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
You Got to Be the One
The Chi-Lites Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That you don't need me
Whoa, oh baby, whoa, oh baby
And if by chance you find
That you can't love me
Whoa, oh baby, whoa, oh baby
To keep you happy
And I'd worry, not a day about me
Because I'll get mine
Hey girl, I'll get mine
And if by chance
You feel you love another
Whoa, oh baby, whoa, oh baby
And I can't give
The love you need, dear
Whoa, oh baby, whoa, oh baby
I would suggest that you be happy
And I'd worry not a day about me
Because I'll get mine
Hey girl, I'll get mine
Every night I dream about you
Hey girl, I'll get mine
Hey girl, I'll get mine
I'll get mine
(You got yours and I'll get mine)
Hey girl, I'll get mine
I'll get mine
(You got yours and I'll get mine)
Hey girl, I'll get mine
I'll get mine
(You got yours and I'll get mine)
Hey girl, I'll get mine
The Chi-Lites' song You Got to Be the One is a song about unrequited love. The lyrics convey the singer's dedication to the person he loves, saying that he would do anything to make them happy, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness. The singer acknowledges the possibility of the loved one not feeling the same way or falling in love with someone else, but he assures them that he will always love them and wishes for their happiness in either case. He tells them that he dreams about them every night and that he will get his happiness in his own way.
The song has a sad and melancholic tone that emphasizes the pain of being in love with someone who doesn't love you back. The lyrics express the frustration of not being able to control the feelings of the person you love and the inevitable heartbreak that comes with it. However, there is also a sense of hope and determination in the lyrics, as the singer refuses to give up on love altogether and holds onto his own happiness.
Overall, You Got to Be the One is a powerful and emotional ballad that captures the complexities of love and heartbreak.
Line by Line Meaning
If by chance you feel
In case you have a feeling or perception that you don't need me in your life.
That you don't need me
You don't require my support or presence in your life.
Whoa, oh baby, whoa, oh baby
An expression of affection, concern, or anxiety towards you.
And if by chance you find
In case you realize or discover that you cannot love me the way I expect.
That you can't love me
You lack the ability or possibility to love me.
Well, now, I'd give the world
I am willing to make great sacrifices or do anything to keep you happy.
To keep you happy
To ensure that you are content and satisfied with our relationship.
And I'd worry, not a day about me
I will not be concerned about my own needs or desires, as long as you're happy.
Because I'll get mine
I will eventually obtain or achieve what I deserve or desire, despite the current situation or circumstances.
Hey girl, I'll get mine
A confident affirmation that I will obtain or achieve what I deserve or desire, despite the current situation or circumstances.
And if by chance
In case it happens that you realize you love someone else.
You feel you love another
You have developed feelings of love or attraction towards someone else.
And I can't give
If I cannot offer or provide.
The love you need, dear
If I fail to meet your expectations or needs in terms of love and affection.
I would suggest that you be happy
I would advise or recommend that you prioritize your own happiness and needs.
Every night I dream about you
An expression of how often I think about you, and how deeply you occupy my mind.
I'll get mine
I will eventually obtain or achieve what I deserve or desire, despite the current situation or circumstances.
(You got yours and I'll get mine)
An exclamation of how everyone deserves or obtains what they deserve or desire in the end.
Hey girl, I'll get mine
A confident affirmation that I will obtain or achieve what I deserve or desire, despite the current situation or circumstances.
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: THOMAS RANDOLPH BELL, WILLIAM ALEXANDER N HART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Victor Arrington
My older brother marshall Arrington wrote this song for the chi lite's year's ago. Peace!
John Tate
Yes a lovely song - its great. I heard it in 1975 and never forgot it
ladyreign21
Alfred DeBerry Yes Both writers were paid. No one can get around not paying writers especially when the names are credited in writing on the albums and proper paperwork.👍🏽
ladyreign21
Yes this was written both by Eugene Record and Marshall Arrington💗
Kelly L. King
This IS THE Jam!!! Love the Chi-Lites!
boomerang905
My favorite of all the Recordings. It's a dreamy and soulful combination. ❤
DAVID WOLF
Thank you, Marshall Arrington & Eugene Record for this wonderful 1974 dance track which I always speed up live - and thank you for posting this (one of many) Chi-Lites classic single from Toby album - Cheers, DAVEDJ
Candace Smith
Chicago Steppin'! Always loved this one.
Peter Abrr
Candace Smith
Victor Arrington
My older brother wrote this song for the chi lite's, back in the sixty's. I still love this song. Peace!