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.
Knock On Wood
Maceo Parker Lyrics
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If I do, I will surely, I will lose a lot
For your love is better than any love other I've know
It's like thunder, lightning
The way you love me is frightening
I better knock on wood
Baby
I got superstitious about you, but I can't take change
You got me spinning, baby, spinning in a trance
But your love is better than any other love I've known
It's like thunder, lightning
The way you love me is frightening
You better knock on wood
It's no secret, but that woman fills my loving cup
She sees, so ready, that I get enough
And her love is better than any other love I've known
It's like thunder
It's like lightning
The way you love me is frightening
I better knock on wood
Baby
Better, yes, better
(yes you better knock, knock, knock on wood) yes, I better
(yes you better knock, knock, knock on wood) oh, knock on wood
(yes you better knock, knock, knock on wood) you know I would, would
(yes you better knock, knock, knock on wood) it's no secret
(yes you better knock, knock, knock on wood) no, oh, better
(yes you better knock, knock, knock on wood) hangin' above me
(yes you better knock, knock, knock on wood) I can't leave her
(yes you better knock, knock, knock on wood) oh no, baby
Knock on wood, woo!
In the song "Knock on Wood" by Maceo Parker, the singer expresses his fear of losing the love he has found. He is superstitious about his relationship and believes that knocking on wood can prevent any possible misfortune. The love he has found is better than any other love that he has known before. It fills his loving cup and he can't get enough of it. The love is compared to thunder and lightning, and the way she loves him is frightening. He happily tells his partner that he will knock on wood to ensure that nothing goes wrong.
The lyrics suggest that the love the singer feels is rare and precious. He doesn't want to lose it because losing it would be a great loss. The fear of losing this love has led him to become superstitious about his relationship. He believes that by knocking on wood, he can prevent any negative occurrences. The song also shows that the singer views his love as powerful and potent. He believes that it is so frightening because of the intensity of the love he is receiving. He is utterly enamoured with his partner and is willing to do whatever it takes to keep the love alive.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't want to lose the good thing that I've got
I don't want to lose the wonderful relationship I am in currently
If I do, I will surely, I will lose a lot
If I lose the relationship, I would end up losing a lot more than just my partner
For your love is better than any love other I've know
Your love is the best I have ever experienced
It's like thunder, lightning
Your love is intense strong and amazing
The way you love me is frightening
Your love for me is so powerful that it scares me sometimes
I better knock on wood
I better act carefully and remain cautious so that our relationship doesn't fall apart
Baby
Expression of affection
I got superstitious about you, but I can't take change
I have become superstitious about our relationship, but I can't afford losing you
You got me spinning, baby, spinning in a trance
You have such a strong impact on me that I am partially blinded by it and constantly thinking about you
It's no secret, but that woman fills my loving cup
It's well known that my partner is the one who fills my heart with love
She sees, so ready, that I get enough
She is always there for me and makes sure that my needs are met
Better, yes, better
It's amazing, better than I could imagine
(yes you better knock, knock, knock on wood) yes, I better
I should be careful and remain cautious for the sake of our relationship
(yes you better knock, knock, knock on wood) oh, knock on wood
I need to knock on wood to ensure our relationship continues to thrive and doesn't fall apart
(yes you better knock, knock, knock on wood) you know I would, would
I would take the necessary precautions just as much as anyone else in my situation should
(yes you better knock, knock, knock on wood) it's no secret
It's pretty obvious to anyone who sees us together how much in love we are
(yes you better knock, knock, knock on wood) no, oh, better
It's impossible to find someone better, I am lucky to have her in my life
(yes you better knock, knock, knock on wood) hangin' above me
I need to knock on wood because the fear of loss is hanging over me
(yes you better knock, knock, knock on wood) I can't leave her
I would never leave her or risk losing her, I must hold onto her tightly
(yes you better knock, knock, knock on wood) oh no, baby
Expression of feelings of being in love
Knock on wood, woo!
Final call to knock on wood, do the best to keep a good thing going
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG Rights Management
Written by: EDDIE FLOYD, STEVE CROPPER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind