The group was founded as The Roosters by Chattanooga, Tennessee natives Sam Gooden, Richard Brooks, and Arthur Brooks, who moved to Chicago, Illinois and added Jerry Butler and Curtis Mayfield to their lineup to become Jerry Butler & the Impressions. By 1962, Butler and the Brookses had departed, and after switching to ABC-Paramount Records, Mayfield, Gooden, and new Impression Fred Cash collectively became a top-selling soul act. Mayfield left the group for a solo career in 1970; Leroy Hutson, Ralph Johnson, Reggie Torian, and Nate Evans were among the replacements who joined Gooden and Cash before the group's demise in 1983.
Inductees into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, The Impressions are best known for their 1960s string of hits, many of which were heavily influenced by gospel music and served as inspirational anthems for the Civil Rights Movement.
Personnel:
Jerry Butler (1958 - 1960)
Curtis Mayfield (1958 - 1970)
Sam Gooden (1958 - 1983)
Arthur Brooks (1958 - 1962)
Richard Brooks (1958 - 1962)
Fred Cash (1960 - 1983)
Leroy Hutson (1970 - 1973)
Ralph Johnson (1973 - 1976)
Nate Evans (1976 - 1979)
Reggie Torian (1973 - 1983)
Discography
Albums
1963: The Impressions
1964: Keep on Pushing
1964: The Never Ending Impressions
1965: One by One
1965: People Get Ready
1966: Ridin' High
1967: The Fabulous Impressions
1968: We're a Winner
1968: This Is My Country
1969: The Young Mods' Forgotten Story
1969: The Versatile Impressions
1969: Amen
1970: Check out Your Mind!
1972: Times Have Changed
1973: Preacher Man
1974: Finally Got Myself Together
1974: Three the Hard Way
1975: First Impressions
1975: Sooner or Later
1976: It's About Time
1976: Originals
1976: Loving Power
1979: Come to My Party
1981: Fan the Fire
It's Alright
The Impressions Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(It's all right)
Say it's all right
(It's all right)
It's all right, have a good time
'Cause it's all right, whoa, it's all right
We're gonna move it slow
When you move it slow, it sounds like more
And it's all right, whoa, it's all right
Now listen to the beat
Kinda pat your feet
You got soul, and everybody knows
That it's all right, whoa, it's all right
When you wake up early in the morning
Feeling sad like so many of us do
Hum a little soul
Make life your goal
And surely something's got to come to you
And say it's all right
(It's all right)
Say it's all right
(It's all right)
It's all right, have a good time
'Cause it's all right, whoa, it's all right
Now everybody clap your hands
Give yourself a chance
You got soul, and everybody knows
That it's all right, whoa, it's all right
Someday I'll find me a woman
Who will love and treat me real nice
Then my woe's got to go
And my love, she will know
From morning, noon, and night
And she's got to
Say it's all right
(It's all right)
Say it's all right
(It's all right)
It's all right, have a good time
'Cause it's all right, whoa, it's all right
Now everybody clap your hands
Now give yourselves a chance
You got soul
The Impressions' song "It's Alright" is a soulful, upbeat tune with a message of hope and positivity. The chorus repeats the phrase "Say it's all right, it's all right," encouraging listeners to look on the bright side and enjoy life. The first verse describes slow dancing, suggesting that even when things are moving slowly, it can still be enjoyable. The second verse gives advice for when life gets tough: hum a little soul and make life your goal, and something good is bound to come your way.
The bridge introduces the idea of finding love, with the hope of a partner who will treat the singer well and bring him happiness. The repetition of the chorus and the upbeat tempo reinforce the idea that things will get better, and that it's important to keep a positive attitude and keep moving forward.
The song's themes of resilience and hope have made it an enduring classic, and it has been covered by many other artists over the years. It was particularly popular during the Civil Rights era, as its message of hope and unity resonated with the struggle for racial equality.
Line by Line Meaning
Say it's all right
Everything is cool
(It's all right)
No worries
It's all right, have a good time
Just chill, enjoy yourself
'Cause it's all right, whoa, it's all right
Everything is good
We're gonna move it slow
Let's take our time
When lights are low
In a relaxed environment
When you move it slow, it sounds like more
Take it easy, enjoy the ride
Now listen to the beat
Pay attention to the music
Kinda pat your feet
Tapping your toes to the rhythm
You got soul, and everybody knows
You've got a cool vibe, and people recognize it
When you wake up early in the morning
Starting the day
Feeling sad like so many of us do
Feeling down, like we all sometimes do
Hum a little soul
Singing something that uplifts you
Make life your goal
Focus on creating a good life
And surely something's got to come to you
Good things will come
Now everybody clap your hands
Get into it
Give yourself a chance
Get involved in the fun
Someday I'll find me a woman
Hoping for a special someone
Who will love and treat me real nice
Who treats me well and loves me for who I am
Then my woe's got to go
All problems will disappear
And my love, she will know
The person I love will understand me
From morning, noon, and night
All the time
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CURTIS MAYFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@user-lh9bg1xg1g
CURTIS MAYFIELD AND THE IMPRESSIONS
WERE GENUINE AT WHAT THEY DID BEST
CURTIS MAYFIELD SING, WROTE & PRODUCE MOST OF THEIR GREAT SONGS IF I'M NOT MISTAKEN BACK IN THE DAY & HE IS MOST
AND WELL KNOWN FOR THE SOUNDTRACK
"SUPER FLY THAT WAS EVERYBODY'S
SOLD OUT FAVORITE THAT
HE'S FAMOUS FOR
@CZsWorld
Can't hear this without thinking of IT.
@ToneGamingg
ayeeeeeeeeeee you my favorite youtuber
@Young_dub
Ya meeee too
@videoboy80s38
Yes
@simmerxo3439
that's why I'm hear
@tarcisioilgrande6050
Ahahah ahahah true
@merrylawrence5668
Anyone still loving this song in 2023 ? Great music. Love it. 💖👏🥰❤️👏👏
@SladeAndLandon
I was
@tb3zamora
I’m a 70 year old latino born in Texas and raised in California. Grew listening to all this great music and I believe Curtis Mayfield doesn’t get recognized enough for his awesome talent.
@lizette87
Ah, IT! Can't listen to this without automatically thinking about the classic masterpiece ❤