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 all Over
The Impressions Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 lights are low
When you move it slow, it sounds like more
Now listen to the beat
Kinda pat your feet
You've got soul and everybody knows
That it's all right, whoa, it's all right
When you wake up early in the morning
Feelin' 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
Say 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 alright
Say it's all right
It's all right, have a good time
'Cause it's all right, whoa, it's all right
Everybody clap your hands
Now give yourselves a chance
You've got soul
The Impressions’ song “It’s All Right” is a classic soul tune that permeates happiness and positivity. The song has a strong message that everything will be all right and encourages people to have a good time. The lyrics convey that no matter what happens, as long as people have happiness deep inside, they can overcome any obstacles.
The song also emphasizes the importance of soulful music and its ability to bring people together. The use of words such as “beat,” “soul,” and “clap your hands” encourage listeners to get up and move to the music. The uplifting melody mirrors the lyrics and creates a joyful and carefree atmosphere.
As the song progresses and the chorus is repeated, the singer expresses the hope of finding a loving partner, but reiterates that even if that never happens, everything will still be all right.
Overall, the song is a timeless classic that continues to spread positivity and good vibes to anyone who listens.
Line by Line Meaning
Say it's all right, it's all right
Everything is going to be okay, so let's acknowledge and accept it
Say it's all right, it's all right
Reiterate the message that things are going to be okay
It's all right, have a good time
Let's enjoy the present moment and not worry about anything else
'Cause it's all right, whoa, it's all right
Reassure that things will be okay and express excitement about it
We're gonna move it slow
We're going to take our time and enjoy ourselves
When lights are low
In a relaxed atmosphere
When you move it slow, it sounds like more
When you slow down and take your time, the experience becomes more enjoyable
And it's all right, whoa, it's all right
Reiterate the message that everything is going to be okay
Now listen to the beat
Pay attention to the rhythm of the music
Kinda pat your feet
Get into the groove by tapping your feet to the music
You've got soul and everybody knows
You have a spirit that others can feel and see
That it's all right, whoa, it's all right
Reassure that everything is going to be okay
When you wake up early in the morning
Starting your day
Feelin' sad like so many of us do
When you wake up feeling blue
Hum a little soul, make life your goal
Sing a song that lifts your spirits and focus on the positive
And surely something's got to come to you
Good things will come your way
And say it's all right
Reassure yourself that everything is going to be okay
Say it's all right
Reiterate the message that everything is okay
It's all right, have a good time
Enjoy the present moment
'Cause it's all right, whoa, it's all right
Everything is going to be okay, so express excitement about it
Now everybody clap your hands
Encourage everyone to join in the celebration
Give yourself a chance
Believe in yourself and your abilities
You got soul and everybody knows
Your spirit is evident and others can feel it
That it's all right, whoa, it's all right
Reassure that everything is going to be okay
Someday I'll find me a woman
Hope for a fulfilling romantic relationship in the future
Who will love and treat me real nice
Desire to be loved and cared for in a respectful, positive way
Then my woe's got to go
Negative feelings will be replaced with happiness
And my love, she will know
The woman I love will understand and share the same feelings
From morning, noon and night
All day, every day
And she's got to say it's alright
Reassure that everything is going to be okay and express mutual happiness
Say it's all right
Reassure that everything is going to be okay
It's all right, have a good time
Enjoy the moment
'Cause it's all right, whoa, it's all right
Express excitement and reassurance that everything is going to be okay
Everybody clap your hands
Encourage everyone to participate in the celebration
Now give yourselves a chance
Believe in yourself and take advantage of opportunities
You've got soul
Unique spirit and character that sets you apart from others
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Curtis L. Mayfield
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Keith Fuqua
on People Get Ready
Amen brothers. Get ready people