The original members of the group were Gary Loizzo on vocals, Charles Colbert, Jr. on bass guitar, Al Ciner on guitar, and Lee Graziano on drums. All members were from the greater Chicago area. As "Gary & The Nite Lites", they were somewhat successful in Chicago and put out one single. Soon afterwards, the group underwent several changes. They moved to the Acta record label and renamed themselves The American Breed. Two new members were also added by 1968: Kevin Murphy on keyboards and Andre Fischer on drums.
The band enjoyed its greatest success in 1967 and 1968. They put five singles on the charts, including "Step Out Of Your Mind", "Green Light" and "Bend Me, Shape Me". The group disbanded the following year, and Fischer went on to form Rufus (with Chaka Khan). He later married Natalie Cole. A compilation album, Bend Me, Shape Me: The Best of the American Breed, was released in 1994. "Bend Me, Shape Me" continues to receive occasional airplay on oldies radio stations.
In celebration of the 2005 baseball World Championship of the Chicago White Sox, the American Breed issued a CD single entitled "Rock with the Sox." The single was produced by Gary Loizzo.
Ready Willing and Able
The American Breed Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who really don't need you
How long are you gonna fall for
The lines that he feeds you
Now you're wasting precious time
You wait for him when you know that
To give you all the love you need
I'm ready, willing, and able
I'm qualified to satisfy you
If he really, really loves you
You wouldn't be so lonesome
Sweet love shouldn't be wasted
When you know I want some
Now you need someone to care
Say the word and I'll be there
I've got a whole lotta loving
That I wanna give you
Come on, get yourself together
And let me stay with you
Girl, it's gonna be a groove
The time is right, make your move
The American Breed's song Ready Willing and Able is about a man who sees a woman hanging on to a person who is not in love with her. He tells her that she is wasting her time and that he is ready, willing, and able to love her. He questions her about how long she is going to continue to fall for the lines that this other man feeds her, and how she is waiting for him even though she knows he doesn't need her.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the availability of the man singing to love her, and promising to satisfy her. He emphasizes the fact that if she were with him, she wouldn't be lonely, and that love should not be wasted when he is there and can fulfill her desires. He invites her to let him stay with her, as he has a lot of love to give, and tells her that now is the right time to take action and make a move.
Overall, the song is a plea to a woman who is in love with someone who is not reciprocating her feelings. The singer is telling her that he can give her everything she needs, and that she is just wasting time by waiting for this other man who doesn't love her. It is a hopeful song that urges the woman to make a change and give the singer a chance.
Line by Line Meaning
Right now, you're hung up on someone
You're currently emotionally attached to someone
Who really don't need you
Who doesn't need or want you
How long are you gonna fall for
How much more time are you going to waste on
The lines that he feeds you
The lies that he tells you to keep you attached to him
Now you're wasting precious time
You're losing important time that could be spent on something better
You wait for him when you know that
You're waiting for him even though you know
I'm ready, willing, and able
I am prepared and capable
To give you all the love you need
To provide you with the love and attention you require
I'm ready, willing, and able
I am prepared and capable
I'm qualified to satisfy you
I have the skills and ability to fulfill your needs and desires
If he really, really loves you
If he truly loves you
You wouldn't be so lonesome
You wouldn't feel so lonely and detached
Sweet love shouldn't be wasted
True love is precious and shouldn't be squandered
When you know I want some
Especially when I am willing and desirous of it
Now you need someone to care
You require someone who will be attentive and concerned for you
Say the word and I'll be there
Just tell me when and I'll come
I've got a whole lotta loving
I have an abundance of love and affection to give
That I wanna give you
That I am eager to provide to you
Come on, get yourself together
Pull yourself together and get focused
And let me stay with you
And allow me to remain by your side
Girl, it's gonna be a groove
It's going to be fun and enjoyable
The time is right, make your move
The perfect opportunity has presented itself, take action now
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BOB STONE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind