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
Being In Love
The Chi-Lites Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If I lost love for you
I couldn't tell you
Cause you've been so good to me
And if I saw you with another
I guess I'd act as if I didn't see
Hey, baby (hey, baby)
Why do I let you make a fool of me
Love baby, baby in love with you
Baby, baby love baby, baby
Being in love with you
If I saw cause to laugh at you
Girl, you know you'd make me tell the truth
In this game of chance yes, I gotta win it
With you baby I just can't lose
Let me spend all my time
Giving love to you
And I'll be much too busy
To ever be blue
Love baby being in love with you
Baby, baby love baby, baby
Being in with you
Love with you
Baby, baby...
The Chi-Lites' "Being in Love" is a soulful love song that expresses the deep affection the singer has for their partner. The opening verses express that the singer could never lose love for their partner, even if they tried. This is conveyed through the line "If I lost love for you, I couldn't tell you." The singer acknowledges the goodness their partner has shown them and how it has impacted their love. Should the singer witness their partner with another person, they would pretend not to see it, a powerful statement of the strength of their love and commitment.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the strength of this powerful emotion, with the singer repeating "baby, being in love with you." Despite disagreements and differences, the singer is still in love with their partner, and they are devoted to making the relationship work. The line "why do I let you make a fool of me" shows the vulnerability that love brings, as it can sometimes leave one with a sense of foolishness. The song ends with the singer promising to devote all their time to their partner and to always be in love with them.
In conclusion, The Chi-Lites' "Being in Love" is a beautiful expression of the power and force of committed love. It conveys the message that love is something worth fighting for, even when disagreements arise.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooooh
A sound expressing a feeling of pleasure, happiness or contentment
If I lost love for you
If I ever stop loving you
I couldn't tell you
I wouldn't be able to tell you about it
Cause you've been so good to me
Because you've treated me so well
And if I saw you with another
If I saw you with someone else
I guess I'd act as if I didn't see
I would pretend not to have seen anything
Hey, baby (hey, baby)
A term of affectionate address
When we disagree
When we have different views
Why do I let you make a fool of me
Why do I allow myself to be made to look foolish by you
Love baby, baby in love with you
My love for you, baby, I'm in love with you
Baby, baby love baby, baby
My love for you, baby, I love you
Being in love with you
The feeling of being in love with you
If I saw cause to laugh at you
If I ever found a reason to laugh at you
Girl, you know you'd make me tell the truth
You know I would be honest with you
In this game of chance yes, I gotta win it
In this unpredictable game of love, I must come out on top
With you baby I just can't lose
When I'm with you, I can never lose
Let me spend all my time
Allow me to spend all my time
Giving love to you
Showing you my love
And I'll be much too busy
And I'll be too occupied
To ever be blue
To ever be sad
Love baby being in love with you
My love for you is because I'm in love with you, baby
Baby, baby love baby, baby
My love for you, baby, I love you
Being in with you
Being in love with you
Love with you
My love for you
Baby, baby...
My love for you, baby
Writer(s): EUGENE RECORD, BARBARA ACKLIN
Contributed by Chase W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
H Peter Ray
I love this song.
Jody Gunter
I went to see them three times and it was great.
CrownVicMango
This song is so underrated
Izzy_Is_Oran9e YT
Izzy love's soul 🎸 💘 Enjoy 1972.
SOUR SIXTEEN
You are the BEST !💋
Journey
Thanks!
Greg McIntyre
NICE!!!!
euphrates556
Black Gold!