As a child he relocated to Chicago, attending the same school as Curtis Mayfield and Jerry Butler. He formed a group, the Floats, and became a featured dancer on local TV.
His 1959 Mercury release, I Got A Girl, was written and produced by Mayfield, but his career did not take off until he signed with OKeh Records in 1962. Another Curtis Mayfield song, The Monkey Time, in 1963, reached number 2 on the R & B charts and number 8 pop, and the partnership continued with further hits including Um Um Um Um Um Um.
The Mighty Majors("You Can Never Go Back") also were his back up band once.
He had less success after breaking his relationships with Mayfield and OKeh, releasing records on several labels into the early 1970s, including Osiris Records which he set up with Al Jackson. He then moved to England for two years in the 1970s, and after returning to the USA served a prison term for cocaine possession. He made few performances after a heart attack in 1987.
The Monkey Time
Major Lance Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where people gather 'round, whenever they're ready
And then the music begins to play
You feel a groove comin' on its way
Are you ready (are you ready)
Well, you get yours, cause-a I got mine
For the Monkey Time (Monkey Time)
(Monkey Time)
Now the dance that the people do, I don't know how it started
All I know is that when the beat brings a feel
It's so hard to get parted
And then the music begins to play
Automatically you're on your way
Are you ready (are you ready)
Well, you get yours, cause-a I got mine
For the Monkey Time (Monkey Time)
Do the Monkey, yeah (do the Monkey Time)
Do the Monkey, yeah (do the Monkey Time)
Ah-twist them hips (twist them hips)
Let your backbone slip (let your backbone slip)
Now move your feet (move your feet)
Get on the beat (get on the beat)
Are you ready (are you ready)
Well, you get yours, cause-a I got mine
For the Monkey Time (Monkey Time)
(Monkey Time)
Now the dance that the people do, I don't know how it started
All I know is that when the beat brings a feel
It's so hard to get parted
And then the music begins to play
Automatically you're on your way
Are you ready (are you ready)
Well, you get yours, cause-a I got mine
For the Monkey Time (Monkey Time)
Ah, do the Monkey, yeah
Give me a big strong line (Monkey Time)
You're lookin' real fine (Monkey Time)
The Monkey Time, sung by Major Lance, is a song that encourages people to let loose and have fun. The lyrics describe a place in town where people gather to dance to the beat of the music. The song starts with a description of this place, inviting everyone to join and feel the groove that is coming on. The lyrics reinforce the idea of being ready, indicating that if you are ready to have a good time, then you will indeed have a great time.
The lyrics go on to describe the dance that people do, referring to it as the Monkey dance. The singer explains that he does not know how it started, but when the beat brings a feel, it's tough to get separated from it. The description of the dance and how it makes everyone feel creates an atmosphere of excitement, encouraging listeners to let loose and dance. The lyrics also give some instructions on how to do the Monkey dance, including twisting hips, letting the backbone slip, moving feet, and getting on the beat.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a place right across town, whenever you're ready
There is a location nearby that is always open and available to go to whenever you desire.
Where people gather 'round, whenever they're ready
Many people come together and surround the area, whenever they are free to do so.
And then the music begins to play
Following everyone's arrival, a song starts to play in the background.
You feel a groove comin' on its way
Everyone starts to sense an energy building up in the crowd as they prepare to dance.
Are you ready (are you ready)
A call to action to prepare yourself to dance and enjoy the moment.
Well, you get yours, cause-a I got mine
Everyone can enjoy themselves on their own terms, without any worries or concerns.
For the Monkey Time (Monkey Time)
This is the name of the dance that is about to take place.
Now the dance that the people do, I don't know how it started
The origin of the dance is unknown, but that doesn't stop anyone from enjoying it.
All I know is that when the beat brings a feel
The rhythm of the music has a unique effect on the crowd and they can feel it in their bones.
It's so hard to get parted
Once you join the group, it is difficult to leave and not feel a part of the unified energy.
Ah-twist them hips (twist them hips)
Instructions to move your hips in a twisting motion for the dance.
Let your backbone slip (let your backbone slip)
Advice to loosen up and let your body move freely to the music.
Now move your feet (move your feet)
An invitation to start dancing and moving your feet.
Get on the beat (get on the beat)
A reminder to synchronize your movements with the rhythm of the music.
Ah, do the Monkey, yeah
Encouragement to keep dancing and enjoying the Monkey Time.
Give me a big strong line (Monkey Time)
A request to have everyone in the crowd come together in a line formation and continue dancing.
You're lookin' real fine (Monkey Time)
Compliments to everyone in the crowd for their great dancing and appearance while doing the Monkey Time dance.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Curtis Mayfield
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
barryonedrop1
As a 12 yr old in downtown Brooklyn NY 1963 I remember this tune well, so many greats songs back in the day
Ashley Marie
I bet it was so beautiful
Kenneth R. Jenkins
What a classic hit!
fancydancer&mawwee
This was the album I had! It's been loooong gone but not forgotten. Tripping down memory lane.
Deborah G.M.
In 2017 and Deborah is still playing this soulful jam, that she remembers her momma and Daddy playing at house partie! I am so in love with this SONG! The vocals are tight, and the band is incredible!
Docentino
One little interesting nugget: This Tune has been written by: Curtis Mayfield.
No wonder it's become an all time hit..
fuzzballzz36
I used to wonder why there were similarities between this and Mayfield's 'Move On Up.' Now I see why!
Rockin' Byrd
In Major Lance's obituary, Mayfield said "he was always coming round and looking through my bag for songs that I'd written but didn't want to do with the Impressions. He was pretty good at picking them, too." That guitar gives it away though. Pure Curtis Mayfield.
rollerchickable
I Love This Song Major Lance
Johnny Pool
Nobody had a voice that sound like Major's voice. Smooth!