The Chi-Lites were a Chicago-based smooth soul vocal quartet from the early… Read Full Bio ↴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, 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

Trouble's-A-Comin'
The Chi-Lites Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ohhh, I can hear the people talkin'
I can see the people walkin', ah yeah
Troubles a' comin', in more ways than one, woo hoo

May he take me away from here
Lord if I don't have no fear, y'all

(I can hear, hear the people talkin') Troubles a' comin', y'all

(I can see, see the people walkin') You best believe that ain't all
In more ways than one, woo hoo
Get it together, all right

After givin' all I've givin' (get it together)
What should I say, excuse me for livin', all right (get it together)
'Cause I'm in a prison, and love is the key, woo hoo

Somebody get together
And come on, we gotta make it better

(I can hear, hear the people talkin') 'Cause troubles a' comin', y'all
(I can see, see the people walkin') You best believe that ain't all
In more ways than one, woo hoo
(I can hear, hear the people talkin'
I can see, see the people walkin')

I can hear, hear the people talkin'
I can see, see the people walkin'
I can hear, hear the people talkin'
I can see, see the people walkin'
I can hear, hear the people talkin'
I can see, see the people walkin'
I can hear, hear the people talkin'
I can see, see the people walkin'
I can hear, hear the people talkin'
I can see, see the people walkin'
I can hear, hear the people talkin'
I can see, see the people walkin'
I can hear, hear the people talkin'
I can see, see the people walkin'
I can hear, hear the people talkin'
I can see, see the people walkin'

I can hear, hear the people talkin'
I can see, see the people walkin'

Overall Meaning

The Chi-Lites’ song Trouble’s-A-Comin’ is a powerful and emotional song that speaks to the struggles and challenges faced by the African American community during the 1970s. The song begins with the singer acknowledging the words that he hears from others and the movements he sees in people. The singer then declares that trouble is coming, and it is coming in many ways.

The chorus reiterates that the problems faced by the community are deep-rooted and complex. The lyrics suggest that there is a need for unity and action to combat these issues successfully. The singer calls upon someone to help and make things better, as he feels trapped in a prison.

The final part of the song employs repetition to accentuate the seriousness of the matter. The singer keeps repeating that he can hear the people talking and see them walking, emphasizing the need for attention to the issue at hand.

Line by Line Meaning

Ohhh, I can hear the people talkin'
I am aware of the rumors and discussions that people are having about me.

I can see the people walkin', ah yeah
I notice people going about their business, seemingly unaffected by the troubles that are approaching.

Troubles a' comin', in more ways than one, woo hoo
There are multiple challenges on the horizon that may cause difficulties in various aspects of life.

May he take me away from here
I hope for an escape from this situation that's causing me trouble and anxiety.

Lord if I don't have no fear, y'all
God, please help me overcome my fears so that I can face the challenges ahead with courage.

(I can hear, hear the people talkin') Troubles a' comin', y'all
I am aware of the rumors and discussions that people are having about the challenges on the horizon.

(I can see, see the people walkin') You best believe that ain't all
The people going about their business are just a small part of the challenges that are approaching.

Get it together, all right
It is time to focus and prepare for the difficulties ahead.

After givin' all I've givin' (get it together)
Despite having given my best, it is time to regroup and prepare for what's ahead.

What should I say, excuse me for livin', all right (get it together)
I don't want to apologize for being alive, but I need to gather my strength and face the upcoming challenges with resolve.

'Cause I'm in a prison, and love is the key, woo hoo
I feel trapped, but I believe that love is the solution to overcoming these difficulties and finding a way forward.

Somebody get together
We need to work together to face these challenges.

And come on, we gotta make it better
We need to take action to improve the situation and overcome the difficulties ahead.

I can hear, hear the people talkin'
I am continually aware of the rumors and discussions about the challenges approaching.

I can see, see the people walkin'
I observe people going about their business, seemingly indifferent to the challenges ahead.

I can hear, hear the people talkin'
The rumors and discussions about the upcoming challenges continue to be a constant presence in my life.

I can see, see the people walkin'
People continue to go about their business, seemingly unaffected by the difficulties on the horizon.

I can hear, hear the people talkin'
Despite my efforts to escape the rumors and discussions, they continue to be a constant presence in my life.

I can see, see the people walkin'
People continue to go about their business, seemingly indifferent to the challenges and the need for action.

Contributed by Claire G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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