The Lick
The Earl Grey Lyrics
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"The Lick" is a playful and upbeat instrumental track by the British indie jazz band The Earl Grey. The song starts with a catchy and repetitive lick on the electric guitar accompanied by a funky bass groove and drumbeat. The track builds up gradually, introducing more layers of instruments like piano and brass, creating a festive and danceable mood. The main melody is simple yet effective, leaving space for improvisation and solos.
Although there are no lyrics in the song, "The Lick" is a very expressive and communicative piece of music. The main riff is so memorable that it has become a meme among jazz musicians and fans, often being used as a shorthand for the jazz language and vocabulary. The song feels like a conversation, with each musician contributing their own ideas and responding to each other, creating a sense of community and playfulness. The Earl Grey blends different genres and influences, including jazz, funk, and rock, into their signature sound, creating a unique and dynamic musical experience.
Overall, "The Lick" is a fun and groovy tune that showcases The Earl Grey's musical chops and creativity. Even without lyrics, the song manages to convey a lot of emotions and ideas, making it a perfect fit for any occasion where people want to dance and have a good time.
Line by Line Meaning
Thank you ladies and gentlemen
I express my gratitude towards the audience present, both men and women.
For real though, um, jazz musicians, we have a language
I am serious that jazz musicians share a distinct way of communicating through music.
And that language is the hardest language in the world to learn
This language is particularly difficult to learn and comprehend.
It's harder to learn than Chinese
It requires more effort and practice than learning the Chinese language.
Harder than Rakim
Even harder than mastering the techniques of the famous rapper, Rakim.
Harder than quantum physics
It is even more challenging than understanding the complex theories and principles of quantum physics.
So I'm going to teach you how to play a jazz lick
I am going to explain how to perform a musical phrase commonly found in jazz music called a 'lick.'
It's called The Lick
This particular lick has become well-known and is referred to as 'The Lick.'
And I'm pretty sure that you've heard this lick before
I am confident that you have heard this specific musical phrase in various jazz compositions.
But you probably didn't know what it was called
However, you might not have been aware of its name or origin.
So I'm going to play it for you right now
I am now going to perform this lick for you to listen to and recognize.
One, two, three, four
I am counting off the beats before beginning to play The Lick.
Ba-da-da-da-da-da-na-na-na
I am now playing The Lick for you to hear.
Ba-da-da-da-da-da-na-na-na
I am continuing to perform The Lick.
Ba-da-da-da-da-da-na-na-na
I am still playing The Lick for you to hear.
Ba-da-da-da-da-da-na-na-na-na-na-na-na
I am now concluding The Lick after repeating it several times.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PAUL FRAZER CLARKE, RON WELLS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
DAZCreativeContests
Had this tune on The Future Funk compilation CD. Whole album was awesome and my way into things like Drum and Bass and people like Aphex Twin. Hearing it again on the 1st of Jan 2012, it still sounds as good as it did some 17 years ago when I was just a wee boy getting high with my pals! Awesome share, thank you very much!
Trevor M.
Now something like 27 years ago....😁
Robert Harwood
Tune! Haven't heard this for a long time. Never heard it all by itself like this, but in its day The Lick was one of those essentials a DJ would use to construct an atmospheric set. Seem to remember playing the other side of this a lot too. Thanks asterio.
Blunt Rapier
Got 2 copies of The Flavour EP, music production at its pinnacle
mucky
not 1 but 2? wow
sarahqtgirl
Holy Crap, this is amazing. Thanks so much ^_^
djmasturbeat
man wish i had had this
great label here in those days
krayzeepenis
Agree wholeheartedly...bought this cd(future funk)back in the day and listening to it recently brings back some great memories...First experiences of getting high as well to some great tunes!Outta space was one of my favourites!Try not to smile listening to that groove after a few blowbacks!
nicozizzetta
timeless
bevlian89
super smooth track..