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
Hold on to Your Dreams
The Chi-Lites Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I think you'll understand
When I say that somethin'
I want to hold your hand
I want to hold your hand
I want to hold your hand
Oh please say to me
And please say to me
You'll let me hold your hand
Now, let me hold your hand
I want to hold your hand
And when I touch you
I feel happy inside
It's such a feelin' that my love
I can't hide
I can't hide
I can't hide
Yeah, you got that somethin'
I think you'll understand
When I say that somethin'
I want to hold your hand
I want to hold your hand
I want to hold your hand
And when I touch you
I feel happy inside
It's such a feelin' that my love
I can't hide
I can't hide
I can't hide
Yeah, you got that somethin'
I think you'll understand
When I feel that somethin'
I want to hold your hand
I want to hold your hand
I want to hold your hand
I want to hold your hand
It's important to note that these lyrics are not from The Chi-Lites' song Hold on to Your Dreams, but rather from The Beatles' classic tune I Want to Hold Your Hand. The lyrics speak to a simple desire to be close to someone you care about, to touch them and feel happy. The singer tells the listener that they have something special that they understand, and that when they feel that connection, they want to hold hands. This innocent affection is further reinforced by the line, "and when I touch you, I feel happy inside," suggesting that physical touch is valuable and meaningful.
On a deeper level, this song could also be interpreted as a statement about the need for human connection and love. The singer is expressing a desire to be with someone they care about deeply, and the simple act of holding hands is enough to make them feel happy and fulfilled. The song speaks to a universal human need to feel seen, heard, and loved, and suggests that sometimes even the simplest gestures of affection can go a long way towards fulfilling that need.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh yeah I tell you somethin'
I have something important to say
I think you'll understand
I believe you will comprehend me
When I say that somethin'
In my prompt to say something crucial
I want to hold your hand
I hope to clasp your hand
Oh please say to me
Kindly express to me
You'll let me be your man
You will agree to be with me
And please say to me
Also, request to say to me
You'll let me hold your hand
You will allow me to hold onto you
Now, let me hold your hand
At length, allow me to hold onto you
And when I touch you
The moment I touch you
I feel happy inside
I am filled with joy internally
It's such a feelin' that my love
The emotion I experience, my love
I can't hide
I am unable to conceal
Yeah, you got that somethin'
Truly, you possess that special something
When I feel that somethin'
Upon sensing that unique quality
I want to hold your hand
I yearn to keep hold of your hand
I want to hold your hand
I hope to hold onto you
I want to hold your hand
I want to clutch onto you
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Winston Lennon, Paul James McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind