Spirit in the Dark
Ray Charles Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm gettin' the spirit in the dark
I'm gettin' the spirit in the dark
People movin', oh people groovin'
They're gettin' the spirit in the dark
Tell me sister, how do you feel?
Tell me my brother brother brother, how do you feel?
You feel like dancin', get up and let's start dancin'
Start gettin' the spirit, the spirit in the dark

[Chorus:]
It's like Sally Walker, sittin' in a saucer
That's how you do it, ain't nothin' to it
Ride Sally ride
Put your hands on your hips, cover your eyes
And move, move with the spirit
Oh yeah move, move with the spirit
Oh move, move with the spirit now now now
Move, with the spirit
How you're gettin' the spirit, I've been gettin' in the dark
I wonder how you're gettin' the spirit, gettin' the spirit in the dark
People movin', yeah everybody's groovin'
Just gettin' the spirit, how you're gettin' it how you're gettin' it in the
dark





(repeat [Chorus:])
(chorus: I think I've got it! &adlib to "move with the spirit")

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Ray Charles's song Spirit in the Dark convey the energy, rhythm, and feeling of a moment when people are gathered together, dancing and feeling the spirit. The opening lines, "I'm gettin' the spirit in the dark / People movin', oh people groovin' / They're gettin' the spirit in the dark," suggest a communal experience where everyone is part of the dance and feeling the energy of the music. This is reinforced by the call and response between the singer and "sister" and "brother," asking how they feel and encouraging them to dance and "start gettin' the spirit." Charles's voice is soulful and rich, conveying the passion and intensity of the moment.


The chorus of the song uses the example of "Sally Walker" to illustrate how to dance and "move with the spirit." The lyrics are playful and catchy, encouraging listeners to participate and join in the fun. The repetition of the phrase "move with the spirit" in the chorus reinforces the idea of a shared experience, as everyone is moving and feeling the energy together. The final adlib of the song, where Charles exclaims "I think I've got it!" and encourages everyone to keep moving with the spirit, reinforces the joy and excitement of the moment.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm gettin' the spirit in the dark
I'm feeling the spiritual energy even though I'm in darkness or uncertainty.


People movin', oh people groovin'
Everyone is dancing and enjoying themselves.


Tell me sister, how do you feel?
Asking a female friend how she is feeling amidst the good vibes.


You feel like dancin', get up and let's start dancin'
Encouraging someone to join in the celebration and dance along.


It's like Sally Walker, sittin' in a saucer
Referencing a popular dance move and comparing it to the feeling and energy of the moment.


That's how you do it, ain't nothin' to it
Stating that anyone can join in and dance, there are no rules or restrictions.


Ride Sally ride
Encouraging someone to keep dancing and have fun.


And move, move with the spirit
Dance freely and let the spiritual energy guide you.


Oh yeah move, move with the spirit
Reinforcing the idea to dance and let go.


How you're gettin' the spirit, I've been gettin' in the dark
Asking how someone is feeling the spiritual energy and acknowledging that the singer is feeling it too.


People movin', yeah everybody's groovin'
Everyone is participating and feeling the rhythm and energy of the moment.


Just gettin' the spirit, how you're gettin' it how you're gettin' it in the dark
Simply feeling the spiritual energy and being present in the moment, regardless of external circumstances.




Lyrics © SPRINGTIME MUSIC INC
Written by: ARETHA FRANKLIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Virginia Coleman

This collaboration on "Spirit in the Dark" with Aretha Franklin & Ray Charles was just an awesome classic funky groove...the whole album was fantastic!!!

Robert Flannelly

One of those real live performances of two of the best making it real, wow. We will miss them RIP and thanks Aretha and Ray, feeling the spirit!!!

Mr Maxxx

two souls of the same being and this live performance was stunning and essential.two of the ground breaking artists ever

glenn zinnanmon

The Queen and the Genius together makes one hell of an explosion. And this song is "TIMELESS"

Reg Jones

Love it! Goosebumps when listening ..

MusiqTruth

Encore Encore!! two of the best in Soul. Thank you Ray and Aretha for all you gave to the world. Rest peacefully

g jazzy

I feel the the earth scrumbling down underneath my feet! One and only encounter of the soul king and queen. Who else cannot feel the groove.

Mario stallings

This is one of those moments in time where you sit back and listen and enjoy

Greg Zimel

Greatness.... from two of my favorite musicians of all time. Now they can play together again up in the big blue sky.

Nimat Rashid

THIS SONG WILL DEFINITELY MAKE YOU MOVE! PRICELESS! WE WERE BLESSED WITH THE GENIUS OF BOTH ARETHA FRANKLIN AND THE INCOMPARABLE RAY CHARLES!!!!

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