Give up the Funk
P-Funk Allstars Lyrics


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I know I got you wrapped around my finger
I know when I leave you feel my kiss linger
I know sparks fly in your mind
Every time I, Oh, every time I
I know I've got you wrapped around my finger
It's hard for you cuz you know I'm not staying
Don't walk away but you know that I'm playing
You don't see it, but I don't feel it, I can't mean it
It's hard for you cuz you know I'm not staying
Give me all your love
Still won't be enough
You should know that I don't want your touch
Oh, you're sweet like candy
Smile when you kiss me
But you just can't help me
No, you just can't help me
Your love's so healthy
Butterflies in the street
But it's not you that I see
No, it's not you that I see
You know I'm sorry
Cuz you really want me
And I just let you be
Now it's time to set you free
Love, love, love
Wish I wanted your
Love, love, love
Don't deserve your
Love, love, love
Give up on my
Love, love, love
Smile when you talk but I don't listen
When you hear this hope I am forgiven
Because your too good and I can't show up
Spending all of this time living in your love
But I smile when you talk but I don't listen,
Shhhh
Give me all your love
Still won't be enough
You should know that I don't want your touch
Oh, you're sweet like candy
Smile when you kiss me
But you just can't help me
No, you should can't help me
Your love's so healthy
Butterflies in the street
But it's not you that I see
No, it's not you that I see
You know I'm sorry
Cuz you really want me
And I just let you be
Now it's time to set you free
Love, love, love
Wish I wanted your
Love, love, love
Don't deserve your
Love, love, love
Give up on my
Love, love, love
Love, Love, Love
And I don't want to be selfish it's your
Love, love, love
And I don't want to get caught up in your
Love, love, love
And trust me you don't want none of my
Love, love, love
So baby won't you give up on my
Love, love, love
Wish I wanted your
Love, love, love
Don't deserve your
Give up on my
Love, love, love
Give up on my love
Oh, you're sweet like candy
Smile when you kiss me
But you just can't help me
No, you just can't help me
Your love's so healthy
Butterflies in the street
But it's not you that I see
No, it's not you that I see
You know I'm sorry
Cuz you really want me
And I just let you be
Now it's time to set you free




Love, love, love
Give up on my love, love, love

Overall Meaning

In P-Funk Allstars' song, Give up the Funk, the lyrics talk about a person who feels they have control over their lover, and knows they are wrapped around their finger. They acknowledge that they are not staying for the long term, and that their lover may want more than what they can give. The phrase "give up the funk" is used in the chorus, which can be interpreted as the person asking their lover to give up on their love for them and move on, as they know they cannot meet the expectations of the relationship. The person acknowledges that their lover is sweet and loving but realizes they cannot reciprocate those feelings the way their lover wants them to. Ultimately, the song is about the person's inability to commit and their selfishness in leading their lover on.


The lyrics in this song are relatable to many people who may have experienced a similar situation in their relationships. It can be challenging to let go of someone you care about, but sometimes it's necessary for self-growth and personal development. The song speaks to the importance of communication and being upfront with your partner about your intentions and feelings.


Line by Line Meaning

I know I got you wrapped around my finger
I understand that I have a strong emotional hold on you.


I know when I leave you feel my kiss linger
I realize that you yearn for me even when I am not with you.


I know sparks fly in your mind
I am aware that you cannot stop thinking about me.


Every time I, Oh, every time I
Each instance in which I appear in your life, whether physically or mentally, has an effect on you.


It's hard for you cuz you know I'm not staying
You find it difficult to accept that I am not going to commit to you.


Don't walk away but you know that I'm playing
Although you do not want to leave me, you realize that I am not being sincere with you.


You don't see it, but I don't feel it, I can't mean it
You are oblivious to the fact that I do not reciprocate your feelings and therefore cannot be honest with you.


Give me all your love
I want you to love me with all your heart.


Still won't be enough
Even if you give me all your love, it will not satisfy me.


You should know that I don't want your touch
I do not desire physical affection from you.


Oh, you're sweet like candy
You are kind and gentle towards me.


Smile when you kiss me
You express pleasure when we engage in physical intimacy.


But you just can't help me
Despite your efforts, you are unable to fulfill my emotional needs.


No, you just can't help me
You do not have the ability to make me truly happy.


Your love's so healthy
Your love is genuine and pure.


Butterflies in the street
You feel excited and nervous when you think about me.


But it's not you that I see
Despite your positive qualities, I am not interested in a serious relationship with you.


You know I'm sorry
I feel regretful for leading you on and causing you pain.


Cuz you really want me
I am aware of the depth of your feelings for me.


And I just let you be
I have allowed you to continue to hope for a future with me, despite knowing that I cannot provide that for you.


Now it's time to set you free
I believe it is in your best interest to move on from me and find someone who can reciprocate your feelings.


And I don't want to be selfish it's your
I do not want my own selfish motives to interfere with what is best for you.


And trust me you don't want none of my
You should not desire a relationship with me, as I am not capable of fulfilling your emotional needs.


Give up on my love, love, love
It is time for you to let go of any hope for a romantic relationship with me.




Lyrics Β© DistroKid
Written by: Paityn Boyt

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Growing Love

2023 and I am still listening to this! I am 27 and now I make my own music with P-Funk and G-Funk as the influence

Selections From a Music Historian

This is beyond a description... the essence of FUNK. For every concert I saw when the Mothership dropped, I can only say - no one else did what George did on stage. God bless him and his crew; and my deepest sympathies for the loss of Bernie Worrell, Robert 'P-Nut' Johnson and Walter 'Junie' Morrison over the past year.

FUNKYDADDYPERRY Marrs

You got it!

tcat18

Went to many concerts back then. They were the BEST!! Still dancing to them on my kitchen floor, at age 63.

DoctorCheryl, Historian

this might seem counterintuitive, but I listened to SO MUCH P-Funk/George Clinton while writing my doctoral thesis in Early Modern Scottish history - while in Scotland no less that I should give credit to the band... They helped me stay loose. Love them so much. Really wish I could see them live before I pop off.

matthew thomson

I seen them live supported rhcp. They were better then rhcp. I was stoned so that prob swayed my judgement haha

teresa osborne

You may also be a Doctor of P-funk Now. Thing is I'm going through something now and also turned to P-Funk. Hoping it will help me relax as I face the challenge.

Michelle Jones

I agree DoctorCheryl. I saw them a number of times when I was younger. I lived down the road from Bush Stadium in Indianapolis IN, USA. I wish that I could have seen them live during this period ( circa 1999). They didn’t put on a show, they gave you a unforgettable EXPERIENCE ❀️🎢🎼

Erik Uszynski

If you were listening to to this to help you get through, I know you were also listening to average white band!!

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G M

I had so much fun at these concerts. 62 and still gotta have that funk!

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