Beeson originally formed a band called Johnson in 2001 with his friend Berckelman, before creating the indie band label Motherlovin' Records in 2004. Subsequent bands included Malcolm X & the Black Auditorium and Berkfinger and The Sweats, the latter combining to form Philadelphia Grand Jury in early 2008. Dan Williams (aka Dan W. Sweat) was the band's original drummer before departing from the group in September 2009 to focus on performing with Art vs. Science. He rejoined the band in 2013 as a part of the band's reunion.
In May 2009, the band signed a joint venture deal with Boomtown Records to release their records, on their own label, Normal People Making Hits, with distribution through Shock Records.
In June 2009, the band released "Going to the Casino (Tomorrow Night)" as a 7" vinyl EP. The EP was self-recorded, produced and released. "Going to the Casino" received significant airplay on Triple J and featured on the television mini-series Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities, also appearing on the soundtrack album. The band's debut album, Hope Is for Hopers, was released on 25 September 2009, reaching #34 on the ARIA Albums Chart.
At the fourth annual AIR Awards, held on 22 November 2009, Philadelphia Grand Jury won an award for 'Best Independent Single or EP'. The video for "The Good News" was filmed in North Sydney and at Parsley Bay, Rowe Street-Bondi Junction & Lighthouse Reserve-Vaucluse.
In October 2010, the band announced that they had Welch had left the band, as the 'rigours of the road have proved too arduous for the 55-year-old drummer'. Welch's replacement was Berlin-based, Brisbane-born Susanna "Susie Dreamboat" Patten (formerly of I Heart Hiroshima), who performed with the band on their tour of the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia. Patten finished touring with the band in January 2011.
In March 2011, news surfaced that the band had abandoned work on the follow up to Hope is for Hopers. When FasterLouder sought a follow-up, they were met with the following statement in regards to the band's current status.
Philadelphia Grand Jury are on something of a hiatus. No need to make it a bigger deal than it is. Creative individuals tend to have more than one project and Philadelphia Grand Jury is just one of Berkfinger’s musical personas. Berkfinger is currently focusing on other projects, including moving his recording gear to Berlin to finish the recordings that he has been working on in the various incarnations of studios that he has built over the years.
On 2 November 2011 the band posted on their Facebook page that the band had broken up.
Beeson moved onto production and remix work under the moniker of Boyhood, while Berckelman relocated to Berlin and began working on a solo project entitled Feelings. In 2013, Berckelman assembled Beeson and Williams to join him on tour in Australia under the Feelings moniker. The three playing together for the first time in nearly four years immediately sparked rumours of a reunion, which were confirmed with a midnight performance by the band at the 2013 BIGSOUND Festival in Brisbane.
Ready To Roll
Philadelphia Grand Jury Lyrics
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That I am about to get my game on
I'm not like the other brothers (I'm not like the other brothers)
I'm not like the other brothers (I'm not like the other brothers)
I'm not like the other brothers
But I'm ready to roll
But you, you are on the right track
I'm not like the other brothers (I'm not like the other brothers)
I'm not like the other brothers (I'm not like the other brothers)
I'm not like the other brothers
But I'm ready to roll
If you want it come and get it right now
If you want it come and get it right now
If you want it come and get it right now
If you want it come and get it right now
If you want it come and get it right now
If you want it come and get it right now
You, I just want you to know
That I am about to get my game on
I'm not like the other brothers (I'm not like the other brothers)
I'm not like the other brothers (I'm not like the other brothers)
I'm not like the other brothers
But I'm ready to roll
Well I can have some trouble getting started
But you, you are on the right track
The lyrics of Philadelphia Grand Jury's song Ready To Roll are about the band member who is gearing up to get into the game. He admits that he is not like the other brothers and has trouble getting started. However, he claims to be ready to roll and wants everyone to know it, especially the woman he is addressing in the song. He wants her to understand that he is about to bring his A-game and take charge of the situation. The repeated lines, "I'm not like the other brothers, but I'm ready to roll" emphasize his uniqueness and confidence in his ability to deliver on his promises.
The chorus, "If you want it come and get it right now" shows that the singer is proactive and wants to take control of the situation. He wants the woman to know that he is not afraid to pursue what he wants and is willing to make the first move. He sees himself as being on the "right track" and believes that the woman can see it too.
Overall, "Ready to Roll" is an empowering song that encourages the listener to embrace their uniqueness and be confident in their abilities. The repeated lines of "I'm not like the other brothers" show that it is okay to be different and that individuality should be celebrated.
Line by Line Meaning
You, I just want you to know
That I am about to get my game on
The singer wants someone to know that they are about to start performing at their best.
I'm not like the other brothers (I'm not like the other brothers)
I'm not like the other brothers (I'm not like the other brothers)
I'm not like the other brothers
But I'm ready to roll
The singer is acknowledging that they are not like everyone else, but they are still ready to take action.
Well I can have some trouble getting started
But you, you are on the right track
The singer admits that they might struggle with getting started, but they believe that whoever they are speaking to is already on the right path.
If you want it come and get it right now
If you want it come and get it right now
If you want it come and get it right now
If you want it come and get it right now
If you want it come and get it right now
If you want it come and get it right now
The artist is urging someone to take action and seize what they want without delay.
Contributed by Ruby Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.