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.
Tight Pair
Lipps Inc. Lyrics
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Go in for a hot reaction,
cause i'm gonna check it out, check it out
and see it for myself if i have to
You got a tight pair, loosen 'em up
Go in for a hot reaction,
cause i'm gonna check it out, check it out and see it for myself if i have to
If it's not in the rock, not in the groove
Got to be in the roll
If it's not in the rock, not in the groove
Got to be in the roll
If it's not in the rock, not in the groove
Got to be in the roll
If it's not in the rock, not in the groove
Got to be in the roll, tight
You got a tight pair, loosen 'em up
Go in for a hot reaction,
cause i'm gonna check it out, check it out
and see it for myself if i have to
The song "Tight Pair" by Lipps Inc. is a classic example of disco music that gained popularity in the late 1970s. The lyrics suggest a seductive tone, as the singer seems to be talking to a person with a "tight pair" and encouraging them to loosen up to get a hot reaction. The phrase "tight pair" suggests either a person's clothing, usually tight-fitting jeans, or a woman's assets, indirectly implying a sexual innuendo. The lyrics focus on the idea of loosening up, letting go, and immersing oneself in the rhythm of the music.
The refrain of the song emphasizes that if something is not in the rock or groove, it has to be in the roll. This could be interpreted as a play on words, as "roll" could insinuate rolling one's hips while dancing, or suggest the genre of music, Rock n' Roll. The song is meant to be an upbeat dance number, encouraging listeners to let loose on the dance floor and enjoy themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
You got a tight pair, loosen 'em up
You seem a bit uptight or restrictive, try to let go and loosen up.
Go in for a hot reaction,
Try to provoke a lively or passionate response from others.
cause i'm gonna check it out, check it out
I want to witness and experience this firsthand to make my own judgment about it.
If it's not in the rock, not in the groove
If something is lacking energy or rhythm, it might not be enough to get people moving or interested in it.
Got to be in the roll
The dynamics or vibe of something might not be in a rock or groove style, but it can still work if it's in a different style or flow.
If it's not in the rock, not in the groove
If something is lacking energy or rhythm, it might not be enough to get people moving or interested in it.
Got to be in the roll
The dynamics or vibe of something might not be in a rock or groove style, but it can still work if it's in a different style or flow.
If it's not in the rock, not in the groove
If something is lacking energy or rhythm, it might not be enough to get people moving or interested in it.
Got to be in the roll
The dynamics or vibe of something might not be in a rock or groove style, but it can still work if it's in a different style or flow.
If it's not in the rock, not in the groove
If something is lacking energy or rhythm, it might not be enough to get people moving or interested in it.
Got to be in the roll, tight
The thing that works might not be a conventional or expected choice, but it can still be effective and tight (successful).
You got a tight pair, loosen 'em up
You seem a bit uptight or restrictive, try to let go and loosen up.
Go in for a hot reaction,
Try to provoke a lively or passionate response from others.
cause i'm gonna check it out, check it out
I want to witness and experience this firsthand to make my own judgment about it.
Contributed by Hailey H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.