Formed in 1991 by working class music manager Jimmy Rabitte, The Commitments performes a unique blend of soul music, described by trumpeter Joey "The Lips" Fagan as "Dublin soul." Featuring Deco Cuffe on lead vocals, Imelda Quirke, Natalie Murphy and Bernie McGloughlin as female backing vocalists, Outspan Foster on lead guitar, Dean Fay on bass, Steven Clifford on keys, Derek Scully and Joey "The Lips" Fagan on trumpet and Billy Mooney on drums, The Commitments were successful in local venues in North Dublin. During the final months of their original run, Mooney left the band and was replaced by former security guard Micko Wallace. The group disbanded in late 1991 after a hectic club show – at which the band were to be joined by Wilson Pickett – and due to internal affairs, just minutes before the band were offered a record deal.
In 2010, the band reformed and are set to perform a number of dates.
The movie was also the breakthrough for singer Andrew Strong.
Saved
The Commitments Lyrics
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I used to drink
I used to smoke, drink, and dance the hoochie-coo
I used to smoke and drink
Smoke and drink and dance the hoochie-coo
Whoa yeah
But now I'm standin' on this corner
Ah hah
That's why I'm saved (saved)
I'm saved (saved)
People let me tell you 'bout a, kingdom come
You know I'm saved (saved)
I'm saved (saved)
I can preach until you're, deaf and dumb
I'm in that soul-savin' army
Beatin' on that big a-bass drum
Whoa yeah
I used to cuss
I used to fuss
I used to cuss, fuss and boogie all night long
I used to cuss and fuss
Cuss and fuss and boogie all night long
Wah hah
But now I'm standin' on this corner
Ah-I know right-a from wrong
Uh huh
That's why I'm saved (saved)
I'm saved (saved)
People let me tell you 'bout a, kingdom come
You know I'm saved (saved)
Ah, saved (saved)
I can-a preach until you're, deaf and dumb
I'm in that soul-savin' army
Beatin' on that big a-bass drum
Whoa yeah
I used to lie (lie)
I used to cheat (cheat)
I used to lie,(lie) cheat(cheat) and step on peoples feet
I used to lie and cheat
Lie and cheat and step on peoples feet
Oh yeah
But now I'm steppin' on the glory
Sal-vation is my beat
Whoa yeah
Because I'm saved (saved)
I'm saved (saved)
People let me tell you 'bout a, kingdom come
You know I'm saved (saved)
Ah, saved (saved)
I can-a preach until you're, deaf and dumb
I'm in that soul-savin' army
Beatin' on that big a-bass drum
Whoa
The Commitments' song "Saved" is all about redemption and turning over a new leaf. The lyrics depict a person who used to indulge in vices such as smoking, drinking, and dancing, but has since renounced these activities and is now a member of the "soul-savin' army." The singer emphasizes the importance of salvation and encourages others to join in this newfound way of life.
Through the repetition of the phrase "I'm saved," the singer reinforces his commitment to his new path and attempts to rally others to do the same. The use of parallel structure in the verses ("I used to smoke and drink / Smoke and drink and dance the hoochie-coo") also emphasizes the singer's transition from a life of excess to a life of piety.
Overall, "Saved" is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the importance of leaving one's old life behind. It encourages listeners to consider their own redemption and to join the soul-savin' army.
Line by Line Meaning
I used to smoke
In the past, I had a habit of smoking cigarettes.
I used to drink
Previously, I had a tendency to consume alcohol.
I used to smoke, drink, and dance the hoochie-coo
I used to engage in smoking and drinking while dancing in a provocative manner.
I used to smoke and drink
Smoke and drink and dance the hoochie-coo
Whoa yeah
But now I'm standin' on this corner
Prayin' for a-me and you
Ah hah
I used to smoke and drink while dancing, but now I am standing on this corner and praying for both myself and you.
That's why I'm saved (saved)
I'm saved (saved)
People let me tell you 'bout a, kingdom come
I underwent a change in my behavior and lifestyle, and now I have found salvation. Let me share with you the Good News of the Kingdom of God.
You know I'm saved (saved)
I'm saved (saved)
I can preach until you're, deaf and dumb
I'm in that soul-savin' army
Beatin' on that big a-bass drum
Whoa yeah
I am expressing my joy at being saved and am willing to share the message with others. I am a proud member of the soul-saving army, who passionately spreads the news and beats on a large bass drum.
I used to cuss
I used to fuss
I used to cuss, fuss and boogie all night long
At one point, I had a tendency to use foul language and argue excessively while dancing all night long.
I used to cuss and fuss
Cuss and fuss and boogie all night long
Wah hah
But now I'm standin' on this corner
Ah-I know right-a from wrong
Uh huh
Although I used to cuss and fuss while boogying, I now stand on this very corner and know the difference between what is right and wrong.
I used to lie (lie)
I used to cheat (cheat)
I used to lie,(lie) cheat(cheat) and step on peoples feet
In the past, I had an inclination towards lying and cheating, and I would lie, cheat and step on others' feet.
I used to lie and cheat
Lie and cheat and step on peoples feet
Oh yeah
But now I'm steppin' on the glory
Sal-vation is my beat
Whoa yeah
Now that I am saved, I do not lie or cheat, and I do not step on people's feet. I am marching towards glory, where salvation is my beat.
Because I'm saved (saved)
I'm saved (saved)
People let me tell you 'bout a, kingdom come
You know I'm saved (saved)
Ah, saved (saved)
I can-a preach until you're, deaf and dumb
I'm in that soul-savin' army
Beatin' on that big a-bass drum
Whoa
I want to emphasize that because of my salvation, I have the right to speak about the Kingdom of God. I am overjoyed at being saved and will share the message until everyone hears it. I am a proud associate of the soul-saving army, and I use a large bass drum to spread the message.
Contributed by Samuel D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.