I Want to Pay You Back
The Chi-Lites Lyrics
There's something that I want to give you
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)
I want to pay you back for loving me
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
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Eugene Record
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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The Chi-Lites were a Chicago-based smooth soul vocal quartet from the early 1970s, one of the few from the period to not come from Memphis or Philadelphia. They were led by Eugene Record, and scored eleven Top Ten R&B hits, in the early part of the decade.
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 Read Full BioThe Chi-Lites were a Chicago-based smooth soul vocal quartet from the early 1970s, one of the few from the period to not come from Memphis or Philadelphia. They were led by Eugene Record, and scored eleven Top Ten R&B hits, in the early part of the decade.
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
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 Read Full BioThe Chi-Lites were a Chicago-based smooth soul vocal quartet from the early 1970s, one of the few from the period to not come from Memphis or Philadelphia. They were led by Eugene Record, and scored eleven Top Ten R&B hits, in the early part of the decade.
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
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LESLEY A. LOVE
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
Domonique Ayers
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
L. ANGEL LOVE
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
Matthew's Head
There's something that I want to give you
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)
I want to pay you back for loving me
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
Anthony Darden
I remember being in the 7th grade & my Moms brought me the "Chilite's Greatest Hits" for Christmas. I fell in love with this song. That was 44 years ago & it's still my favorite Chilite's hit. Reminds of the house parties - grinding!
Anthony Darden
@Jazmine Valdivia HI JAZMINE. I COULDN'T UNDERSTAND UR COMMENT. WERE U TRYING 2 GIVE ME UR TEL. #? LOL!
Michael Hammond
Sounds like the silvers
George Calderon
Born in 83 wish i was born in the 25c quarter party era ala Cooley High 😀😀
Lynda Green
Anthony Darden
Yes Yes Yes Anthony! The grind OMG but ONLY with that special ONE ☝️
LESLEY A. LOVE
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
D. TlERRA AYERS
THE CHI-LITES MUSIC WAS ALWAYS SO GREAT
TO FOLLOW THESE
BEAUTIFUL LYRICS TO THIS AMAZING SONG AND THERE WAS ALSO A POSITIVE MESSAGE AND GENUINE LOVE FROM THEIR SOULFUL
SPIRITS AND THAT'S WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MOST OF THEIR GREAT MUSIC OF ENTERTAINMENT
Lauteshia Dotson
Now dig that right back at you
sistersotrue28
wonderful, warms my heart and mind as I listen, brings a smile to my face. Peace
Curtis Joseph
I was singing this in the 70's and still singing it. Never gets old. Real touching the soul music