Original singer Diane Ferraz (born in Trinidad) and keyboard player Mike Liston (also known as Michael Snow) formed the band with Dave Sweetnam (saxophone), George Sweetnam (bass, vocals), Barry Reeves (drums), and guitarist Mike Anthony, later replaced by Keith Field. Vocals in the group were shared between Ferraz, Liston, and George Sweetnam. They released the album, Can't Break the Habit, in 1967.
Ferraz decided to leave the music business to raise a family and was briefly replaced, in 1968, by Marsha Hunt, before she in turn left to be replaced by Linda Lewis. Among other personnel changes, Reeves was replaced by drummer Dennis Elliott, and in 1969 Field left, to be replaced by guitarist Terry Edmunds, who was in turn replaced towards the end of the group's career, first by Bernie Holland and finally Jim Cregan.
Featuring Lewis as lead singer, the group signed a recording contract with the Polydor label, who issued a single, "Can't Stop Now" produced by Ian Samwell, at the start of 1970, followed by an album, Ferris Wheel. The album was released on the Uni label in the US,[8] but was not successful. The group separated in 1970
What Is Soul
The Ferris Wheel Lyrics
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Some few people really know
It's deep within us, it doesn't show
A soul is somethin' that comes from deep inside
But a soul is a somethin' that you can't hide
What is soul? What is soul, babe?
Search your heart, go deep down low
Way down there you'll find your soul
Come near girl, you look so cold
Touch my hand and warm your soul
Baby, baby, what's wrong with you
You don't know what I'm going through
Hold me so tight, so tight I can't breath
Can't you feel it girl? Don't you know what I mean?
This is soul!
This is soul! Feel the soul, babe!
What is soul, babe? Don't you know?
What is soul, babe?
The lyrics to the song "What is Soul?" by The Ferris Wheel explores the elusive concept of soul. The songwriter asks an important question - what is soul? And, suggestively, does the listener truly know the meaning of the word? He admits that only some people really know what soul is, implying that the rest of us are kind of lost. The song suggests that soul is something deep within us that is not visible to the outside world. It's elusive and difficult to define. At the same time, the songwriter suggests that real soul comes from deep inside; it's visceral, emotional, and something that can't be faked or hidden. The words "you can't hide" emphasise this aspect of soul, implying that it's an inherent part of us, one that we can't cover up.
The chorus "What is soul? What is soul, babe?" is repeated throughout the song, driving home its central question. The songwriter implores the listener to search their heart and go deep down low to discover their own soul. The idea that a soul can be warmed by the touch of another person implies that soul is connected to emotion and feeling - it's something that can be nurtured and cared for. The end of the song changes tone, with the singer asking "What's wrong with you? You don't know what I'm going through." These lines suggest that the singer is trying to connect with someone who is out of touch with their own emotions, implying that the key to understanding soul is to tap into those deep feelings in a way that is honest and genuine.
Line by Line Meaning
What is soul? What is soul, babe?
The artists are seeking to understand the concept of soul and asking their beloved for her thoughts on it.
Some few people really know
Only a select few individuals truly understand what soul means.
It's deep within us, it doesn't show
Soul is an inherent part of us, but it may not be easily recognizable or visible to others.
A soul is somethin' that comes from deep inside
The essence of soul originates from a profound, intrinsic place in our being.
But a soul is a somethin' that you can't hide
Although soul may not be immediately apparent, it cannot be concealed or disguised forever.
Search your heart, go deep down low
The artists advise their beloved to reflect deeply and thoroughly to discover her own concept of soul.
Way down there you'll find your soul
Through introspection, one may identify and connect with the depths of their soul.
Come near girl, you look so cold
The artists invite their beloved to come closer and share in the warmth of soul.
Touch my hand and warm your soul
Through connection and physical touch, the artists offer to share with their beloved the warmth and depth of soul.
Baby, baby, what's wrong with you
The artists express concern in their beloved's emotional state and wonder if she is disconnected from her own soul.
You don't know what I'm going through
The artists feel like their beloved may not understand or appreciate the depth of their own soul journey.
Hold me so tight, so tight I can't breath
In an intimate moment, the artists express the overwhelming depth of their own soul through physical touch.
Can't you feel it girl? Don't you know what I mean?
The artists wish for their beloved to connect and empathize with the intensity of their own soul, hoping she too will understand its power.
This is soul! This is soul! Feel the soul, babe!
Through their own captivating and emotion-filled performance, the artists aim to make their beloved feel the true essence of soul.
What is soul, babe? Don't you know? What is soul, babe?
In the end, the artists still seek to understand the elusive and profound concept of soul, even as they share their own unique interpretation with their beloved.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BEN E. KING, BOB GALLO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind