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 Want to Pay You Back
The Chi-Lites Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm gonna give you a five pound box of love
With a million dollar bill on top (million dollar bill on top)
Diamonds on every corner
And a big black pearl for a lock
Use my heart for a key
I want to pay you back (I want to pay you back)
Pay you back for loving me
Gonna give you a cloud of love to sleep on (I want to pay you back)
A determined man to rely on
Love around every corner (I want to pay you back)
Or wherever you might be
Hold you tight, but tenderly (hold you tight but tender)
I want to pay you back (I want to pay you back)
I want to pay you back for loving me, me, me, me
What's the use in denying it, baby
What's the use in us fighting it, baby
What's the use in turning away
When we could be happy each and every day, day, day, day
Oh, I see heaven when we look into the mirror
And an angel when you're asleep
Bright sunshine in the morning (bright sunshine)
Though it may be raining in the street
And now I'm gonna even the score
I want to pay you back (I want to pay you back)
I want to pay you back for loving me
Pay you back for loving me
I want to pay you back (I want to pay you back)
I want to pay you back for loving me
I want to pay you back (I want to pay you back)
I want to pay you back for loving me
The Chi-Lites's song "I Want to Pay You Back" is a beautiful ode to love and appreciation. In the song, the singer expresses a desire to repay their lover for all the love they've been given. The opening lines state that the singer has something they want to give to their lover - a symbolic "five pound box of love" that is topped with a "million dollar bill." This line suggests that the singer's love is priceless and worth more than any material possession. To further emphasize this point, the singer mentions the gift of a diamond at each corner, along with a big, black pearl lock. The singer also offers their heart as a key, emphasizing their willingness to be vulnerable and open to their lover.
The song continues with the singer expressing a desire to give their lover the very best in life. They want to provide their lover with a "cloud of love to sleep on," someone to rely on, and love around every corner. They also promise to hold their lover tenderly, paying them back for all the love they've received. The song's chorus repeats the singer's desire to pay their lover back for all the love they've given and ends with the line "I want to pay you back for loving me, me, me, me."
Overall, "I Want to Pay You Back" is a heartfelt song that expresses gratitude for love and the desire to repay it. The lyrics are filled with symbolism and imagery that emphasize the singer's deep appreciation for their lover. The song's message is timeless and universal, making it a beloved classic.
Line by Line Meaning
There's something that I want to give you
The singer has something special to offer.
I'm gonna give you a five pound box of love
The singer is offering love as a gift.
With a million dollar bill on top (million dollar bill on top)
The gift of love is priceless and valuable.
Diamonds on every corner
The gift of love is precious and rare.
And a big black pearl for a lock
The gift of love is secure and protected.
Use my heart for a key
The singer is opening their heart to the person they love.
I want to pay you back (I want to pay you back)
The singer wants to show gratitude through their actions.
I want to pay you back for loving me
The singer is grateful for the love they have received and wants to reciprocate.
Gonna give you a cloud of love to sleep on (I want to pay you back)
The singer wants to provide comfort, affection, and care.
A determined man to rely on
The singer will be there for the person they love and will always be dependable.
Love around every corner (I want to pay you back)
The singer wants to fill the person's life with love and affection.
Or wherever you might be
The singer wants to show their love no matter the circumstances.
Hold you tight, but tenderly (hold you tight but tender)
The singer wants to express their affection in a gentle, loving way.
What's the use in denying it, baby
The singer acknowledges their love and avoids hiding it.
What's the use in us fighting it, baby
The singer wants to embrace their love and not resist it.
What's the use in turning away
The singer sees no point in ignoring their love and running away from it.
When we could be happy each and every day, day, day, day
The singer believes love can bring happiness every day.
Oh, I see heaven when we look into the mirror
The singer experiences bliss and euphoria when they see the person they love.
And an angel when you're asleep
The person they love is cherished deeply, even in their dreams.
Bright sunshine in the morning (bright sunshine)
The person they love illuminates their life and brings joy.
Though it may be raining in the street
Even when life is difficult, the person they love brings light to their day.
And now I'm gonna even the score
The singer wants to make things right and show their love through their actions.
I want to pay you back (I want to pay you back)
The singer desires to show gratitude.
I want to pay you back for loving me
The singer is grateful for the love they have received and wants to show their appreciation.
I want to pay you back (I want to pay you back)
The singer desires to show gratitude.
I want to pay you back for loving me
The singer is grateful for the love they have received and wants to show their appreciation.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Eugene Record
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@l.angellove15
I CAN RECALL WHEN "THE CHI-LITES
DOMINATED THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
WITH ALL THEIR ENDEAVORS TO
ENTERTAIN ALL THEIR MUSIC CONNOISSEURS WORLDWIDE
WITH ALL THEIR #1 HIT SONGS
AND THIS ONE OF MANY FAVORITES FROM THEIR MUSIC COLLECTION ALONG WITH AMAZING TALENT
AND HARMONY THAT WAS SO GENUINE AND ONE OF A KIND
PEACE THE HOMELY GIRL
@LESLEYALOVE-ws7mx
I WAS ALWAYS VERY
IMPRESSED WITH
"THE CHI-LITES" AMAZING
TALENTED SKILLS AND
EXTRAORDINARY QUALITY OF MUSIC FOR GREAT
ENTERTAINMENT OF A LIFETIME ENJOYMENT
THAT WHAT I REALLY
LOVE SO MUCH ABOUT
THESE VERY EXTRAORDINARY
R&B RECORDING ARTIST AND
CLASSY SOPHISTICATED GENTS
@domoniqueayers8056
THIS IS STILL THE JAM AND THAT BASS ALONG WITH THE SERIOUS
HARMONY FROM CHI-TOWN'S
MOST FINEST, YOURS TRULY
"THE CHI-LITES" ALONG WITH A
LONG LIST OF BIG #1 HITS FROM
THE 70's AND ARE HIGHLY MISSED
FROM THE MUSIC INDUSTRY TODAY
@123akhetaten
This song brings back some sweet and powerful memories. Me and a small group of tight friends, were sittin in a bunker on a ridge line in Viet Nam, singing along to this song. trying to forget where we were at. We were closer than family. You war vets out there no what i am saying. I will never have friends like that again. Men can love each other without being gay.
@lolavaldez6137
Lost my son one year and six months ago every time I listen to this song I think of my son I miss you so much a part of me died that day but although you're not here I still go to your room every Sunday and listen to oldies everything is the way you left it because in my heart I know one day you'll come through that door
@adriennerobinson1180
Im sorry to hear about your Son.My HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES
@StormSong8
Nothing transports me through time the way a classic song does. No matter how crazy my life is now and whatever drama I happen to be going through, I flash back to a much simpler and sweeter time when I first heard these songs. If it weren't for soul I fear the good times may have simply faded away...
@thomaselferis2162
wow. to all of you who comment. this was real music I am Italian and grew up in Little Italy. went to Seward Park high. my friends were into rock.i hated it. I loved the soul of this music. it came at me with passion and I understood the meaning of it.love was the message. thank God I enjoyed the seventies. great to.e for music and growing up. I enjoyed everything about it. people were different. music made people think and react to life and love. amen to you all.
@tinkarojas2645
So good music
@gracegrace3205
Good music is universal.I love different music in various genres BUT THIS is from my youth. .Memories were made listening to this music💞.
@oswaldjaudon3040
Good music is the key to the universe and harmony amongst men.
@sabalidann8278
YOU got that Right.
@vincentvega5193
This was my song to my Grandma when I was a little kid before she passed RIP ❤️