Chicago soul duo Mel & Tim were cousins — Mel Hardin and Tim McPherson — wh… Read Full Bio ↴Chicago soul duo Mel & Tim were cousins — Mel Hardin and Tim McPherson — who actually hailed from Holly Springs, MS, and made their way to Chicago via St. Louis. They were discovered by Gene Chandler and signed to his Bamboo label in 1969, when they scored a Top Ten pop and R&B single with the good-humored classic "Backfield in Motion." The follow-up, "Good Guys Only Win in the Movies," supplied the title for their first album and hit the R&B Top 20 later that year. Mel & Tim subsequently moved to Stax, where they landed a second Top Five R&B smash with the ballad "Starting All Over Again" (also the title track of their second album). Mel & Tim performed at the late-1972 charity concert Wattstax and were featured in the documentary film of the same name, singing "I May Not Be What You Want." Their self-titled final album appeared in 1973, after which the cousins faded away from the music scene.

Backfield In Motion
Mel & Tim Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Backfield in motion, yeah,
I'm gonna have to penalize you
Backfield in motion, baby,
You know that's against the rules.
Off side and holding, yeah,
You ought a be ashamed of yourself baby
Offside and holding yeah,
Holding on to some one else

You know you're cheating baby,
Faking the bout
You know you're balking, baby,
(Oh yeah) strike three you're out
And I caught you with
Backfield in motion, yeah,
I'm gonna have to penalize you
Backfield in motion, baby,
You know that's against the rules.

First down you start cheating on me
Second down, I was too blind to see
Third down, you know I love you so
Fourth down, baby I got to let you go,
Cause I caught you with your
Backfield in motion, yeah,
I'm gonna have to penalize you
Backfield in motion, baby,
You know that's against the rules.
Now you will see, ah yeah, just how I felt
You beat me to the punch honey,
But you hit me below the belt
And I caught you with your
Backfield in motion, yeah,
I'm gonna have to penalize you
Backfield in motion, baby,
You know that's against the rules.

Backfield in motion, backfield in motion...
Backfield in motion, backfield in motion...

Overall Meaning

The song "Backfield In Motion" by Mel & Tim is an analogy of a relationship that is falling apart due to cheating. The lyrics use football terminology and rules to highlight the disintegration of trust and betrayal in a relationship. The line "Backfield in motion, yeah, I'm gonna have to penalize you" means that the person has been caught cheating and will have to face the consequences. The lyrics also use phrases such as "off side and holding," "balking," and "strike three you're out" to describe the cheating partner's actions.

The chorus of the song emphasizes the rules of the game and how the cheating partner has broken them. The repetition of the phrase "Backfield in motion" emphasizes the severity of the cheating and how it is not acceptable in the relationship. The lyrics further describe the story of the relationship in football terminology. "First down you start cheating on me, second down, I was too blind to see" means that the partner was cheating from the beginning, but the singer was unaware. "Fourth down, baby, I got to let you go" means that the relationship has come to an end.

Line by Line Meaning

Backfield in motion, yeah,
You are being dishonest and breaking the rules.

I'm gonna have to penalize you
I will punish you for your misbehavior.

Backfield in motion, baby,
You are moving in the wrong direction and doing things that you shouldn't.

You know that's against the rules.
You are aware that your actions are not permissible.

Off side and holding, yeah,
You are in the wrong position and holding on to someone or something you shouldn't.

You ought a be ashamed of yourself baby
You should feel embarrassed and remorseful for your actions.

Holding on to some one else
You are cheating on me.

You know you're cheating baby,
You are well aware of your dishonest actions.

Faking the bout
You are pretending to be something or someone you're not.

You know you're balking, baby,
You are hesitating and causing delays.

(Oh yeah) strike three you're out
You have exhausted your chances and are no longer allowed to continue.

And I caught you with
I have proof of your wrongdoing.

First down you start cheating on me
You started being unfaithful to me from the beginning.

Second down, I was too blind to see
I was oblivious to your cheating and didn't notice until later.

Third down, you know I love you so
Despite your cheating, I still have strong feelings for you.

Fourth down, baby I got to let you go,
I have to end our relationship because of your infidelity.

Now you will see, ah yeah, just how I felt
You will know the pain and hurt that you caused me.

You beat me to the punch honey,
You cheated on me before I had a chance to do the same to you.

But you hit me below the belt
Your actions were unfair and hurtful.

Backfield in motion, backfield in motion...
You continue to make bad choices and go against the rules.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: HERBERT T MCPHERSON, MELVIN HARDEN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@ricsqrs

4y↑13

Backfield in motion, yeah
I'm gonna have to penalize you, yoo-hoo
Backfield in motion, baby
You know that's against the rule, huh
Offside and holdin', yeah
You oughta be ashame' of yourself, baby
Offside and holdin', yeah
Holdin' on to someone else
You know you're cheatin', baby
Fakin' the bout
You know you're balkin', baby, oh yeah
Strike three, you're out
And I caught you with your
Backfield in motion, yeah
I'm gonna have to penalize you, yoo-hoo
Backfield in motion, baby
You know that's against the rule
First down, you start cheatin' on me
Second down, I was too blind to see
Third down, you know I love you so
Fourth down, baby, I got to let you go
'Cause I caught you with your
Backfield in motion, yeah
I'm gonna have to penalize you, yoo-hoo
Backfield in motion, baby
You know that's against the rule
Now you will see, oh yeah
Just how I felt, you better believe it, baby
You beat me to the punch, honey
But you hit me below the belt
And I caught you with your
Backfield in motion, yeah
I'm gonna have to penalize you, yoo-hoo
Backfield in motion, baby
You know that's against the rule
Backfield in motion, offside and holdin'
Backfield in motion, double dribble, baby
Backfield in motion, woo, clippin', honey

All comments from YouTube:

@stevebuck87

5y↑54

To the 40 people that dont like this, you are just tone deaf and dont like great music!

@jod8741

3y↑1

🤣

@keithparrish6166

3y↑4

I agree with you. Everybody should love this song.

@Rfc1394

3y↑1

On the other hand, people might have thought "clearly this must be a song about football," not realizing it's a metaphor.

@raymondjohnson7878

17w

Ann 6vgvvvvvv😅0ooooooooooooooo@@keithparrish6166

@moodyblues108

4y↑50

I was born in 61. This song was the first 45 record I ever had and I played in over and over again on my little toy record player. Oh yeah.

@sonandsanford4963

2y↑3

I was also born in 61. My 1st 45 was "Tighten up".

@dootuss83

I'd say that's an awesome 45 to start with.

@user-qy7cn4ks6f

@@sonandsanford4963 Archi Bell and the Drells from Houston Texas

@gary4341

49w

64. Took me a few years to find this, but not too long. It's a tune like most NS

@nanialoha

46w

@@sonandsanford4963 Oh yeah! Archie Bell and the Drells.😄

1 More Replies...

@felixmadison5736

3y↑68

When every song on the radio REALLY WAS your favorite, and that's no bullshit!

@patrickryan1515

1y↑3

Like kids in a candy store, the selection was mindboggling.

@mikedag1176

40w↑3

Every song was gold

@coreybrewer6278

2y↑38

"Backfield In Motion" by Mel & Tim is an awesome soul hit! I'll play it over and over again because it's that awesome!

@elizabethfleming8818

2y↑2

I've always thought this was a great song for a marching band to do at half time for a football game.

@irmajimenez6236

3y↑33

Listening to this while getting ready to go to school back in the good old days when life was simple and fun no cell phones or modern electronics.

@sreyasdesai4865

sexy latina lovely hips

@user-qy7cn4ks6f

1y↑1

I was at the start of my senior year in HS. Sweet memories!

@meljrnone8608

48w

@@user-qy7cn4ks6f - 1969 was the start of my senior year, too. Graduated in 1970...😎

@rfgiowa

1y↑13

What a great song! Puts a smile on my face every time I listen. Cheers 🍻

@user-qy7cn4ks6f

Me too. I just listened too it!

@olgabarron2720

9y↑86

I may be young but that doesn't mean I can't listen to oldies with my dad...these are our songs

@CockneyRebel1979

5y↑4

Good for you, sweet. They ain't called "oldies, but goodies" for nothing, ya know.

@brianwarr431

3y↑1

i am a 63 year old mod i love the old soul its brilliant cant get enough of it long live soul & us mods

@robertbell8378

2y↑1

No Doubt!

@darnellwebb7609

1y↑3

I remember this one from 1969 summertime in Los Angeles California music in hot weather what a great time tonight in life

@lashawndarobinson-carter2415

4y↑23

Great song, especially when listening it while watching football!🏈

@thewatchmen4920

2y↑7

3/22. Song was on my mind. Music back then was the type of jams you never forget. THANK GOD FOR U TUBE. We had the jams 👏👏👏👏

@SaveAmerica-Democracy-VoteBlue

Great song, great audio quality too! Thank you!

@harrietcantie9556

2y↑16

The music industry has change not for better. This song by Mel and Tim brings back great memories of growing up in Brooklyn NY. Hose parties and momma card games.

@gillygil8747

28w

Thanks for the memories.

@user-xu9oq1zb7e

18w↑1

A bunch of us girls would cruise and sing the heck outa all these old classics of 169 & 70s.. what great memories…

@tinadavies4195

12w

💥 what a blast from the past.

@lindarichardson6583

30w↑1

Love this make me feel good lam 71

@zerosparky9510

7y↑45

this song just popped in my head today at work. been years since i heard it. ha.

@zimbalistfirstflightdx4793

6y↑2

Roger Olson I would like to know what radio station you were listening to??

@stephenfiore9960

3y↑1

Bono of U2 calls it “Cosmic Radio” (actually that where he thinks new songs come from—from nowhere)

@dispatchdebbie

23w↑1

Motown Baby here! 👏🏼 One great song with Lions 💙. 70yrs old woo hoo❤

@Joel4500

9y↑21

As a young person in the later 1960's and 1970's this was the beginning of my definition of Soul Music by Mel & Tim, then "I'm Your Puppet" by James & Bobby Purify, and later "Rock The Boat" the The Hues Corporation, many more to name but nevertheless I am a HUGE Fan ever since, and Soul Music has NEVER let me down and always inspired me

@bunnyoneful

3y↑1

I'm your puppet came out 1st in 1966, Backfield 1969 Rock the boat 1974, those were the days

@jackiepaape9584

5y↑13

Love all the oldies grew up with them !! 😉😉

@lindajohnson9903

2y↑3

2022 I grew up with this song and I still love it right today

@terrythomas3755

3y↑3

I have no idea why this song popped into my head, and I had to YT it. I was there first time around.

@lindajohnson9903

21w

December the 2nd 2023 I remember this song when I was just a little girl I love it

@kathymcdaniel5797

3y↑4

We were grooving to this great song in the land before time! ☺️

@kristashelby6622

3y↑4

I remember this song 2021 reminds me of my oldest brother. I still like this song ❤️

@nickgormangolf6941

5y↑6

I came home from a 3 week trip, and when I got off the plane in Philly this was playing in the airport...one of those weird moments you won't forget

@1964rocks

7y↑6

This was one of the singles my older brothers and sisters bought in the late 60s and early 70s. I was 8 in 1969. I listened and listened especially to the Beatles 65 album. Over and Over and over and over and over.....

@jimmypage2138

9y↑14

nice song. i never realized back in the day i would like this song so much years down the road because these guys could actually sing.

@agnostick1

6y↑23

Such a great feeling track. Listen to the drummers hihat playing, no doubt with one hand! And, years before click tracks, you can set your metronome to 124, and it barely wavers! Back when singers had to know how to sing, and players had to know how to play!

@oldermusiclover

2y↑3

love him and the bass player

@user-qy7cn4ks6f

@@oldermusiclover I am thinking The Wrecking Crew on this!

@sherryluna8325

Aw the sounds of high school.

@oldermusiclover

2y↑1

loved the drummer on this song

@calclack3517

4y↑3

Met Mel in Wiakiki in 1968 at a dive hotel we both stayed at. He did an impromptu of the not yet released, at the time, "Backfield in Motion". He and two of by buddies were stoned to the max on Maui Wowie. A heck of a nice guy.

@mj-gr8uy

Hahaha
My ex, who swore he didn't do any dope (for 2 yrs dating), found himself some maui wowwie on our honeymoon..
He was wasted!!!
Sad, but did lead to heavy drugs and divorce.
But looking back now is funny. Lol

@billmclaren9390

5y↑6

Maryland Club, Scott St, Glasgow .What a brilliant memory of great times and lots of soul .

@junebugjohnson2295

I'm from Baltimore

@RichardStinchcomb-yz8yr

51w↑1

It was a 50's song but still excitable still today

@lindajohnson9903

1y↑1

2023 I still love this song

@soulsender1

9y↑22

One of the best sounds from the 60s and a Real Mod Anthem love it and it should be played at Northern Soul events everywhere Pure Magic. Pat Allen Burnley & Pendle Soul Club.

@bradbrad090

6y↑1

Remember it being played down Burnley Mecca 1970

@stevejbellamy35

6y↑1

Heard it at the Sheffield Mojo but much earlier than the 1969 release date. Strange.

@madubukomadubuko1719

43w↑2

Loved this!

@kenneth8434

8y↑2

This goes out to the curvy sisters...the ones with the fantastic history. The ones we hate to see go but love to watch as they leave!

@davidcrincones8948

51w

Sure do like this song.

@lindajohnson9903

2023 I grew up hearing this song from my parents I still love it right today

@WillyTheComposerOfficial

3y↑2

I always like it when love songs use another topic to discuss the subject, like how this one uses football to talk about getting cheated on.

@endermalloy6397

2y↑2

Love this song!

@ricsqrs

4y↑13

@mj-gr8uy

Thank you for the lyrics!!!! ♡

@yoongiswife6438

4y↑3

That was. The summer I had my first kiss among other firsts to this tune.lol

@fredhicks8363

4y↑1

Older the music the more the memories

@peterbalac1915

100% Fred nice one 👌👏👏✊

@rollerchickable

4y↑2

I LOVE THIS SONG THANK YOU FOR SHARING

@roberthill8034

14w

Yes I go walking
cause it is true
my record won't be broken
everyone now feels blue.

@doc2skate

11y↑17

Best sports songs: Mel & Tim "Backfield in Motion", Intruders "Love is Just Like A Baseball Game", Hall & Oats "One On One".

@houstontxdotgov

5y↑2

Dont forget Centerfield!

@Keven19741

4y↑2

I'd bet The Intruders cut "Love is just like a Baseball Game" may have inspired Mel and Tim to make this cut.

@curlyjoe5020

3y↑2

I know I'm 7 years late, but you can't forget 'Wide Receiver' by Michael Henderson.

@LadyOfMaine

Not a sports song

@curlyjoe5020

3y↑1

@@LadyOfMaine If it references sports, it's a 'sports song'. Just like if it references love it's a 'love song'.

2 More Replies...

@ColumRogers

7y↑2

Summer 2015... Doing my FMP at college and this song buzzing round in my brain..

@doniellestenson3502

3y↑1

Those tight ends and this song.Thats enough Football for me.

@lindajohnson9903

1y↑1

2022 I grew up with this song I still love it

@user-qy7cn4ks6f

They should play this at NFL games at half time!

@chrisgjohnson134

6y↑1

WTF ....I use to dance to this when I was a teenager .....in MANCHESTER ENGLAND !!!....so you say ...so what ?....well now I live in the USA and more importantly I live in MISSISSIPPI ....WHERE MEL AND TIM ARE FROM ....WOW

@christopherlindholm6548

37w↑1

Love this! A great song to bob to! ❤❤❤❤!!!!

@irisheyzgrl24murphy92

7y↑5

loved this song when I was 11. they played it on the radio lot !

@nyj1213

U old asf lol

@duncanrs

9y↑18

I was 13 ffs where has my life gone

@Kharkovkid

8y↑1

Forty plus years.... It was a half a dozen paychecks and two British sports cars.

@MrKingGator

I still DJ this

@dtrain3434

8y↑3

"oooooo, clippin,' honey....." One of the best fade out lines in the history of recorded music. :)

@6828Lu

9y↑6

Always loved this song.

@adriennerobinson1180

5y↑1

THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEEDS TO 0LAY THIS SONG AT THEIR GAMES
WATCH THE VIEWS GO OUT TO THE MILLIONS.

@marilynehmke5180

6y↑1

Danced to this many times while going to Univ. of S.C.!! Great times!

@johnegli1308

I’m watching match game 76. This term comes up. I’m like the song. The song. Great one !!!

@MRKeema-vc6lv

I think i was six or seven when i first heard this song on the radio. Definitely brings back child hood memories.

@TheNesbittExperience

6y↑4

Perfect! I am about to make a tap dance to this! Love it! 😍

@gamernorcal

7y↑19

What a rich sound and voice. They don't make music like this these days. Instead they just sing about women's posterior's. :)

@adriennerobinson1180

SAD BUT TRUE SMH

@josephinerimmer6888

Oh very droll.😀

@janpage7666

Baby got back !!

@PtolemyJones

4y↑1

Ummm... You do know what that 'backfield' which is in motion is, right?

@gamernorcal

@@PtolemyJones ummmm....you missed the sarcasm.

@marievaldes3474

9y↑1

Love this song Backfield In Motion

@johnc8770

7y↑2

Iv'e ben singing this classic at work today. Great beat to it.

@chrisgjohnson134

6y↑1

REMINDS ME OF GREENHEYS YOUTH CLUB IN LITTLE HULTON (NORTHERN ENGLAND ) in the early seventies ....BOUGHT MY COPY (45) FROM SALFORD MARKET along with a COPY OF JIMMY JAMES (A MAN LIKE ME )....AWESOME MEMORIES

@libertarianation1

8y↑2

for almost 50 years I thought he was saying "That feeling motion." Today I figured out he is saying "Backfield in Motion." lol

@annetteb2432

8y↑1

lol. 💋

@audreyharalambos2592

8y↑1

i thought it said "backfields with lotion" lolxx

@mariesims6508

I Love This Song Bring Back So Many Good Memories For Me And My Sister Shreveport La In The House Norton St

@kathryntardy304

Love these old songs

@davidatherton1780

9y↑7

Great old sound.

@lukeknox2566

8y↑5

my family sings this chorus every time the opponent has an offensive penalty lol. Hotty Toddy. :)

@jamesgregg1907

33w

Awesome love this wonderful song

@lisaguy1860

6y↑1

this was one of my daddies favorite!

@TheGooner01

9y↑3

LOVE THIS CHOOOOOON, DEF MOD ANTHEM STILL GOT MY COPY, BRILLIANT PEEEEEEEPS

@felixmadison5736

3y↑1

What a great song! Using football terminology to describe cheating girl friend/wife was a super idea!!! I was serving with the army in Vietnam in 1969, and glad I didn't have a girlfriend or wife back home to pick up those penalties.. LOL!!

@oldermusiclover

thank you for your service

@felixmadison5736

2y↑1

@@oldermusiclover Thank you Ginny.

@tammytoon4344

8y↑2

Oh yes Sounds Greattttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt!

@Holly1960-

Listening in 2020 !!!

@jerryj920

This song still bumps. Nice

@MarcosPerez-lz7fc

I love this Jam remind me riding with my older brothers Cruzin A 65 Chevy

@leslieelm

9y↑2

watching NFL football thought of this great song, year I got released from the Army

@glennhfriedman4571

2y↑5

Obviously a talented duo.. I hear so much of Sam Cooke..

@user-qy7cn4ks6f

It was there only hit!

@tommyseeman6562

3y↑1

Hear about Backfield during The Football games!

@user-qy7cn4ks6f

From the leaf falling fall of 69, this entertaining song was Mel And Tim's only hit! You have to wonder if this was the Wrecking Crew providing the music!

@jennifursun3303

love this tune wish i knew who played on it great great band

@michaelstocks4231

7y↑2

Not heard this for years. Still a great song - KTF

@michaelnix5560

Mikey's Oldies But Goodies.

@andrewbeaudoin7363

🏈 & ⚽! It's even in AFV Sports Spectacular!

@starshiptrooper7670

How sweet it is.....

@dianecrews928

Just a great piece of motion.

@mikedag1176

40w

I was born in 58 but I don't really remember this song Until 69

@dainnesegault82

11y

Still the BOMB SONG !!!! Named by BOOK after this song!

@brendanriley9043

Great timeless tune. Very risqué, too. 😂

@hemanadam1

10y

SO GOOD

@DanTheMan33088

I remember hearing this on AFV years ago...

@bobbender2922

A Classic!

@Usercantwelve

Yeah I dig it )

@MoneyOverFame

episode of Martin brought me here lol

@peterbalac1915

Great song great times, marston club dayz

@johnluvsluna

10y

amazing

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