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.
Work It Out
The Bar-Kays Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Locked in trying to make it work (Work work)
Sacrifices trying to make 'em worth (Yeah)
People out here they be only acting
Stay focused it's a chain reaction, look (Yeah)
You want my time, I'm committed to the ideas on my mind (On my mind)
So when I'm offline, that's when I be grinding
That's when I be shining, that's on my mom (On my mom)
Not knowing what it really takes to dunk (Huh)
When life teaches you better not bunk
Move in peace better like monk (Peace)
Well dressed like 70s, and I had no clue at 17
Y'all got tools at 17 probably need a good team of seven teens (Facts)
This right here will never cease
Gonna take me across those seven seas (For real)
Show you all about what level means
Cuz I cracked the code in the quarantine
Trying to make it work
All the blood, sweat, tears that I shed
Now I'm trying to make it worth
Trying to make it work
Trying to make it work, work ooh
Ain't got views cuz there's a few
Few really get my point of view (My view)
Well cuz I stand on a pedestal
We do have a different point of view
I mean I see you, I'm sicker than average
I don't speak much, I'm slick and a savage
Cut 'em all like sibilance
And I ain't even talk to my siblings
And I have no hate, y'all have to wait
Got to accelerate before they close them gates
I'm poised and I don't know what else to be
It'll take me places for myself to see (For myself to see)
Trying to make it work
All the blood, sweat, tears that I shed
Now I'm trying to make it worth
Trying to make it work
Trying to make it work, work ooh
The song "Work It Out" by The Bar-Kays discusses the struggles and sacrifices that one makes while trying to achieve success. The lyrics suggest that people out in the world tend to act in ways that may distract or discourage one from their goals, but it is important to remain focused on the endgame. The artist emphasizes their commitment to their ideas and mentions spending offline time grinding and shining. They warn against faking the funk, and highlight the importance of moving through life with peace, like a monk.
The lyrics also include insights into the artist's personal experiences. They reference being well dressed at 17 (like people in the 70s), suggesting a sense of individuality and style. They mention having cracked the code during quarantine, and being sicker than average with no hate in their heart. They also mention cutting off those who displease them, claiming to have no time for those holding them back.
Overall, "Work It Out" is an upbeat and motivating song that encourages listeners to keep grinding and to make sacrifices for the things they truly believe in.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooh
An expression of excitement or enthusiasm.
Locked in trying to make it work (Work work)
Putting in a lot of effort to try and make something successful.
Sacrifices trying to make 'em worth (Yeah)
Making sacrifices in order to achieve success and hoping that they will pay off in the end.
People out here they be only acting
Many people pretend to be something they're not in order to fit in or impress others.
Stay focused it's a chain reaction, look (Yeah)
Staying focused can have a positive impact on other areas of your life - it's like a chain reaction.
You want my time, I'm committed to the ideas on my mind (On my mind)
If someone wants your time, you may not be able to give it to them because you are focused on your own ideas and goals.
So when I'm offline, that's when I be grinding
When I'm not online or visible to others, I'm working hard to achieve my goals.
That's when I be shining, that's on my mom (On my mom)
When I'm putting in work and achieving my goals, I shine and make my mother proud.
They be out here trying to fake the funk
They are pretending to be something they're not or trying too hard to impress others.
Not knowing what it really takes to dunk (Huh)
Not understanding the true effort and hard work that is required to achieve success.
When life teaches you better not bunk
Life will teach you the consequences of not putting in the work and procrastinating.
Move in peace better like monk (Peace)
To be peaceful and calm can help you move forward in life in a positive way.
Well dressed like 70s, and I had no clue at 17
At 17, I dressed like it was the 70s but had no idea what the future held for me.
Y'all got tools at 17 probably need a good team of seven teens (Facts)
At 17, many people have resources and opportunities to succeed but may also need a supportive team to help them along the way.
This right here will never cease
The drive and determination to succeed will never stop.
Gonna take me across those seven seas (For real)
My hard work and determination will take me on adventures and opportunities to travel the world.
Show you all about what level means
I will demonstrate what it truly means to reach a high level of success.
Cuz I cracked the code in the quarantine
I found the key to success during a time of isolation and self-reflection.
Ain't got views cuz there's a few
Not many people understand my perspective or ideas.
Few really get my point of view (My view)
Only a small number of people truly understand and agree with my opinions and ideas.
Well cuz I stand on a pedestal
I have a high level of confidence and pride in myself and my ideas.
We do have a different point of view
Our perspectives and opinions may differ from each other.
I mean I see you, I'm sicker than average
Although I understand where you're coming from, I still have a unique and exceptional point of view.
I don't speak much, I'm slick and a savage
I don't talk a lot, but I am clever and fierce when it comes to achieving my goals.
Cut 'em all like sibilance
I am eliminating all obstacles in my way to success.
And I ain't even talk to my siblings
I am so focused on my goals and work that I haven't even had time to talk to my siblings.
And I have no hate, y'all have to wait
I have no negative feelings towards anyone and they will have to wait for my success to come naturally.
Got to accelerate before they close them gates
I need to speed up my progress before my opportunities run out.
I'm poised and I don't know what else to be
I am confident, calm, and collected in pursuit of my goals.
It'll take me places for myself to see (For myself to see)
My hard work and success will lead me to new opportunities and experiences that I never thought possible.
Trying to make it work
Putting in a lot of effort to achieve success.
All the blood, sweat, tears that I shed
The hard work and sacrifices that I have made in pursuit of my goals.
Now I'm trying to make it worth
I am hoping for my hard work to pay off and yield positive outcomes.
Trying to make it work
Continuing to put in effort towards achieving success.
Trying to make it work, work ooh
Putting in consistent effort towards achieving success and having enthusiasm for the journey.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Krunal Panchal
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Musiclover60
TOO DAMN FONKY Y'ALL
jay dee
well hello you all as the late Don Cornelius would say here is another smash from the mighty, mighty Bar-kays. now tell me youngsters who don't know what real music sound like. can you dig it.
Musiclover60
I can sho nuff dig that Solid on down
Marcus Reeves
FUNKY ASS BAR KAYS
Jeffrey
Sounds too much like War’s “Low Rider”. The Bar-Kays and Allen A Jones (their producer) stay swiping R&B and Funk melodies.