The group formed in the late 1950s when The Chanteurs (Record, Robert "Squirrel" Lester, and Clarence Johnson) teamed up with Marshall Thompson and Creadel "Red" Jones to form The Hi-lites. Wishing to add a tribute to their home town of Chicago, they changed their name to the Chi-Lites" in 1964. Johnson left later that year, and their name was subsequently shortened to The Chi-Lites.
Eugene Record was the group's primary songwriter, though he frequently collaborated with others, such as Barbara Acklin.
Their major hits came in 1971, with "Have You Seen Her?", and 1972, with "Oh Girl".. In fact, The Mighty Majors ("You Can Never Go Back") won 1st Place at the Apollo Theatre Wednesday night Talent Show the night that The Chi-Lites were performing one of their finest performances ever at The Apollo that night in the early '70's.
Other transatlantic chart smashes followed, although the output became more fragmented as the group's personnel came and went. For example, bass singer Creadel Jones left in 1973 and was replaced in quick succession by Stanley Anderson; Willie Kensey; and then Doc Roberson. Shortly thereafter, Eugene Record left, and David Scott and Danny Johnson entered.
More personnel changes ensued, when Johnson was replaced by Vandy Hampton in 1977.
At that point the group totally disintegrated, but re-formed in 1980 with the mid sixties quartet of Record, Thompson, Jones, and Lester back together. Creadel Jones left for a second time in 1982, leaving the group as a trio. Record left again in 1990, and new lead Anthony Watson was recruited, considered by many to be one of the best in the group's history. (It should be noted that Robert Lester took over lead of "Oh Girl", while Watson led the other songs.) The group also featured an ever-changing female member.
Once the hits had completely dried up, further changes took place. In the early 1990s, Creadel Jones returned again, but would subsequently leave. Throughout the 1990s, Watson left twice; each time Frank Reed took over as lead singer. In 2002 the group was comprised of Marshall Thompson, Robert Lester, Anthony Watson, and Tara Henderson. Watson left for a third time, when Thompson's wife took over as female vocalist.
The present day group is virtual 'ever presents' - Marshall Thompson, and Robert Lester; plus Tara Thompson, and new lead singer, Frank Reed. Robert :Squirrel" Lester Passed away on Jan. 21st, 2010.
One relatively unknown album track by the group from the 70's, 'Are You My Woman', had its main riff sampled by Destiny's Child group member Beyoncé Knowles, on her massive world-wide hit 'Crazy in Love'.
In addition, their song "Oh Girl" was sped up and sampled by Paul Wall in his song "Girl".
The original lead vocalist, and main songwriter, Eugene Record died on Friday, July 22, 2005
Are You My Woman?
The Chi-Lites Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bout who you belong to
I'm tired of he saying, she saying
I don't know where he came from
But he better go back where he's been
Cause I don't want my heart broken
Don't wanna commit no sin
Cause I'm so tired
Oh, you set my soul on fire
I'm so tired
Well, you set my soul on fire
Are you my woman, tell me so
Are you my woman, tell me so
Are you my woman, tell me so
Are you my woman, let me go
Just get on down
Don't you know that
I'll never be the same, no
Cause you know my life
Is in your name
Girl, I really, really
Hate to lose you
Ah, just got to keep on moving
Cause I'm so tired
Oh, you set my soul on fire
I'm so tired
Well, you set my soul on fire
Are you my woman, tell me so
Are you my woman, tell me so
"Are You My Woman" was a 1970s hit by the R&B group, The Chi-Lites. The song is characterized by its funky, catchy groove and its vivid portrayal of a romantic triangle. In interpreting the lyrics, it is clear that the singer is experiencing conflict over his romantic feelings for a woman who may or may not be committed to someone else. He is unsatisfied with the rumors and gossip surrounding her love life, however, his ultimate desire is to determine the nature of their relationship, and whether or not she truly belongs to him.
In the song, the singer expresses frustration with all the "he said-she said" surrounding the woman's affections, and warns the other man to stay away. However, the singer expresses a conflict of conscience that signals his rebellion against risking heartbreak or committing any wrongdoing, towards the lady in the center of the drama. He acknowledges being tired of the uncertainties and that she sets his heart on fire.
The singer then delivers his most direct plea to the woman. He asks her to tell him if she is his woman or not, echoing the central question of the song's title. His tone becomes more urgent as he repeats this question throughout the song, raising the suspense in listeners. Despite his pleading, however, he realizes he has to let her go, causing him great sadness.
In summary, the song is an honest reflection of love, jealousy, and obsession. The struggles of the singer are not unique, he is a man going through the timeless struggle of whether his love interest is truly interested in him too.
Line by Line Meaning
Seems to be a misunderstanding
There appears to be a lack of understanding or confusion about something
Bout who you belong to
About who you are supposed to be with
I'm tired of he saying, she saying
I am exhausted by hearing different rumors and opinions about us from other people
I don't know where he came from
I am unsure of where he originated from
But he better go back where he's been
He should return to where he came from
Cause I don't want my heart broken
I do not want to experience the pain of a broken heart
Don't wanna commit no sin
I do not want to do anything wrong or immoral
Cause I'm so tired
I am exhausted and worn out
Oh, you set my soul on fire
You excite and ignite my passion and desire
Are you my woman, tell me so
Confirm whether you truly belong to me or not
Are you my woman, let me go
If you are not mine, then please let me move on
Just get on down
Let us just continue dancing and enjoying ourselves
Don't you know that
Do you not realize
I'll never be the same, no
My life will never be the same without you
Cause you know my life
You are aware of how much I am affected by you
Is in your name
You have a significant role in my life and have influenced me greatly
Girl, I really, really
I seriously, honestly
Hate to lose you
I do not want to lose you
Ah, just got to keep on moving
I have to continue moving forward and leave you behind
Lyrics © Royalty Network, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EUGENE RECORD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Rose0004
The man with the bass vocals is KILLING it!!!
@zakeyaa.foster2712
Yesssss
@espalier
Right on
@toastbread2263
Amen!
@mwiluokolo9559
Rose04 his is Red
@JLJ504HD
Creadel "Red" Jones
@ANGELSLVME
Wow, Beyonce and the writers went way back, it's amazing how this older music, makes such an impact, and I'm glad they were credited
@fengshuiii
Me too I found this song through the creditd
@jody024
Thieves....
@nolem5417
Kool g rap #1 with a bullet