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.
TSOP
MFSB Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Soul train, soul train
Soul train, soul train
People all over the world
People all over the world
People all over the world
People all over the world
Soul train, soul train
Soul train, soul train
People all over the world
People all over the world
People all over the world
People all over the world
People all over the world
People all over the world
Do-doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo
Do-doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo
Do-doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Do-doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Let's get it on (doo-doo-doo-doo-doo)
It's time to get down (doo-doo-doo-doo-doo)
Let's get it on (doo-doo-doo-doo-doo)
It's time to get down (doo-doo-doo-doo-doo)
Let's get it on (doo-doo-doo-doo-doo)
It's time to get down (doo-doo-doo-doo-doo)
Let's get it on (doo-doo-doo-doo-doo)
It's time to get down (doo-doo-doo-doo-doo)
The lyrics to MFSB's song "TSOP" are a catchy repetition of the phrase "Soul train, soul train" followed by the phrase "people all over the world" which is repeated several times. The phrase "soul train" refers to the popular music and dance television program of the same name which aired from 1971 to 2006. The song is upbeat and energetic, encouraging listeners to "get it on" and "get down" to the rhythm.
The lyrics can be interpreted as a celebration of the global impact of soul music and dance, as "people all over the world" are united through their love of the genre. The mention of "soul train" specifically could also be seen as a nod to the influential TV show which helped to popularize the music and the dance moves associated with it. Overall, the lyrics convey a message of joy, community, and the universal appeal of soul music.
Line by Line Meaning
Soul train, soul train
The arrival of Soul Train, a television program that highlights African American music, dance and fashion.
People all over the world
People from all around the world are gathered in this moment to experience the power of Soul Train.
People all over the world
The impact of Soul Train is felt globally by people who appreciate and enjoy the culture it brings.
People all over the world
Soul Train brings together people of all races, cultures and backgrounds who share a common love for soul and funk music.
Soul train, soul train
The train continues to roll with its infectious energy and soulful vibe.
People all over the world
The impact and power of Soul Train continues to reach people from all corners of the world.
People all over the world
The universal appeal of Soul Train transcends borders and unites people in a common experience.
Do-doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo
The infectious beat of the song representing the energy and power of Soul Train.
Do-doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo
The catchy sound of the song that gets people moving and grooving to the rhythm of the beat.
Do-doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
The sound of the horns in the song adding to the excitement and energy of the moment.
Do-doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
The coordination of instruments in the song creating a harmonious and cohesive sound that celebrates the spirit of Soul Train.
Let's get it on (doo-doo-doo-doo-doo)
An invitation to everyone to join in the celebration of Soul Train.
It's time to get down (doo-doo-doo-doo-doo)
Encouraging everyone to let go and dance, and immerse themselves in the joy and passion of the music.
Let's get it on (doo-doo-doo-doo-doo)
Continuing to invite people to participate and experience the thrill of the music.
It's time to get down (doo-doo-doo-doo-doo)
Continuing to energize people to get up and dance, and engage in the spirit of Soul Train.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HUFF LEON, KENNETH GAMBLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@chrisjames7887
Disco and the Sound of Philadelphia at their very best! Total classic!
@danielsoto8601
They put this at a Philadelphia Eagles game!
@borood1188
This song is a masterpiece.
@boggy7665
Proto-disco, you just want to start moving when it's playing.
@ramipo1
no question about it
@NormAppleton
no shit
@robertg8875
4 teenage white guys in a basement trying learn dance moves from soul train ! There is no color !
@juliusnepos6013
Absolutely it moves me.
@ealrip
this song is totally so underrated it's a crying shame one of the best musical songs ever written a truly masterpiece of music geniuses an orchestral work.
@Georgia275
Underrated? How old are you? Everyone of a certain age recognises this superb piece of music instantly.