The group was formed in 1976 at Kentucky State University by the Calloway brothers (trumpeter Reginald, and trombone player Vincent), with vocalist Belinda Lipscomb. Signing to RCA Records, they released their first album, The Beginning in 1980, with a host of studio musicians. In 1982, they moved to SOLAR Records, and releasing a second album, Victory now with a real band behind them (guitarist Melvin Gentry, bassist Kenneth Gant, drummer Bobby Lovelace, multi-instrumentalist Bill Simmons and keyboard player Bo Watson).
Due to the Calloways' production skills, it didn't take long for Midnight Star to connect with black listeners, hitting the R&B charts with early singles like "Hot Spot" and "I've Been Watching You." Their fourth album, No Parking on the Dance Floor released in 1983, took them to the top of the charts with the first single, "Freak-A-Zoid," which went to number two, on the R&B charts and propelled the album to platinum status. Their next album, Planetary Invasion was almost as big, going platinum again and making the pop Top 20 and the number one spot on the R&B charts with its first single, "Operator."
In 1986, they came out with their sixth album, Headlines, which was their third album to sell at least gold. It was not to be their last, as the Calloways departed in 1988. The group retooled, now down to seven members they produced and recorded their self-titled Midnight Star album. The single "Don't Rock the Boat" featured a rap by Ecstasy from the group Whodini. It would reach number 3 on the R&B charts. The album would also be certified gold.
In 1990 the band recorded Work It Out, their last album for Solar Records with internal problems between the distributor and record label the project was doomed. One of the standout tracks was called "Money Can't Buy You Love" a Belinda Lipscomb composition.
After 13 years of recording, touring, dealing with band issues, and label politics the group took a
long over due hiatus. They remained active in the business doing individual projects with Melvin Gentry and Bo Watson creating the production team "Bo & McArthur" writing, recording, and producing hits for Shanice Wilson and Toni Braxton. Bo also served as Music Director for Babyface on MTV Unplugged concert series and CD recording that featured Stevie Wonder and Eric Clapton.
Belinda Lipscomb found success singing on Emmy nominated TV and Radio commerials. She also landed lead roles in several musicals and gospel plays. Bassist Kenneth Gant became a record producer and executive for an LA based label. Bobby Lovelace and Bill Simmons worked on many music and media related projects. Jeff Cooper decided to retire from performing and create a music publication dedicated to educating young music hopefuls about the pros and cons of the music industry.
After a few years, the members began calling each other to see how they were doing. It became obvious during those conversations that the performing bug had hit them. It was time to give themselves and fans what they all were missing, a Midnight Star Reunion. The band quickly reformed and were back out on the concert circuit. In 1999 Capitol Records/Right Stuff released Midnight Star "Anniversary Collection" this CD covered many of their past hits. It also gave the band the opportunity to contribute a brand new "Slow Jam Live" and Freak-A-Zoid track for the CD.
In 2002 the band released their first album in over 12 years, entitled "15th Avenue. Today the band continues to perform for audiences all over the world. You can catch up with the band on their website.
www.midnightstarband.com
1
No Parking
Midnight Star Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're standing still in a no parking zone
You don't get a move on that body
I'll be forced to give you a ticket so get with it
There's a party tonight, you're in a red light zone
If you don't want a ticket you better move on
If you break the law you gotta pay your dues
'Cause it's so easy, it's so right
It's so easy to rock it with your body, baby
It's so easy, it's so right
It's so easy if you drive it all night
No parking, baby
No parking on the dance floor
No parking, baby
No parking on the dance floor
Let me hear you blow your horn
(Beep-beep, beep-beep, beep-beep)
Shake it, baby
(Beep-beep, beep-beep, beep-beep)
(Beep-beep, beep-beep, beep-beep)
Rock it, baby
(Beep-beep, beep-beep, beep-beep)
Movin' violations are easy to fix
Just tell the deejay to fix it in the mix
Shake it up and shake it on down
Let me feel you movin', you gotta get down
'Cause it's so easy, it's so right
It's so easy to rock it with your body, baby
It's so easy, it's so right
It's so easy if you drive it all night
No parking, baby
No parking on the dance floor
I wanna say it again
No parking, baby
No parking on the dance floor
(Beep-beep, beep-beep, beep-beep)
Shake it, baby
(Beep-beep, beep-beep, beep-beep)
(Beep-beep, beep-beep, beep-beep)
Rock it, baby
(Beep-beep, beep-beep, beep-beep)
Shake it
Don't drive it
Don't park your booty, don't park your can
It's time to party, it's time to jam
Don't park your booty, don't park your can
It's time to party, it's time to jam
Don't park your booty, don't park your can
It's time to party, it's time to jam
Don't park your booty, don't park your can
It's time to party, it's time to jam
No parking, baby
No parking on the dance floor
No parking, baby
No parking on the dance floor
The lyrics to Midnight Star's "No Parking" address two different types of transgressions: standing still in a no parking zone and breaking the law at a party. The lyrics suggest that if someone doesn't "get a move on that body," they'll be given a ticket, implying the need to keep dancing and maintain the party's energy. The chorus repeats the phrase "No parking on the dance floor" multiple times, emphasizing the need to keep moving and dance continuously.
The song's lyrics encourage the audience to "rock it with your body," suggesting that the song is a call to action for listeners to let loose and dance without reservation. The repetition of "it's so easy, it's so right" reinforces the idea that dancing should be effortless and enjoyable, further encouraging the audience to let go and enjoy the music.
Overall, the lyrics of "No Parking" celebrate the joy of dancing and encourage listeners to let loose and get lost in the music. The song suggests that dancing is a way to let go of inhibitions and enjoy life, encouraging listeners to embrace the moment and have fun.
Line by Line Meaning
Excuse me, madam
The singer politely addresses a woman who is standing still in a no parking zone.
You're standing still in a no parking zone
The singer informs the woman that she is in a place where parking is not allowed.
You don't get a move on that body
The singer tells the woman to start moving her body.
I'll be forced to give you a ticket so get with it
The singer warns the woman that if she doesn't start moving, he will have to give her a ticket.
There's a party tonight, you're in a red light zone
The singer explains that there is a party happening and the woman is in an area with a lot of traffic.
If you don't want a ticket you better move on
The singer advises the woman to start moving if she wants to avoid being ticketed.
If you break the law you gotta pay your dues
The singer reminds the woman that if she breaks the law, she will have to face the consequences.
Ain't much better if you play it by the rules
The singer implies that even if you follow the rules, things aren't always easy.
'Cause it's so easy, it's so right
The singer believes that dancing and partying is easy and enjoyable.
It's so easy to rock it with your body, baby
The singer tells the listeners that dancing with your body is easy and fun.
It's so easy if you drive it all night
The singer suggests that dancing all night long is easy and enjoyable.
No parking, baby
The singer repeats the phrase 'no parking' to remind people to keep moving and dancing.
No parking on the dance floor
The singer reminds people not to stop and block the dance floor.
Let me hear you blow your horn
The singer encourages the listeners to get loud and make noise.
Shake it, baby
The singer asks the listeners to shake their bodies and dance.
Movin' violations are easy to fix
The singer believes that minor violations can be easily corrected.
Just tell the deejay to fix it in the mix
The singer suggests that the DJ can mix things up and fix any issues.
Shake it up and shake it on down
The singer encourages the listeners to keep shaking and dancing.
Let me feel you movin', you gotta get down
The singer wants the listeners to keep moving and dancing.
Don't drive it
The singer reminds people not to drive their cars on the dance floor.
Don't park your booty, don't park your can
The singer repeats the idea that people should keep moving and dancing.
It's time to party, it's time to jam
The singer says that it is time to have fun and dance all night long.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: VINCENT L. CALLOWAY, BOBBY LOVELACE, WILLIAM B. SIMMONS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@psy2mentor
I don't care if you were a metalhead, into New Wave, Country, or bubble gum pop... EVERYBODY loved Midnight Star!!!
@SkYxLeGaCY
Listen to Lorna Shore and metalcore but yes I'm always listening to this, lakeside, and many more. I'm only 30 as well my gf is 25 and calls me a loser when I turn this on. My 3 year old loves it and he gets his groove on.
@VOLTAIRES_5
it was just the 80s everybody of all colors and races sharing the same dancefloor in the clubs
@tammygrant2797
I'm 60 and I bought nthis songit was out when I was growing up I love it
@johnshiver9541
Love all Music ❤️
@johnshiver9541
Love all Music ❤️
@rickyrydell
As a club DJ when this song came out, trust me, no other song could pack the dance floor like this one!
@roxannemiller6961
Heck yeah,good times.
@TabRoss1st
Me too bro, same thing, thx
@woozyz2769
How bout Barkays - Freakshow on the dance floor