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
I Like To Live The Love
The Chi-Lites Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I threw out my shoulder but I won her that teddy bear
She's got me saying sugar-pie, honey, darlin', and dear
I ain't seen the Braves play a game all year
I'm gonna get fired, if I don't get some sleep
My long lost buddies say I'm gettin' in to deep
But I like it, I love it, I want some more of it
Don't know what it is 'bout that little gal's lovin'
But I like it, I love it, I want some more of it
My Mama and Daddy tried to teach me courtesy
But it never sank in 'til that girl got a hold of me
Now I'm holding umbrellas and openin' up doors
I'm taking out the trash and I'm sweepin' my floors
Crossin' my fingers, and countin' every kiss
Prayin' that it keeps goin' on like this
But I like it, I love it, I want some more of it
I try so hard, I can't rise above it
Don't know what it is 'bout that little gal's lovin'
But I like it, I love it, I want some more of it
Got to wash my truck and dress up
To pick her up to watch TV
And she sits down on the sofa
She'll move a little closer
She can't get enough of me
But I like it, I love it, I want some more of it
I try so hard, I can't rise above it
Don't know what it is 'bout that little gal's lovin'
But I like it, I love it, I want some more of it
The Chi-Lites' song "I Like To Live The Love" is a charming tale of a man who has fallen head over heels in love with a woman, and is experiencing all the joys and quirks of being in a relationship. He spends his money on her, throws out his shoulder trying to win her a prize at the county fair, and finds himself falling deeper and deeper into her spell.
As the song progresses, we see the singer becoming more and more infatuated with his love interest. He begins to use pet names like "sugar-pie, honey, darlin', and dear," and even starts doing things like holding umbrellas and opening doors for her. He's so enamored with her that he can't get enough of her, and worries that he'll get fired from his job if he doesn't get some sleep soon. But despite all of this, he's still hopelessly in love with her, and wants nothing more than to be with her.
One interesting aspect of this song is its use of colloquialisms and regionalisms. The phrase "sugar-pie, honey, darlin', and dear" is a classic example of southern slang, and adds a touch of regional flavor to the song. Additionally, the line, "I ain't seen the Braves play a game all year," is a clear reference to the Atlanta Braves baseball team, another nod to southern culture.
Another interesting thing about this song is its unapologetic celebration of traditional gender roles. The singer takes on a very chivalrous role, doing things like holding umbrellas and taking out the trash for his love interest, and seems to revel in it. While this might not be seen as politically correct in modern times, it was common and accepted behavior at the time the song was written, and adds a touch of nostalgia to the piece.
Overall, "I Like To Live The Love" is a sweet, romantic song that celebrates all the ups and downs of being in love, and provides a glimpse into a bygone era of chivalry and southern culture.
Unfortunately, the chords for this song are not available.
Line by Line Meaning
Spent forty-eight dollars last night at the county fair
I spent a lot of money at the county fair last night, but it was worth it for what I won.
I threw out my shoulder but I won her that teddy bear
I injured myself playing games at the fair, but I was happy to win a prize for her.
She's got me saying sugar-pie, honey, darlin', and dear
Her love has made me more affectionate and caring towards her.
I ain't seen the Braves play a game all year
I have been too preoccupied with this girl to pay attention to my favorite baseball team.
I'm gonna get fired, if I don't get some sleep
I am so in love with her that I am neglecting my job and need to take a break to rest.
My long lost buddies say I'm gettin' in too deep
My friends are concerned that I am getting too involved with her and losing myself in the relationship.
But I like it, I love it, I want some more of it
Despite the potential issues, I am so in love with her that I can't help wanting more.
I try so hard, I can't rise above it
I am struggling to control my feelings for her and am completely consumed by love.
Don't know what it is 'bout that little gal's lovin'
I can't explain what it is about her love that has me so captivated.
My Mama and Daddy tried to teach me courtesy
My parents tried to instill good manners in me as a child.
But it never sank in 'til that girl got a hold of me
But I never really understood the value of those lessons until I fell in love with her.
Now I'm holding umbrellas and openin' up doors
Now that I am in love with her, I am being chivalrous and treating her like a queen.
I'm taking out the trash and I'm sweepin' my floors
I am going out of my way to impress her by doing chores around the house.
Crossin' my fingers, and countin' every kiss
I am hopeful for the future and cherishing every moment with her.
Prayin' that it keeps goin' on like this
I am hopeful that our relationship will continue to be this wonderful.
Got to wash my truck and dress up to pick her up to watch TV
I am going out of my way to look good for her, even if it's just for a casual night in.
And she sits down on the sofa, she'll move a little closer
Even in small ways, she shows her love and affection for me.
She can't get enough of me
She is just as in love with me as I am with her.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, THE MUSIC GOES ROUND
Written by: Jeb Anderson, Jeb Stuart Anderson, Steve Dukes, Markus Hall
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jacqueline Mitchell
I LOVE the Chi-Lites !!! One of the baddest vocal groups ever !!!!
mrstanbmw
No question
Zuess Mr Blvd
That bass and deep voice in the beginning is killing the game..wish they still did it like this..
David Alonzi
It was Creadel red Jones
Freddie Brown
August covid-19 2022
The Chl Lites; Marshall, Eugene, Red and Squirrel are my homeboyz from Chicago. One of the best Soul groups who ever did-it and got-away wit-it. Main!!! What ah group back in the day. I YouTube
"I like your lovin'" more than I do their other hits. Instrumentally and vocally
the groove is going-off in multiple directions, simultaneously the vibe hits me on a number of levels throughout.
The bass solo, vocal ad-libs and group harmonies rock. Great production.
Bruce Scott
THE CHI-LITES: Gene, Squirrel, Marshall and Red. One of the Windy City's finest.
Donald Edmunds
I swore this was the Temptations as a pre-teen but when I punched up this song to my surprise the CHI-LITES came up.Similar chord changes to CAN’T GET NEXT TO YOU are in this song and close to the time (can’t get next to you) came out.Great song.
W. Roland Chambers
You weren't alone. Of course I knew who it was. But then that's me
Steve Ellis
I opened my dj slot every time with this jam. Hard to beat.
KappaKool67
We tore up the dance floor doing "the football" and "the rock!"