In 1949 Ellis's family moved from Florida to Lubbock, Texas, where he was given his nickname "Pee Wee". He gave his first public performance in 1954 at Dunbar Junior High School. In 1955 he moved with his family to Rochester, New York. While attending Madison High School he played professionally with jazz musicians like Ron Carter and Chuck Mangione. In 1957 he moved to New York City, where he had regular lessons with Sonny Rollins. In 1960 he moved back to Florida working as a bandleader, musical director and writer.
Ellis played with the James Brown Revue from 1965 to 1969. While with Brown he arranged and co-wrote hits like "Cold Sweat" and "Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud". In 1969 he returned to New York City. He worked as an arranger and musical director for CTI Records' Kudu label, collaborating with artists like George Benson, Hank Crawford and Esther Phillips. In the late 1970s he moved to San Francisco and formed a band with former Miles Davis sideman David Liebman. Ellis's composition "The Chicken" was made famous by the late electric bass player Jaco Pastorius, who recorded it on his album Invitation. Between 1979 and 1985 he worked with Van Morrison's band as an arranger and musical director.
In the late 1980s, Pee Wee regrouped with some musicians he worked with during his time with James Brown to form the JB Horns. With Fred Wesley and Maceo Parker he recorded a number of albums that defined a distinctive brand of jazz-funk. The group also toured in Europe.
Between 2009 and 2011 Ellis toured an African tribute to James Brown, "Still Black Still Proud", to much acclaim in both USA and Europe. Special guests in the project included Vusi Mahlasela, Maceo Parker, Cheikh Lo, Mahotella Queens and Ghanaian rapper Ty.
From 2012 Ellis toured with the Ginger Baker Jazz Confusion, a quartet comprising Ellis, drummer Ginger Baker, bassist Alec Dankworth and percussionist Abass Dodoo.
I Got You
Pee Wee Ellis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I feel good, I knew that I would, now
So good, so good, I got you
Whoa! I feel nice, like sugar and spice
I feel nice, like sugar and spice
So nice, so nice, I got you
I know that I can't do no wrong
and when I hold you in my arms
My love won't do you no harm
and I feel nice, like sugar and spice
I feel nice, like sugar and spice
So nice, so nice, I got you
When I hold you in my arms
I know that I can't do no wrong
and when I hold you in my arms
My love can't do me no harm
The famous James Brown song "I Got You (I Feel Good)" is a lively and joyful composition that has been universally appreciated and played across generations. Pee Wee Ellis, the fabulous saxophonist, trumpeter, and composer, conceptualized this song's successful musical melody and arrangement. The lyrics of the song revolve around the elation and ecstasy that comes from being in love.
The song unfolds with Brown's infamous howl proclaiming how good he feels, knowing that he has his significant other by his side. The lyrics reiterate this emotion throughout the song, with Brown using vivid metaphors to compare his love to the sweetness of sugar and the impact that it has on his life. The chorus repeats the phrase "So good, so good, I got you," signifying his profound gratitude and pleasure in the relationship that he is cherished.
The lyrics also underscore the promises that Brown makes to his beloved, reassuring her that he will never harm her and cherishing their relationship. The catchy melodies, infectious rhythms, and soulful saxophones that breathe pure musical artistry into every note make this song a classic that brings joy to people. It perpetually radiates a vibe that can make people dance, sing, and sway.
Line by Line Meaning
Whoa-oa-oa! I feel good, I knew that I would, now
Expressing joy and happiness, I am elated and content, just as I anticipated
I feel good, I knew that I would, now
Experiencing immense pleasure, my expectations have been met
So good, so good, I got you
This feeling of elation is even more meaningful because I have you by my side
Whoa! I feel nice, like sugar and spice
I am experiencing pleasant sensations and am feeling euphoric like something sweet and fragrant
I feel nice, like sugar and spice
My spirit and emotions are lifted, just like aromatic sugar and spice
So nice, so nice, I got you
This blissful feeling is amplified by your presence, which makes it even nicer
When I hold you in my arms
The physical act of holding you makes me feel complete and happy
I know that I can't do no wrong
I am confident in our relationship and that my actions will not cause harm, nor do I fear making mistakes
and when I hold you in my arms
Being close to you is so comforting and satisfying, it has a positive effect on me
My love won't do you no harm
My affection for you is pure and kind, and it will never cause you pain
My love can't do me no harm
I am grateful for the love I feel for you, as it brings peace and positivity into my life
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: James Brown
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alex Collett Sinfield
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