Flash Light
Parliament Lyrics


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Now, I lay me down to sleep
Ooh, I just can't find a beat
Flash light (ohh, I will never dance!)
Flash light
Flash light
Flash light

Ha da da dee da hada hada da da

Oh, it's no use!

Flash light
Red light
Neon light
Ooh, stop light

Now I lay me down to sleep
I guess I'll go count the sheep
Oh, but I will never dance

(Oh, don't make me do it)
(Dance, sucker! Ooh ha ha!)
(Oww! Get him!)

Most of all he needs the funk (shine it)
Help him find the funk (ha, funk it!)
Most of all he needs the funk
Help him find the funk (get him)
Most of all he needs the funk (I know we can get him)
Help him find the funk (ho!)
Most of all he needs the funk (ha, don't!)
Help him find the funk (I know you will! Dance, sucker!)
Most of all he needs the funk (Shine the spotlight on him!)
Help him find the funk (Oh funk me!)

Ha da da dee da hada hada da da (Dance, Nose! You know you on my funk street???)
Oh, funk me!
Ha da da dee da hada hada da da (Get on down, Nose! I like it! Dance, then!)

Flash light
Flash light (oh ho ho!)
Spot light ( spot light)
Neon light (neon light)
Street light (street light)

Oh ho, ha ha!

Everybody's got a little light under the sun

Shinin' on the funk
Shinin' on the funk

Most of all he need the funk (Ha da da dee da hada hada da da)
Help him find the funk
Most of all he need the funk
Help him find the funk
Most of all he need the funk
Help him find the funk
Most of all he need the funk
Help him find the funk

Ha da da dee da hada hada da da
Oh
Flash light (flash light, flash light)
Flash light (flash light, flash light)
Flash light (oh, flash light)
Flash light (oh, flash light)
Spot light (spot light)
Neon light (ooooh, neon light)
Flash light (ooh, flash light ho!)
Stop light (stop light)

Now I lay me down to sleep
I guess I'll go count the sheep
Ha da da dee da hada hada da da (oh)
Shake your funk (Ha da da dee da hada hada da da)
Shake your funk (Ha da da dee da hada hada da da)
Shake your rump (Ha da da dee da hada hada da da) (ho!)
I think I found the funk

Flash light (flash light)
Day light (day light)
Spot light (spot light)
Red light (ohhh, hooo, red light!)

Everybody's got a little light under the sun

Ha da da dee da hada hada da da
Ha da da dee da hada hada da da
Ha da da dee da hada hada da da
Ha da da dee da hada hada da da
Ha da da dee da hada hada da da
Ha da da dee da hada hada da da
Ha da da dee da hada hada da da
Ha da da dee da hada hada da da

Everybody's got a little light under the sun
Under the sun
Under the sun
Under the sun
Under the sun
Under the sun
Under the sun




Under the sun
Under the sun

Overall Meaning

The song "Flash Light" by Parliament is a funk classic that has been widely popular since its release in 1977. The lyrics of the song seemingly describe someone who is having trouble finding their rhythm and cannot seem to dance to the music. The lyrics suggest that the person is looking for the funk, and everyone else around them is dancing and enjoying the music. The person appears to be searching for their groove and is urged to find the funk with the help of others.


The song also contains several sound effects, including literal flashlight noises, whistles, and horns. The chorus repeats the phrase "flash light" as well as several other types of lights such as neon and stoplight. The song ends with an encouraging message that everyone has a little light under the sun, and by finding the funk, they can shine their light and enjoy the music.


Overall, the song's message is about finding one's rhythm in life and allowing oneself to let go and get lost in the music. The song encourages the listener to find their inner funk and embrace the joy and energy that comes with it.


Line by Line Meaning

Now, I lay me down to sleep
The singer is tired and wants some rest.


Ooh, I just can't find a beat
The singer is unable to feel the rhythm of the music.


Flash light (ohh, I will never dance!)
The singer does not want to dance and is resistant to it, despite the music's attempt to get them to do so.


Ha da da dee da hada hada da da
This is a nonsensical lyric and has no true meaning in the context of the song.


Oh, it's no use!
The artist is frustrated and feels defeated in their inability to dance.


Red light
A reference to traffic signals, where a red light means to stop.


Neon light
A type of bright light, often used in flashy displays in cities.


Ooh, stop light
The artist is getting impatient with the various lights and wants to keep going.


I guess I'll go count the sheep
The artist is trying to find some way to fall asleep, despite the music playing loudly.


(Oh, don't make me do it)
The artist is still resistant to dancing and is pleading with the music to leave them alone.


(Dance, sucker! Ooh ha ha!)
The music is taunting the singer, trying to get them to dance despite their unwillingness.


(Oww! Get him!)
This is likely a reference to someone in the audience or a member of the band, encouraging them to dance.


Most of all he needs the funk (shine it)
The singer is calling for more of the signature 'funk' style in the music and encouraging the band to showcase it.


Help him find the funk (ha, funk it!)
The singer is getting excited about the funk and wants to hear more of it in the music.


Ha, don't!
This is likely a playful moment of resistance to the funk, before the singer ultimately gives in and dances.


(Shine the spotlight on him!)
The artist is asking for more attention and focus to be put onto their dancing.


(Oh funk me!)
The artist is getting into the music and enjoying the funk, getting ready to dance.


(Get on down, Nose! I like it! Dance, then!)
This is likely a reference to another member of the band or someone in the audience, encouraging them to dance and enjoy the funk together.


Spot light ( spot light)
A type of focused light used in performances to highlight something or someone specific.


Street light (street light)
Typically used to light up the streets in urban areas, but also used in the context of a performance to add to the visual display.


Everybody's got a little light under the sun
A reference to everyone having the potential for greatness and success.


Shinin' on the funk
The artist is riding the energy of the funk music and feeling good about it.


(Ha da da dee da hada hada da da)
Another nonsensical lyric, possibly just a filler phrase to match the rhythm of the music.


(Shake your funk)
The artist is calling for others to join them in dancing and enjoying the funk music.


(I think I found the funk)
The singer has fully embraced the funk and is now aving fun dancing to it.


Day light (day light)
A reference to natural sunlight or a bright light source during the day.


Under the sun
A continuation of the idea that everyone has the potential for greatness and success, no matter the circumstances.




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Bernard Worrell, George Jr Clinton, William Earl Collins

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@doriangray6166

Just heard my 16 year grandson playing this in his room. There's hope for the next generation 💯

@cedricsmith2929

And a child shall lead us!!

@MrLenroc82

Dont forget.....we gotta keep these tunes playing ✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽

@minorsnow5306

Some kids will always seek good music

@willisverynice

And for all the generations to come.

@lesliekendall9902

Right on

21 More Replies...

@TMGettingMoney

This song came out in ‘77, when I was a 13 year old and immediately brings me back to my childhood growing up in Harlem. The guitars and the whole production is pure bananas! One of the most extraordinary and timeless classics ever produced! Salute to the legendary and incomparable Parliament!!!💯‼️👑💪🏾🔥

@powerkor

it lasted about 2 days in the south

@jsutigers8954

​@ENOCH THE RAD not in Jxn Ms....my Uncle is a PFunk Diehard...

@phizzler5051

​​@ENOCH THE RAD i moved from southern california to northwest arkansas and its still good over here. im prolly the only white guy listening to it but its still good

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