On December 10, 1967, Redding, his manager, and band members Jimmy King (b.1949; guitar), Ronnie Caldwell (b. 1948; organ), Phalon Jones (b. 1949; saxophone), and Carl Cunningham (b. 1949; drums) died in a plane crash in Lake Monona while on their way to a performance in Madison, Wisconsin.
Trumpeter Ben Cauley survived the crash and bassist James Alexander (who missed the flight due to returning a rental car) rebuilt the group.
The reformed band consisted of Cauley; Alexander; Harvey Henderson, saxophone; Michael Toles, guitar; Ronnie Gorden, organ; Willie Hall, drums and later Larry Dodson, lead vocals.
The group backed dozens of major Stax artists on recordings afterwards, including on Isaac Hayes' Hot Buttered Soul album, and changed direction in the 1970s to have a successful funk music career. Lloyd Smith joined the Bar-Kays in 1973. They continued to score hits on R&B charts well into the 1980s and lately have incorporated contemporary rap & remix elements into their continuing career and have performed all over the world.
Give Everybody Some
The Bar-Kays Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Good evening one and all, this is channel 24
Bringing you the latest news around the world
Down in Florida today, someone tried to get away
When he commandeered the train at Disney World
Until noon it was a standoff, but then he lost his luck
When someone shot him down, dressed up like Donald Duck
And we're sorry that we could not show it live
But we'll have film of the shooting here at five
Give me some news I can use, let me smile for a while
For the madness has taken it's toll
Give me some news I can use, just a break for the sake
Of my mind which is losing control
From Washington today, called a senator to say
That our future has been cancelled 'cause we're broke
We called the white house without end finally reached the President
Says he don't know if it's real or just a joke
And last night at the playoffs, things got pretty grim
They crucified the referee and tore him limb from limb
Ah, you should have been there
And in the weather, there's a hurricane in sight
And that's the way it is with us tonight
Give me some news I can use, let me smile for a while
For the madness has taken it's toll
Give me some news I can use, just a break for the sake
Of my mind which is losing control
Seems like every single day another mind gets blown away
And the world goes just a little more insane
I got problems of my own, tryin' to keep my house and home
And I sure could stand some cheerful news again
My agent called to tell me my record's on the chart
It's number 90 with an anchor, I never said that it was art
I gotta eat too, ya know
And my buddy who still owes me for his bail
He says, "don't worry, your check is in the mail"
Give me some news I can use, let me smile for a while
For the madness has taken it's toll
Give me some news I can use, just a break for the sake
Of my mind which is losing control
© 1977 Rambunctious Music
ASCAP
The Bar-Kays's Give Everybody Some is a song that perfectly encapsulates the feeling of collective exhaustion and frustration with the world's chaos. The song is introduced by a radio announcer reporting on various absurd and tragic situations happening around the world, from a hostage situation at Disney World to a hurricane on the horizon. The verses then reflect on the singer's personal struggles, such as financial difficulties and an unfulfilling job.
The lyrics of the chorus, "Give me some news I can use, let me smile for a while, for the madness has taken its toll," perfectly sum up the song's sentiment. It's a cry for relief from the constant barrage of negativity and chaos in the world. It's a desire for some reprieve, however fleeting it may be, from the despair and frustration that can easily consume one's mind. The song's use of humor and irony in the face of these issues also reflects the idea that sometimes laughter and joy may be the best way to confront tragedy and disappointment.
Interestingly, the song was originally written and recorded in 1977, but was not released until 2010 as part of a compilation album. The Bar-Kays had achieved success in the 1960s and 70s as a funk band, but experienced a tragic setback in 1967 when four of their members were killed in the same plane crash that also took the life of Otis Redding. The band re-formed, but struggled to recapture their previous success in the following years.
Despite this, Give Everybody Some reflects the same energy and creativity that made The Bar-Kays's early work so memorable. The song's fusion of funk and rock elements creates a driving, danceable beat, while its lyrics touch on themes of personal and global struggle that remain relevant today.
Line by Line Meaning
Good evening one and all, this is channel 24
Greetings everyone, we are Channel 24 delivering the latest news.
Bringing you the latest news around the world
We will provide current events from all over the world.
Down in Florida today, someone tried to get away
In Florida, an individual attempted to escape.
When he commandeered the train at Disney World
That individual hijacked a train at Disney World.
Until noon it was a standoff, but then he lost his luck
A stalemate ensued until noon, followed by the individual's misfortune.
When someone shot him down, dressed up like Donald Duck
The perpetrator was killed, and the person who shot him was dressed like Donald Duck.
It was a midget G-man
The gunman was a little person working for the government.
And we're sorry that we could not show it live
We apologize for not broadcasting the incident live.
But we'll have film of the shooting here at five
We will have footage of the shooting on the evening news.
From Washington today, called a senator to say
Today, from Washington, a person called a senator to inform them.
That our future has been cancelled 'cause we're broke
The person stated that our future is jeopardized because we are financially insolvent.
We called the white house without end finally reached the President
We repeatedly called the White House and eventually spoke to the President.
Says he don't know if it's real or just a joke
The President expressed uncertainty whether the issue is genuine or not.
And last night at the playoffs, things got pretty grim
Last night, the playoffs became quite distressing.
They crucified the referee and tore him limb from limb
The referees were mistreated severely, resulting in severe bodily harm.
And in the weather, there's a hurricane in sight
The weather forecast indicates that a hurricane is approaching.
And that's the way it is with us tonight
This is the information we have for tonight's broadcast.
Seems like every single day another mind gets blown away
It appears that every day, someone's sanity is lost.
And the world goes just a little more insane
Consequently, the world becomes slightly crazier day by day.
I got problems of my own, trying to keep my house and home
I am experiencing my challenges, attempting to maintain my household and living conditions.
And I sure could stand some cheerful news again
Some positive news would be much appreciated at this time.
My agent called to tell me my record's on the chart
My agent informed me that my music is on the charts.
It's number 90 with an anchor, I never said that it was art
It ranked 90th with no potential for higher placements; I never claimed my music was artistic.
I gotta eat too, ya know
As a musician, I still have practical needs like eating.
And my buddy who still owes me for his bail
Additionally, my companion is still in debt to me for his bail money.
He says, "don't worry, your check is in the mail"
He guaranteed that he sent repayment by mail.
Give me some news I can use, let me smile for a while
Deliver informative yet delightful news to lift my spirits temporarily,
For the madness has taken its toll
As craziness becomes more common, it has affected us adversely.
Just a break for the sake of my mind which is losing control
Please give a respite to help me regain control of my thoughts and emotions.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JOHN KAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
William Gordon
Feel the energy!!! Beautiful.
Michael Glickman
I can't believe that this song did not make the Billboard Hot 100. It's certainly worthy of Hot 100 status.
Frankie C
@ Michael Glickman It certainly DID make the Billboard Top 100. It made #91 in Oct. 1967.
Michael Glickman
wynonie harris I actually meant Top 40.
rongee 2049
Thanx 4 this upload bricomaligno!
Horbert and Marinda
Are these records worth anything
mycatsdead
bad ass