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
There Will Never Be Any Peace (Until God Is Seated at the Conference Ta
The Chi-Lites Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Until God is at the conference table
There will never be any peace
Until God is seated at the conference table
(He?s at the conference table)
Men are runnin? from land to land
Tryin? to make things alright
For what they maybe thinking is right
Everybody has a plan
Ain?t that just a man
People can?t you understand?
We gotta tell ?em
There will never be any peace
Until God is seated at the conference table
(He?s at the conference table)
There will never be any peace
Until God is seated at the conference table
(He?s at the conference table)
What went on in the dark
Has come to light
Tell me who's to blame
And what?s his name?
You can point your finger
But you gotta remember
What was done was done by a man
So we gotta tell ?em
There will never be any peace
Until God is seated at the conference table
(He?s at the conference table)
There will never be any peace
Until God is seated at the conference table
(He?s at the conference table)
There will never be any peace
Until God is seated at the conference table
(He?s at the conference table)
There will never be any peace
Until God is seated at the conference table
(He?s at the conference table)
Oh yeah, until God is seated
(There will never be any peace, until God)
At the conference table
(He?s at the conference table)
God only needs
(There will never be any peace)
God seeing it [Incomprehensible]
(Until God)
Every body sing together
(He?s at the conference table)
There will never be any peace
No, no, peace
(Until God)
Until he is seated at the conference table
(He?s at the conference table)
There will never be any peace
So sing a little prayer now
(Until God, He?s at the conference table)
Everybody
(There will never be any peace until God
He?s at the conference table)
Holding hand in hand
(There will never be any peace)
All over the land
(Until God)
He's at the conference table
The Chi-Lites's song "There Will Never Be Any Peace (Until God Is Seated at the Conference Table)" is a protest song and a call for unity among people from all backgrounds. The lyrics argue that peace cannot be achieved through human efforts alone; God needs to be present at the conference table for any lasting peace to occur. The song also acknowledges that humans are fallible and prone to making mistakes, and that blaming individuals for past wrongs does not bring about change. The lyrics therefore emphasize the importance of forgiveness and moving forward together.
One interesting fact about the song is that it was released in 1973, during a time of social and political unrest in the United States. The Vietnam War was still ongoing, and there were widespread protests against racism and discrimination.
Another interesting fact is that the song was written by Eugene Record, a member of The Chi-Lites and the group's primary songwriter. Record wrote many of the group's hits, including "Have You Seen Her" and "Oh Girl."
The song has been covered by several artists over the years, including Marvin Gaye, who performed a live version in 1983.
The song was not initially well-received by some radio stations due to its religious content, but it later became a popular anthem for the Civil Rights movement.
The song's message is still relevant today, as people continue to grapple with issues of injustice, discrimination, and inequality.
The song's chord progression is unknown.
Line by Line Meaning
There will never be any peace
True peace cannot exist
Until God is at the conference table
Unless God is present in negotiations
There will never be any peace
True peace cannot exist
Until God is seated at the conference table
Unless God is an active participant in discussions
(He?s at the conference table)
God is present and involved
Men are runnin? from land to land
People are traveling far and wide
Tryin? to make things alright
Attempting to resolve issues
Holding meeting after meeting, constantly reaching
Having numerous discussions with the intent of progress
For what they maybe thinking is right
In pursuit of what they believe to be correct
Everybody has a plan
Each individual has their own strategy
Ain?t that just a man
This is simply human nature
People can?t you understand?
Can't you comprehend?
We gotta tell ?em
We must inform them
What went on in the dark
What occurred in secret
Has come to light
Has been exposed
Tell me who's to blame
Identify the responsible party
And what?s his name?
Who specifically are we referring to?
You can point your finger
You can assign blame
But you gotta remember
But keep in mind
What was done was done by a man
A human being committed the act
So we gotta tell ?em
Thus, we must make them aware
God only needs
God solely requires
God seeing it [Incomprehensible]
God's involvement in the matter
Every body sing together
Everyone join in singing
Oh yeah, until God is seated
Indeed, until God is present
(There will never be any peace, until God)
True peace cannot exist unless God is involved
At the conference table
In discussion and negotiation
No, no, peace
Lack of peace
So sing a little prayer now
Let us all offer a prayer
Everybody
All individuals
(There will never be any peace until God
True peace cannot exist without God
He?s at the conference table)
God is currently present and involved
Holding hand in hand
Physical connection between people
All over the land
Across the entire region
He's at the conference table
God is actively participating in discussions
Contributed by Jacob W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.