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 BeyoncΓ© 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
Hot On A Thing
The Chi-Lites Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tell me what man wouldn't be attracted to you, you
What could you do no other woman could do
I didn't know until I found out the truth
And I'm hot (Hot-hot-hot-hot) on a thing
You got me ever loving (Hot-hot-hot-hot) hot on a thing
Girl, I'm boilin' over, baby (Hot-hot-hot-hot), on a thing
On a thing called love
I'm hot (Hot-hot-hot-hot) on a thing
You got me hot, so (Hot-hot-hot-hot) hot on a thing
And I'm really burnin', baby, hot (Hot-hot-hot-hot) on a thing
You got me hot so hot (Hot-hot-hot-hot) on a thing, on a thing
On a thing called love, oh, love
You smiled at me, to be polite I smiled at you (Baby, when you smile)
Something in your eyes said, "Wait 'cause I'm not through"
So I stood there in a high kind of way (Baby, when you smile)
And I haven't come down till this very day
And I'm hot (Hot-hot-hot-hot) on a thing
You got me ever loving (Hot-hot-hot-hot) hot on a thing
Oh...oh...oh...hot (Hot-hot-hot-hot) on a thing
You got me hot so hot (Hot-hot-hot-hot) on a thing, on a thing
On a thing called love
I'm hot (Hot-hot-hot-hot) on a thing
You got me hot so hot (Hot-hot-hot-hot) on a thing
Oh...oh...oh...hot (Hot-hot-hot-hot) on a thing
You got me hot so hot (Hot-hot-hot-hot) on a thing, on a thing
On a thing called love, oh, love
I'm hot (Hot-hot-hot-hot) on a thing
You got me hot so hot (Hot-hot-hot-hot) on a thing
You got me burnin', baby, hot (Hot-hot-hot-hot) on a thing
You got me hot so hot (Hot-hot-hot-hot) on a thing, on a thing
On a thing called love
(Hot-hot-hot-hot) on a thing
You got me hot so hot (Hot-hot-hot-hot) on a thing
I'm really burnin', baby, hot (Hot-hot-hot-hot) on a thing
You got me hot so hot (Hot-hot-hot-hot) on a thing, on a thing
On a thing called love, oh, love
(Hot-hot-hot-hot) on a thing
You got me hot so hot (Hot-hot-hot-hot) on a thing
The Chi-Lites's song Hot On A Thing describes the intense attraction the singer has for someone who is captivating and irresistible. The lyrics reveal that the singer didn't know what it was about this person that made them so alluring until they discovered the truth. The repeated phrase "hot on a thing" emphasizes the singer's intense desire and the overpowering effect this person has on them. They are "boiling over" and "really burning" with their feelings, unable to resist the pull of this love. The song is a celebration of the passion and excitement that can come with falling deeply in love with someone.
Throughout the song, there are references to the power of a smile and the impact it can have on someone's life. The lyrics suggest that the singer was initially attracted to their love interest because of a smile that caught their eye. This slight moment of connection led to a deeper infatuation and an insatiable hunger for this person, exemplified by the repeated refrain of being "hot on a thing."
Overall, Hot On A Thing is a catchy and upbeat song that captures the intensity of falling in love with someone who seems to have a hold over you. The lyrics are simple but effective, conveying the excitement and passion that can come with discovering a new love.
Line by Line Meaning
Why was I attracted to you
I am curious how you caught my attention
Tell me what man wouldn't be attracted to you, you
It would be difficult for any man not to be attracted to you
What could you do no other woman could do
I didn't realize what makes you stand out until I learned the truth
I didn't know until I found out the truth
It took me discovering something about you to understand what makes you unique
And I'm hot (Hot-hot-hot-hot) on a thing
I am feeling intense passion and desire
You got me ever loving (Hot-hot-hot-hot) hot on a thing
You have me deeply in love and passionate about something
Girl, I'm boilin' over, baby (Hot-hot-hot-hot), on a thing
My emotions are overwhelming and I am consumed with passion for something
You got me hot so hot (Hot-hot-hot-hot) on a thing, on a thing
My feelings for this thing are so strong that I can't help but feel consumed by it
On a thing called love
This all stems from my deep love for someone or something
You smiled at me, to be polite I smiled at you (Baby, when you smile)
Our initial interaction was just polite smiles exchanged between us
Something in your eyes said, "Wait 'cause I'm not through"
However, there was something about the way you looked at me that made me feel there was more to come between us
So I stood there in a high kind of way (Baby, when you smile)
I kept my confidence and composure, despite feeling something exciting between us
And I haven't come down till this very day
That feeling has stayed with me and only grown stronger over time
(Hot-hot-hot-hot) on a thing
The intense passion and desire I feel for this thing
You got me burnin', baby, hot (Hot-hot-hot-hot) on a thing
I am absolutely consumed with passion for this thing
You got me hot so hot (Hot-hot-hot-hot) on a thing, on a thing
My feelings for this thing are so strong that I am completely focused on it
You got me hot so hot (Hot-hot-hot-hot) on a thing
I am absolutely consumed with passion for this thing
On a thing called love, oh, love
All of this passion and desire stems from my deep love for someone or something
Lyrics Β© O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jeff Allen
I remember back in the day when this song was smoking hot and still is. All hail to one of the Greatest R&B groups of all time: The Chi-Lites
Mike Govea
ONE OF CHICAGO'S VERY BEST, BELIEVE IT!
NAYA401
One of those classic 80's cuts! Legendary group!
The Real Tony Harris
This was and still is the jam! Haven't heard it in years!
Angelo Buchanan
Love this song!!! A true fan of Oldies but Goodies!
Kimberly Barnes
Growing up my Mother always listened to this type of music. I was exsposed to Real Music like this at an early age.
Thank you mommy, Rest In Peace Queen of my heart.
Steve Woodson
La. Madre
La hija
Thomas Anderson
She has great taste! God bless your mom.
Brian Price
Same here
CLO9LA
I was in 7th grade when this song dropped, 1982 ! This was one of those "feel good vibe" hits.Β