today´s pop-culture (used in several movies, TV series, commercials, etc.).
Further singles failed to match their initial success (their only other Hot 100 entry was their debut single "Rock It", which peaked at #64 in 1979), however they had more dance club hits throughout the 1980s, including the Ace cover How Long in 1981, which reached #4 on the U.S. dance chart.
The group ceased recording after the album "4" in (1985), by then lead-singer Cynthia Johnson had already left the group and had been replaced by another singer that however couldn´t replace Johnson´s unmistakable lead vocals.
A rock version of "Funkytown" was covered by the Australia group Pseudo Echo in 1987 on their album Love An Adventure and reached the top of the charts there. "Funkytown" is one of the songs of the Shrek 2 movie soundtrack. The song "Funkytown" has had popular recognition again recently due to a mash-up of it with Soulwax's dance track NY Excuse appearing on the Soulwax remix album Nite Versions. The track is titled NY Lipps.
Steven Greenberg's son Neil has been on MTV's Made performing as a rapper as 'The Blizzard'. In that episode Greenberg made several appearances as well.
Funkytown
Lipps Inc. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Sentric Music, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Steve Greenberg
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ab1nndn
2024 and still rocking 🕺🏻
@That_idiot_Levi
Frrrr
@thefardbedwarsplayer4166
E
@Wojtekone88
A few of my Mexican neighbours keep listening to this song and they must love it because I can hear somebody screaming every time it comes on
@Ollieraccoon
Oh wow, we must live In the same neighborhood!
@Wojtekone88
@@Ollieraccoon Just scroll down to see your comment and holy fuck is that one good😅
@MusculosoSoftwares
same bro!
@mikeforge6902
It's a certified hood classic on this side of the river 👌🏻
@sportstacker56
What's the meme here please tell me
@gamebuster800
video editing in the 80's was wild, i love it