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
Love Is
The Chi-Lites Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Love is what we got goin', baby
Love is
When someone else?s needs mean more than your own
And love is
When a letter you write is cherished at home
When you can kiss the lips
Of the one you love and mean it
Look on over her fault
As though you never seen it
When you have learned to forget
As well as forgive
Love is what we got goin', baby
(Love is)
When two have mastered the art
Of complete satisfaction
Ain't no doubt about it
Love?s gonna be the reaction
Like adding sugar to your coffee
You know it?s gonna come out sweet
Love is what you got goin', baby
(Love is)
When love knocks at your door, you ain't ready
Don't play like a deck of cards
And I'm saying you be playing
With someone?s heart
Just remember a tear is easier with hurt
When you have nothing but love in your eyes
Love is what we got goin', baby
Love is, love is
Love is what we got goin', baby
Love is what we got goin', baby
Love is what we got goin', baby
Love is what we got goin', baby
Love is what we got goin', baby
Love is what we got goin', baby
Love is
in these lyrics, The Chi-Lites describe the essence of love by analyzing the different aspects of a relationship that showcase true love. They talk about how one of the major factors of love is putting someone else's needs above your own and how this shows that you truly care for the person. Additionally, they describe how writing a letter that is cherished shows that you value the person and their presence in your life.
The song also talks about how love is about forgiving and forgetting the mistakes that someone may make. It's about seeing the good in the person and overlooking their faults. The Chi-Lites also talk about how love is about complete satisfaction with the other person, and when you have it, there's no doubt that it's love. Finally, it's about being aware of the emotions of the other person and being careful not to hurt them in any way.
Line by Line Meaning
Love is, love is
Love is the all-encompassing force that connects us all, it's a feeling that can't be fully explained and can only be experienced.
Love is what we got goin', baby
Love is the foundation of our relationship, it's what keeps us together and makes everything else possible.
When someone else's needs mean more than your own
Love is about selflessness, putting the needs of others before your own and finding joy in their happiness.
When a letter you write is cherished at home
Love is about expressing your feelings to those you care about, through words or actions, and having them appreciated and valued.
When you can kiss the lips
Of the one you love and mean it
Look on over her fault
As though you never seen it
When you have learned to forget
As well as forgive
Love is about accepting and cherishing the imperfections of those you care about, and having the ability to let go of past hurts and move forward together.
When two have mastered the art
Of complete satisfaction
Ain't no doubt about it
Love's gonna be the reaction
Like adding sugar to your coffee
You know it's gonna come out sweet
Love is about finding complete satisfaction and fulfillment in each other, and knowing that it will always lead to happiness and sweetness in life.
When love knocks at your door, you ain't ready
Don't play like a deck of cards
And I'm saying you be playing
With someone's heart
Just remember a tear is easier with hurt
When you have nothing but love in your eyes
Love requires a deep level of commitment and readiness, it's not something to be taken lightly or played with. When you truly love someone, you'll be able to handle any pain that comes along with it, as long as you have love in your heart.
Love is, love is
Love is what we got goin', baby
Love is what we got goin', baby
Love is what we got goin', baby
Love is what we got goin', baby
Love is what we got goin', baby
Love is what we got goin', baby
Love is
Love is the constant thread that holds together all aspects of our lives, it's what we strive for and what gives our lives meaning and purpose.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Anna McGarrigle, Jane McGarrigle, Kate McGarrigle
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ra15899550
This song is indeed a Chi-Lite classic, sweet, soft and melodic harmony. They just don't make 'em like this any more. Hats off to the Chi-Lites because you all are legendary entertainers and music makers. Peace and Love. Thanks for posting. "How sweet it is".
euphrates556
No other way to say it, "A Masterpiece!"
#THE KIC-BACK LOUNGE urbansmoothent
This album was phenomenal! Not a bad song on the whole thing!
Juggalo5588
Amazing song... How can today's kids neglect solid gold like this music!
Maica Clarke
Juggalo5588 they listen to what is played on the air everyday,it's all up to the radio stations authorities.
Derrick Sutton
I still have this album form 44 years ago and it has stood the test of time this is a great album from start to finish.THANKS FOR PLAYING THIS CUT
Sidney Hunt
I agree station in South East Asia when album dropped
euphrates556
I also still have the album. In my opinion, one of the best soul albums of all time.
Black and Sensual Mark
This album from 1972 is flawless , very very good . I was 8 years old when it first came out , but i remember it wel . This tune in particular is very good .
TheJmax59
I do, too, Derrick. Honey, good music never gets old. We all know that, don't we? Maica is right, the kids don't hear this unless they hear it from us in the family.