The Bar-Kays were a popular Memphis, Tennessee, soul, R&B, and funk group p… Read Full Bio ↴The Bar-Kays were a popular Memphis, Tennessee, soul, R&B, and funk group performing from 1966 that continues in some form to perform today, although with only one original member. They began as a favorite soul studio sessions group backing major artists at Stax Records, chosen in 1967 by Otis Redding to play as his touring backup band.

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.

Hole In The Wall
The Bar-Kays Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

In the hole
Look here, look here, look here
You know my pockets is empty

Overall Meaning

The Bar-Kays's song In The Hole is about financial struggle and the feeling of emptiness that comes with being broke. The lyrics convey a sense of hopelessness and frustration as the singer laments their lack of money. The repetition of "in the hole" reinforces the idea that they are literally in debt and cannot dig themselves out of their financial situation.

The first two lines of the song, "Look here, look here, look here / You know my pockets is empty" immediately set the tone for the rest of the song. The singer is speaking to someone, possibly a friend or family member, asking for help or understanding of their situation. The use of "you know" implies that this is not a new issue, and the listener is aware of the financial struggles the singer has been facing.

The song can be seen as a reflection of the economic hardships faced by many African Americans during the 1960s and 1970s. The Bar-Kays were a group of predominantly black musicians from Memphis, Tennessee, and their music often spoke to the experiences of their community. The repetition of the lyrics, the groovy bassline, and the soulful vocals all work together to create a sense of empathy and understanding for those who may be struggling financially.

Line by Line Meaning

In the hole
I am in a bad financial situation.

Look here, look here, look here
Pay attention to what I am saying.

You know my pockets is empty
I have no money in my pockets.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALLEN ALVOID JR. JONES, JAMES ALEXANDER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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