After signing with the Karen record label, owned by McLaughlin, the group went on to record and release their first single in 1963, "Dog and Cat/The Kick." The record displayed the upbeat energy of their later work, however the juvenile nature and lyrics of the song couldn't find a substantial audience. In light of the disappointing performance of their debut single, the group dissolved and pursued other ventures.
The mid-60s saw many dance crazes; one of the most popular ones was a dance called "the jerk." It consisted of holding the arms out in different positions and making thrusting motions with the hips. Though controversial for lewdness at the time, a particularly sexual version of the dance had become popular in Detroit clubs, called the "pimp jerk."
Seeking to capitalize on the popularity of the dance, and dance songs in general, Storball wrote a song about the pimp jerk, renaming it to "cool jerk" in order to prevent possible banning by radio stations. Realizing that the song was a hit, the group re-formed and contacted McLaughlin in order to secure studio time to record the song.
The song was recorded at Golden World Studios in Detroit on March 14, 1966 with the legendary Motown house band The Funk Brothers. Though the song was meant to include a horn accompaniment, the contracted musicians failed to arrive to the recording, and the horns were omitted from the track. It was released on July 2, 1966 and was a smash hit, reaching as high as #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the Billboard R&B charts.
Attempting to exploit the success of their hit single, the Capitols released two albums in 1966, "Dance the Cool Jerk" and "We Got a Thing," both featuring mostly covers of popular Motown and soul songs. Both albums were somewhat of a commercial and critical failure, though "Dance the Cool Jerk" did spend one week in the Billboard Top 200 Albums at #95 in July 1966. The group released eight additional singles after "Cool Jerk", none of which made any of the Billboard charts, relegating the group to a One-Hit Wonder. In late 1969, the group broke up for the final time.
"We Got a Thing That's in the Groove" was the basis of the French yé-yé song "Les filles s'est fait pour faire l'amour," which was recorded by Charlotte Leslie and Mareva Galanter.
Storball went on to have a career in the Detroit Police Department, and still lives in Detroit to this day. Richard McDougall died on February 19, 1984 of unknown causes. Samuel George died March 17, 1982 of stabbing wounds.
Good Lovin'
The Capitols Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So bad
I asked my family doctor just what I had
I said, Doctor
(Doctor)
Mr. M.D.
(Doctor)
Can you tell me
(Doctor)
He said, Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
(Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Ah, yes, indeed, all I really need
(Good lovin')
Gimme some good, good lovin'
(Good lovin′)
All I need is lovin′
(Good lovin')
Good, good lovin′, baby.
Honey please, squeeze me tight
Don't you want your baby to feel alright?
I said Baby
(Baby)
It′s for sure
(It's for sure)
I got the fever,
(Got the fever)
But you′ve got the cure
(You've got the cure)
Everybody now
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
(Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Yes, indeed, all I really need
(Good lovin')
Gimme some good, good lovin′
(Good lovin′)
All I need is lovin'
(Good lovin′)
Good, good lovin', baby
(Good lovin′)
All I need is lovin'
(Good lovin′)
Good, good, good, good lovin'
(Good lovin')
Love, love, love, now
(Good lovin′)
Love, love, love, love, love now
(Good lovin′)
Love, love, love, love, love, now
(Good lovin')
The Capitols' song "Good Lovin'" is a classic Motown hit that exudes an infectious energy with its upbeat melody and lively lyrics. The song opens with the singer asking his doctor about his ailment, seeking a cure for his troubles. However, the doctor's response is unexpected as he proceeds to prescribe the ultimate panacea - some "good lovin'". The song then shifts into an irresistible call-and-response chorus where the singer pleads for his lover to "squeeze me tight" and provide him with the remedy he needs.
On one level, "Good Lovin'" is a simple feel-good love song. But on closer inspection, it speaks to the transformative power of love and the magic it can bring into our lives. The lyrics are a plea for intimacy, connection, and vulnerability that can only come from a deep, trusting romantic relationship. The song's lively beat is the perfect complement to its message, urging listeners to let loose, let love in, and dance like there's no tomorrow.
Line by Line Meaning
I was feelin'
The singer was feeling unwell and unhappy
So bad
The singer was feeling very bad with his condition
I asked my family doctor just what I had
The singer asked his doctor to diagnose his condition
I said, Doctor
The singer addressed his doctor as Doctor
(Doctor)
The singer repeated his address for emphasis
Mr. M.D.
The singer addressed his doctor as Mr. M.D.
(Doctor)
The singer repeated his address again.
Can you tell me
The singer asked the doctor to tell him his diagnosis
What's ailin' me?
The singer wants to know what is causing his ailment.
He said, Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
The doctor responded positively with enthusiasm
(Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
He agreed to tell the singer what he needs
Ah, yes, indeed, all I really need
The doctor needs to give his patient something
(good lovin')
This is what the doctor thinks the patient needs
Gimme some good, good lovin'
The singer is requesting some good lovin'
(Good lovin') All I need is lovin'
The singer thinks that all he really needs is some good lovin'
Good, good lovin', baby.
The singer is asking his partner for some good lovin'
Honey, please squeeze me tight
The singer wants his partner to hold him tightly
Don't you want your baby to feel alright?
The singer asks if the partner wants him to feel better
I said Baby
The singer addressed his partner as Baby
It's for sure
The singer is certain his partner knows what is expected
I got the fever,
The singer is afflicted with a fever
(Got the fever)
The singer repeats his affliction for emphasis
But you've got the cure
The singer believes his partner has the cure for what he needs
Everybody now
The singer wants everyone present to pay attention
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
The singer is reinforcing his request
(Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
The singer wants everyone to give him some good lovin'
Yes, indeed, all I really need
The singer repeats his need for some good lovin'
(good lovin') Gimme some good, good lovin'
The singer is repeating his request
All I need is lovin'
The singer just wants some good lovin'
(good lovin') Good, good lovin', baby
The singer is repeating his request
(good lovin') All I need is lovin'
The singer believes he just needs some good lovin'
(good lovin') Good, good, good, good lovin'
The singer is thrilled about the prospect of getting some good lovin'
(good lovin') Love, love, love, now
The singer is emphasizing his need for love now
(good lovin') Love, love, love, love, love now
The singer really wants to feel loved right now
(good lovin') Love, love, love, love, love, now
The singer is increasing the urgency in his request
(good lovin')
The singer is repeating his request
Writer(s): Rudy Clark, Artie Resnick
Contributed by Lillian O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.