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
We Need Order
The Chi-Lites Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
People searching for so many ways
Of releasing their disappointments and fears
So, come on with the pills and the tears
Yeah, hey, we need order
We need order, hey, hey
Oh, the flowers and the trees
Those that are left are so very beautiful
Oh, the birds and the bees
Have been forgotten, almost a used to be
Man is tempted to take
If not for himself then for his children
But, they can't help themselves
But rely on a prayer and a little religion
We're hung up on the knowledge of war
Something, that most of us have never seen
But, how sweet it would be to wake up in the morning
And find it was all a dream
We need order, we need order
Hey, hey, we need order
We need order, hey, hey
We need order, hey
Oh, the flowers and the trees
Those that are left are so very beautiful
Oh, the birds and the bees
Have been forgotten, almost a used to be
The Chi-Lites's song We Need Order delves into the chaos and turmoil prevalent in the world and how people are struggling to cope with their fears and disappointments. The first stanza highlights how individuals try to find ways to release their angst and agony through pills and tears. The second stanza talks about the beauty of nature that has faded due to human abuse and the loss of innocence. In the following lines, the lyricist speaks about how man is lured into taking things for himself and his children, which they can barely help themselves from, except through prayer and faith. The song concludes with a yearning for peace and order, where individuals can wake up to a world free of violence and war.
The song gained popularity in the 1970s along with the rise of the soul music genre. We Need Order was released in 1972 as a single by Chi Sound Records and was also included in their album, A Lonely Man. The song did not make it to the top of the charts but was still a fan favorite.
In 1980, the song was covered by the British band, The Assembly, featuring Vince Clarke and Eric Radcliffe. The song was remixed with electronic sounds, and the lyrics were modified to include a message about technology taking over human life.
The Chi-Lites were an R&B vocal group from Chicago that was formed in the early 1960s. The band consisted of Eugene Record, Marshall Thompson, Robert Lester, and Creadel Jones. They were known as the "sweet soul" group for their emotionally charged music that spoke to listeners on a deeper level.
We Need Order was written by Eugene Record, who penned most of The Chi-Lites's songs. Record was a gifted songwriter who had several hits to his credit, including "Oh Girl," "Have You Seen Her," and "Stoned Out of My Mind."
The song's message is still relevant today, with war and violence still a major issue in many parts of the world. The lyrics bring to light the need for peace and order in society, and how people long for a world where violence and war don't exist.
The Chi-Lites's music has been sampled and covered by many artists over the years. The group was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2018.
The Chi-Lites's music and other soul and R&B groups of the time were instrumental in shaping the sound of modern pop music. Their music continues to inspire and resonate with audiences today.
The chords for We Need Order are G, C, D, Em, Am.
Line by Line Meaning
The world today is in so many pieces
Currently, society is divided and fragmented
People searching for so many ways
Individuals are trying to find multiple solutions
Of releasing their disappointments and fears
To overcome their sadness or anxiety
So, come on with the pills and the tears
Refers to taking medication and crying as ways to cope with mental health issues
We need order, we need order
Society needs structure and organization
Oh, the flowers and the trees
Refers to the beauty of nature
Those that are left are so very beautiful
Despite environmental destruction, some aspects of nature are still stunning
Oh, the birds and the bees
Refers to animals that are becoming increasingly rare
Have been forgotten, almost a used to be
These animals are not given the attention and care they deserve
Man is tempted to take
People often feel the need to acquire things or experiences
If not for himself then for his children
To provide for their offspring
But, they can't help themselves
Children are often unable to take care of themselves fully
But rely on a prayer and a little religion
People often hope that their religious beliefs will protect their children
We're hung up on the knowledge of war
People are too fixated on understanding the concept of war
Something, that most of us have never seen
Although war is heavily discussed, it is not experienced by many individuals
But, how sweet it would be to wake up in the morning
It would be wonderful to imagine an end to war
And find it was all a dream
To finally have peace in the world
We need order, we need order
Repeated idea of the necessity for structure in society
Hey, hey, we need order
Further emphasis on the desire for organization
We need order, hey, hey
A final reminder of the importance of order
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
mmillerish
One of my favorite songs. So relevant. The arrangement and background vocals Wow!
Miltreen Walls
I wish I was a radio dj I would play these songs cause the world needs them now more than ever
Keretha Jackson
Amen , oh yes , we surely need order 🙏❤❤❤
cwartis
In this song The Chi-lites deal with the ecolgy and raising God-fearing children. Both of them are still neededed in 2018.35 years after the song was 1st recorded.
edward hill
Just as relevant in 2020 as it was in 1973.
alvin leach
Still need it 2021
Charles Coleman
Relevant to this very moment
Charles Coleman
Play it again Loc🤔💯
Charles Coleman
Not only are we conscious now we must take action individually I'm going to come together Collective yes we need order first go with God and all that's needed. Will follow we need order.
Charles Coleman
Digg it.