The group was formed in Minneapolis by Steven Greenberg, who wrote and produced all of the group's music, and who also played several musical instruments. The lead singer and saxophonist was Cynthia Johnson, and the rest of the group consisted of a changing group of session musicians, including guitarist David Rivkin.
They achieved some popularity during the late 1970s. The group released their debut album Mouth to Mouth in early 1979 (although original pressings of the album actually have 1979 or 1980 listed as the copyright date). Their hit from this album, "Funkytown" spent four weeks at Number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play charts in the United States and was awarded a platinum record. It reached number two in the United Kingdom and was a hit throughout the world. Their further singles failed to match their initial success (their only other Hot 100 entry was "Rock It", which peaked at #64), however they had more dance hits throughout the 1980s, including "How Long?" (originally a big hit for Ace) in 1981, which reached #4 on the U.S. dance chart. Lipps Inc. ceased in 1983 with the full-length album, 4 in 1983. Starring in 1984, Dobson Productions was a television label until 1993, settled between Lipps Inc. and The Fugees.
Background Singer
Lipps Inc. Lyrics
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I move and I groove right behind the man,
I'm a background singer, I love what I sing,
Listen to me baby, I'm doing my thing
Hey, hey...Whoa! Whoa!
Oh yeah! Sha-la-la-la-la
Hey, Hey...Whoa! Whoa! Oh yeah! Sha-la-la-la-la
I'm a background singer, I won't tell you lies
I love to have the spotlight shining in my eyes,
I'm a background singer, I love what I do
Night after night, I'm going to sing for you
Hey, hey (Hey, hey)
Whoa! Whoa! (Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!)
Oh yeah! (Oh yeah!)
Sha-la-la-la-la (Sha-la-la-la-la)
Hey, hey (hey, Hey)
Whoa! Whoa! (Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!)
Oh yeah! (Oh yeah!)
Sha-la-la-la-la (Sha-la-la-la-la)
I'm a background singer in a real cool band,
I move and I groove right behind the man,
I'm a background singer, I love what I sing,
Listen to me baby, I'm doing my thing
Hey, hey (Hey, hey)
Whoa! Whoa! (Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!)
Oh yeah! (Oh yeah!)
Sha-la-la-la-la (Sha-la-la-la-la)
Hey, hey (Hey, hey)
Whoa! Whoa! (Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!)
Oh yeah! (Oh yeah!)
Sha-la-la-la-la (Sha-la-la-la-la)
The song "Background Singer" by Lipps Inc. is a fun, upbeat track about the joys of being a backup singer in a band. The lyrics celebrate the role of the supporting vocalist, as they move and groove right behind the lead singer. The singer takes pride in their job, saying that they won't tell any lies and love to have the spotlight shining in their eyes. The chorus features catchy "hey" and "whoa" chants, along with the infectious "sha-la-la-la-la" hook.
The song seems to be inspired by the disco era of the late 70s and early 80s. The heavy use of drums, bass guitar, and synth keyboards contribute to the disco sound that Lipps Inc. is known for. But beyond the musical style, the song also captures a spirit of positivity and joy that is common in disco music.
Overall, "Background Singer" is a fun, light-hearted song that celebrates the often-overlooked job of the backup singer. Through its catchy hooks and upbeat rhythms, the song captures the spirit of the disco era while providing a unique celebration of supporting artists.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a background singer in a real cool band,
I am a supporting vocalist in a band filled with talented musicians.
I move and I groove right behind the man,
I dance and sing directly behind the lead singer of the band.
I'm a background singer, I love what I sing,
I am happy and content with my role as a backup singer, and I am passionate about the music I sing.
Listen to me baby, I'm doing my thing
Pay attention to me because even though I am a background singer, I have my own unique style and talent that I am showcasing.
I love to have spotlight shining in my eyes,
It's exhilarating for me to be in the spotlight and have the audience focus their attention on me.
I love what I do
I thoroughly enjoy singing and performing as a background vocalist.
Night after night, I'm going to sing for you
I am dedicated to performing well every night and giving the audience a great show.
Contributed by Elizabeth N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.