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
Intro
The Chi-Lites Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nine
Eight
Seven
Six
Five
Four
Three
One
Let’s go
Hey listen
Do without you
Do without you
Do without you
Hey nostalgia
Unlocked all the cryptic’s
I put on a clinic
I never mind it
Diamonds always blinding
Hey again
My old friends
Level up yeah level up
Until the end
Here we go again
Here we go again
Here we go again
Here we go
I’m Goku with the kaioken
Enemies irrelevant
Your drink always settling
So repetitive whoah
So repetitive
Acting different whoah
Acting different
Cause I can, cause I can
I couldn’t do it without you
Arcade gave me nostalgia
Can’t do it without you
Arcade gave me nostalgia
Look at this
Look at that
I’m just grateful
For all I have
Thank you for listening
And welcome to the Arcade
Love You Liam
The Chi-Lites's song "Intro" is a reflective piece on nostalgia, personal growth, and recognition for the support of friends and loved ones. The repetitive chorus "Do without you" emphasizes the importance of the people around us, the ones who have supported us and helped us to reach our goals. The singer then mentions the unlocking of cryptic memories, perhaps referring to past experiences and lessons learned. The line "Diamonds always blinding" may be a reference to the struggle of maintaining one's own identity and values in a society that values superficial success.
The second verse of the song seems to focus on personal growth and empowerment. The singer references the anime character Goku and his kaioken technique, which amplifies his physical abilities, as a metaphor for their own newfound strength and resilience. The line "Enemies irrelevant" highlights the idea that past struggles and obstacles no longer hold power over them. The singer continues to stress their newfound sense of individuality by proclaiming, "I can, cause I can."
The song's repeated references to the arcade and nostalgia evoke a sense of youthful wonder and joy. However, the singer recognizes that they cannot truly enjoy these memories without the support and love of those around them. The final line, "Love You Liam," may be a personal shoutout to a friend or loved one who has played a significant role in the singer's life.
Line by Line Meaning
Ten
Countdown is beginning from the number ten
Nine
Countdown is continuing from the number nine
Eight
Countdown is continuing from the number eight
Seven
Countdown is continuing from the number seven
Six
Countdown is continuing from the number six
Five
Countdown is continuing from the number five
Four
Countdown is continuing from the number four
Three
Countdown is continuing from the number three
Two
Countdown is continuing from the number two
One
Countdown is almost done and it's time to start
Let’s go
The countdown is done and it's time to start
Hey listen
Asking for attention
Do without you
Talking about the ability to do something without someone's help
Do without you
Repeating the idea that they don't need someone's help
Do without you
Repeating again that they don't need someone's help
Hey nostalgia
Addressing the feeling of nostalgia
Unlocked all the cryptic’s
Solving all the mysterious things
I put on a clinic
Excelling at something
I never mind it
Not being bothered by something
Diamonds always blinding
The idea that something flashy and expensive is always catching people's attention
Hey again
Addressing an individual again
My old friends
Referring to some old acquaintances
Level up yeah level up
Encouraging the idea of improving oneself
Until the end
Continuing to do something until it's done
Here we go again
Starting something again
Here we go again
Repeating that something is starting again
Here we go again
Repeating that something is starting again one more time
Here we go
Starting something
I’m Goku with the kaioken
Comparing oneself to a strong character from a popular series
Enemies irrelevant
Making it clear that adversaries are not a concern
Your drink always settling
Referencing someone else's habits with their drink
So repetitive whoah
Noticing that something is being repeated too much
So repetitive
Reaffirming that something is being repeated too much
Acting different whoah
Noticing that someone is not acting like they usually do
Acting different
Reaffirming that someone is not acting like they usually do
Cause I can, cause I can
Clarifying that something is being done just because it can be
I couldn’t do it without you
Acknowledging someone's help in achieving something
Arcade gave me nostalgia
Reflecting on memories from an arcade
Can’t do it without you
Not being able to do something without someone's help
Arcade gave me nostalgia
Reflecting on memories from an arcade again
Look at this
Drawing attention to something
Look at that
Drawing attention to something else
I’m just grateful
Expressing gratitude
For all I have
Being appreciative for what one has
Thank you for listening
Showing appreciation for those who have listened
And welcome to the Arcade
Welcoming listeners to an arcade
Love You Liam
Sending love to someone named Liam
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Eduardo Carrera
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind