Assembled by the production team of Gamble & Huff, MFSB was the house band for their Philadelphia International Records label and provided the signature smooth Philadelphia sound for many acts including the O'Jays, The Spinners and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes.
In 1974, Philadelphia International released an instrumental track which had been recorded by the band as the theme for the television show Soul Train as a single. The record, titled "TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)", featuring The Three Degrees, was a hit on both the pop and R&B charts, and launched a recording career for the band under their own name. MFSB albums and singles were released for the rest of the decade, and their material later served as ample material for sampling by hip-hop musicians.
Another popular MFSB number, "Love Is the Message", has been a favorite of dance/disco DJs since its release; countless remixes, both official and unofficial, exist of the song. On September 20, 2004 the record became among the first to be inducted into the newly formed Dance Music Hall of Fame. The song has also enjoyed a boost of popularity since it was featured on the in-game soundtrack of the 2004 video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. It was not released on the official boxset with the game, however.
I'm On Your Side
MFSB Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Brother I'm on your side
Brother I'm on your, brother I'm on your side
Sister I'm on your side
Sister I'm on your side
Sister I'm on your, sister I'm on your side
Father I'm on your side
Father I'm on your, father I'm on your side
Mother I'm on your side
Mother I'm on your side
Mother I'm on your, mother I'm on your side
People I'm on your side
People I'm on your side
People I'm on your, people I'm on your side
The lyrics of MFSB's "I'm On Your Side" are a simple affirmation of support for those in need. The song begins with "Brother I'm on your side" and repeats this phrase for each family member and eventually expands to encompass "people." The repetition of these words serves to emphasize the compassion and empathy MFSB is trying to convey. By stating that they are on the side of those in need, they are also implicitly stating that there may be other forces working against them.
The lyrics can be interpreted as a call for unity and solidarity amongst all people, regardless of their differences. By using familial titles, MFSB is highlighting the idea that we are all interconnected, regardless of race, gender, or background. The choice to end the song with "People I'm on your side" is inclusive and speaks to a greater camaraderie.
With the current political climate in many parts of the world that are deeply divided, it's refreshing to hear a song with such a simple message: we are all in this together.
Line by Line Meaning
Brother I'm on your side
I am supportive of you, my brother
Brother I'm on your side
I am still here for you, my brother
Brother I'm on your, brother I'm on your side
I want you to know that I stand by you, my brother
Sister I'm on your side
I am there for you, my sister
Sister I'm on your side
You can count on my support, my sister
Sister I'm on your, sister I'm on your side
I am your ally, my sister
Father I'm on your side
I am behind you, my father
Father I'm on your side
You have my support, my father
Father I'm on your, father I'm on your side
I am rooting for you, my father
Mother I'm on your side
I am here to help you, my mother
Mother I'm on your side
I am standing by you, my mother
Mother I'm on your, mother I'm on your side
I am your supporter, my mother
People I'm on your side
I am here to back you up, people
People I'm on your side
You have my support, people
People I'm on your, people I'm on your side
I am on your team, people
Contributed by Carson L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.