Maceo Parker (born February 14, 1943) is a noted African-American funk and … Read Full Bio ↴Maceo Parker (born February 14, 1943) is a noted African-American funk and soul jazz saxophone player, best known for his contributions to James Brown's distinct sound. He was born in Kinston, North Carolina in a musically-rich environment. His mother and father sang in a church and both his brothers are accomplished musicians (drums and trombones).

He and his brother, Melvin Parker, joined James Brown in 1964; in his book Brown says that he originally wanted Melvin as his drummer but agreed to take Maceo under his wing as part of the deal. Maceo, Melvin and a few of Brown's band members left to found Maceo & All the Kings Men which toured for two years. In 1973 Maceo returned to James Brown's band. In 1975 Maceo and some of Brown's band members, including Fred Wesley, left to join George Clinton's Parliament.

Maceo once again joined James Brown from 1984 to 1988. In the 1990s he finally embraced a successful solo career. He has released seven solo records and plays 250 tour dates per year. It's also worth noting that his average play time on stage is more than two and a half hours.

In the late 1990s, Maceo began contributing semi-regularly to recordings by Prince and accompanying his band (The New Power Generation) on tour.

His current tour band includes bassist Rodney Skeet Curtis and several other talented musicians. They have been billed as "The greatest little funk orchestra on earth".

His latest album "Roots & Grooves" with the WDR Big Band is a tribute to Ray Charles whom Parker cites as one of his most important influences.

His gear consists of a Selmer Mark VI (alto) Saxophone together with a Selmer Brilhart 'Ebolin' #5 mouthpiece to create the funky sound he's famous for.

Coin Toss
Maceo Parker Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Coin Toss, flip it up
Heads or tail
Which side am I?
I'll never tell

Coin Toss in the air
Spinning around
If you catch me

Put me down

I'm a little bitty thang
With a whole lot of twang, yeah

Hoppin' boppin' all around the world yeah
I don't care what the people might say
I'm gonna love you anyway

I'm a little bitty thang
With a whole lot of twang, yeah

I'm taking my time
Like they do with fine wine, yeah

Turn up the heat give the better with the sweet - yeah
But just like the wine
Ain't nothing but juice

You can turn me on
Or turn me loose

I'm a little bitty thang
With a whole lot of twang, yeah

I'm looking at you and I like what I see - yeah
Don't be confused you do what you do - yeah

Do the duty you think best
Leave unto to me all the rest

I'm a little bitty thang
With a whole lot of twang, yeah

Pick me up

Overall Meaning

and toss me again
Heads or tail
Will I win?

The lyrics of Maceo Parker’s Coin Toss is about the unpredictability of life, and the acceptance of the things that comes along with it. The song uses the metaphor of a coin toss which is an act of taking chances or risks. The first few verses describe the uncertain nature of life and how we can never know which side we will end up on. The singer acknowledges this vulnerability but still embraces it and encourages the listener to do so too.

As the song progresses, the lyrics become more about love and relationships. The singer compares himself to a little, bitty thing with a whole lot of twang, indicating that he may not be the most significant person but has a lot of personality and energy. He talks about how he is taking his time in love, which is compared to fine wine that needs to be treated with care. But even though he’s taking his time, he’s ready to turn up the heat when the time is right. He also talks about the importance of accepting and loving someone, regardless of what others might say.

Overall, Coin Toss is a song about embracing the unknown and taking chances in life. It’s also a love song that emphasizes the importance of accepting someone for who they are.

Line by Line Meaning

Coin Toss, flip it up
Let's leave it to chance.

Heads or tail
There are only two options.

Which side am I?
I'm not giving you a hint.

I'll never tell
You will have to guess.

Coin Toss in the air
The decision is about to be made.

Spinning around
Life is unpredictable.

If you catch me
If you figure me out.

Put me down
You can't control me.

I'm a little bitty thang
I may seem insignificant, but...

With a whole lot of twang, yeah
...I have a unique flavor and style.

Hoppin' boppin' all around the world yeah
I'm enjoying life and traveling.