Most of her career has been as lead singer for The Staple Singers. She first recorded solo for the Stax subsidiary Volt in 1969. Subsequent efforts included a Curtis Mayfield-produced soundtrack on Curtom, a nod to disco for Warner Bros. Records in 1979, a stab at electro-pop with Holland-Dozier-Holland in 1984, and a collaboration with Prince in the late 1980s and early 90s (producing the two solo albums Time Waits for No One in 1989 and The Voice in 1993, and various other collaborations). Staples has a rich contralto voice that has neither the range of Aretha Franklin nor the power of Patti LaBelle. Her otherworldly power comes instead from a masterful command of phrasing and a deep-seated sensuality expressed through timbre manipulation. Both the Staple Singers and Mavis found fresh audiences stemming from their participation on the CD Rhythm, Country and Blues, and in 1996 she issued Spirituals and Gospel: Dedicated to Mahalia Jackson. Her next recording project didn't land for another eight years, although Have a Little Faith on Alligator Records became her highest profile release in years.
Staples released a new album for Anti- Records titled We'll Never Turn Back on April 24, 2007. The Ry Cooder-produced concept album focuses on songs of the civil rights movement and includes two new original songs.
See also:
Wikipedia
Official Site
Can You Get To That
Mavis Staples Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Life had me
I was one among many
Or at least I seemed to be
Well, I read an old quotation in a book just yesterday
Said "Gonna reap just what you sow,
The debts you make you have to pay."
Can you get to that?
Can you get (I wanna know)
I want to know if you can get to that (hey!) (get to that!)
Can you get (can you get to that)(I wanna know)
I want to know if you can get to that
I recollect with a-mixed emotions
All the good times we used to have
But you were making preparations
For the coming separation
And you blew everything we had
When you base your love on credit
And your loving days are done
Checks you signed with a-love and kisses
Later come back signed "insufficient funds"
Yeah, get to that!
Can you get (I wanna know)
I want to know if you can get to that (hey!) (get to that!)
Can you get (can you get to that)(I wanna know)
I want to know if you can get to that
(x3)
When you base your life on credit
And your loving days are done
Checks you signed with love and kisses
Later come back signed "insufficient funds"
Y'all get to that
Can you get (I wanna know)
I want to know if you can get to that (hey!) (get to that!)
Can you get (can you get to that)(I wanna know)
I want to know if you can get to that
(x2)
The song “Can You Get to That” by Mavis Staples talks about the consequences of living a life based on credit and false promises. The opening lines reveal the singer’s realization that their life has been dictated by society’s expectations and that they have lost control over it. The quotation they read emphasizes the message of the song, that one must reap what they sow and that there will be consequences for their actions. The singer asks the listener a question, “Can you get to that?”, which essentially means, can you understand what I’m saying? Do you realize the mistakes you’re making and the repercussions that come with it?
The second verse speaks of a past relationship that ended because of the promises made on credit. The line “Checks you signed with a-love and kisses later come back signed "insufficient funds"” is a metaphor for how their relationship was based on false promises that couldn’t be fulfilled. The chorus is repeated multiple times, emphasizing the message that credit will only bring temporary satisfaction, and ultimately, the debts must be paid.
Overall, “Can You Get to That” is a powerful song that speaks to the dangers of basing one’s life on credit and false promises. Its message is relevant today as ever before, reminding listeners to be mindful of their choices and the impact they have on their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
I once had a life, or rather
Life had me
I used to think that I was living life on my own terms, but the reality is that life was controlling me.
I was one among many
Or at least I seemed to be
I thought that I was just like everyone else, but now I see that everyone has their own unique experiences.
Well, I read an old quotation in a book just yesterday
Said "Gonna reap just what you sow,
The debts you make you have to pay."
I recently came across a wise saying that reminds us that our actions have consequences, and that we will face the repercussions of our choices.
Can you get to that?
Do you understand what I'm saying?
I recollect with a-mixed emotions
All the good times we used to have
I look back on our memories with both joy and sadness.
But you were making preparations
For the coming separation
And you blew everything we had
You were planning for our breakup, and in doing so, you ruined everything that we had worked towards.
When you base your love on credit
And your loving days are done
Checks you signed with a-love and kisses
Later come back signed "insufficient funds"
When you treat love like a transaction that can be bought with money or favors, you will eventually realize that you cannot sustain a meaningful relationship using these superficial means.
Yeah, get to that!
You need to understand this truth!
When you base your life on credit
And your loving days are done
Checks you signed with love and kisses
Later come back signed "insufficient funds"
You cannot live your life based on false promises or hope for the future without actively working towards it.
Y'all get to that
I hope that you all understand this message.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JEFFREY SCOT TWEEDY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jonathanzabel5363
I saw Mavis Staples perform One True Vine on The Daily Show and they blew me away ! Thank - you so much for the download !
@foortymilemushergirl
I can happily run forever listening to this song. Marathon Favourite.....Mavis your the best!
@ickystrashcan....anothersm9749
Funkadelic ( George Clinton) is so kickass and so is Mrs. Staples......this is beyond cool...
@ACDSNY
It doesn't get any better than Miss Mavis Staples...brilliant!!!Â
@dandaman4love
thats my aunt Mavis! live this track
@classichost
Your auntie is s great woman, wonderful interpretation
@sloppyg9185
Your Auntie gave my little daughter a big fat smooch on her cheek at one of her shows in Cincinnati years ago... greatest thing ever!!!!
@tmamone83
Awesome cover of an awesome song!
@JohnVagabond
Where have I been? Never heard of her - till now. What a great track
@dmh92577
Mrs Staples is a legend