The band started as an acoustic blues trio in the mid 1960s with singer and guitarist J. Geils (born February 20, 1946; died April 10, 2017), bassist Danny Klein (Dr. Funk) and harpist Richard Salwitz (stage name Magic Dick). The band formed under the name Snoopy and the Sopwith Camels while Geils was attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute for a couple of semesters. In 1967 the band switched focus, starting to play electric guitar and bass and recruiting drummer Stephen Jo Bladd and fast-talking ex-disc jockey singer Peter Wolf, born Peter Blankenfeld, both from Boston. The following year Seth Justman joined as an organist, and the group signed to Atlantic Records in 1970.
The J. Geils Band first received FM radio airplay with the live single "First I Look at the Purse", then had several hit singles in the 1970s, the most successful of which was "Must Of Got Lost" (1974). Later in the 1970s, the band signed with EMI America Records.
The band had good success covering soul singles. Besides the well-known aforementioned "First I Look at the Purse" from The Contours, they covered the more obscure "I Do" from The Marvelows and "Ain't Nothing But a House Party" from The Showstoppers.
The group's commercial fortunes improved in the early 1980s, first with the humorous "Love Stinks", then with their great success with the Freeze Frame album which included "Centerfold" (#1 for six weeks on the Billboard Hot 100) and then the title cut (#4). Wolf left the group in 1983 for a solo career not long after, over disagreements about whether to continue to take the band in more of a popular direction, or continue with the purist tradition.
The band went on to record one more album of new material, You're Gettin' Even While I'm Gettin' Odd, after Wolf left. He was not replaced, and Seth Justman took over most of the vocal duties. The album produced only one single - "Concealed Weapons", a song about breasts - and was not a success. The band toured in support of the album, but never again recorded anything new. The group then disbanded in 1985 after contributing the title song to the 1985 horror film Fright Night.
The group was not reunited with Wolf until 1999, and subsequently broke up again when ticket sales proved extremely disappointing. Wolf continues to tour with his own backup band, and the rest of the Geils band makes occasional appearances. Since the semi-retirement of the band, Geils has been restoring sports cars in Massachusetts.
On 22 May 2006, the six original members had a surprise reunion, the first time they had all played together in over 20 years, at bassist Danny Klein's 60th birthday party at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston.
Since 2009 they are reunited once more.
The band disbanded in 2017 after the death of bandleader J. Geils.
Give It to Me
The J. Geils Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You've got to give it to me
You've got to give it to me
You've got to give it to me
You're so slick now, know every trick now
You know I want it, I want it so bad
You know I need it, I can't believe it
Now you've been bugging me, Every night now
You say you want it, You want it right now
I can't get to it, I can't get through it
So come on baby, Please
You've got to get it up (give it up)
You've got to get it up (give it up)
You've got to get it up (give it up)
You've got to get it up (give it up)
Why keep me cold
When it's so warm inside
Come on baby
Your love is too good to hide
The J. Geils Band's song Give It to Me is a fun and upbeat rock song about a person who is pleading with their lover to give them what they want. The repeated phrase "you've got to give it to me" highlights the singer's desperation for their lover to fulfill their desires. The lyrics mention how the lover knows all of the singer's tricks and how bad they want what they're asking for. The singer can't believe how much they need their lover and hopes that they'll provide them with what they need to feel satisfied.
The chorus emphasizes the idea of "getting it up" which can be interpreted in a few different ways. It could be a reference to getting an erection, but it could also be interpreted more broadly as getting the energy or motivation to fulfill desires. Either way, the singer is asking their lover to provide them with that energy or motivation. The final lines of the song ask the lover to stop keeping their love hidden and share it with the singer, implying that the singer's desires are rooted in their love for their partner.
Overall, Give It to Me is a lighthearted rock song about the desire for physical and emotional satisfaction in a relationship. It's a fun song that highlights J. Geils Band's signature sound with lively guitar and saxophone solos and catchy lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
You've got to give it to me
I really need something from you
You're so slick now, know every trick now
You're skilled and knowledgeable, and I'm impressed with that
You know I want it, I want it so bad
I desire what you have, extremely
You know I need it, I can't believe it
I require it, and I'm surprised by the fact that I do
So come on baby, Please relieve it
Please help me fulfill this need
Now you've been bugging me, Every night now
You've been bothering me repeatedly
You say you want it, You want it right now
You're requesting something immediately
I can't get to it, I can't get through it
I'm unable to fulfill your request
So come on baby, Please
Please try to understand the situation
You've got to get it up (give it up)
You need to provide what I'm requiring
Why keep me cold
Why are you withholding what I need
When it's so warm inside
When you have the resources to provide what I need
Come on baby
I'm urging you to please provide what I need
Your love is too good to hide
You have valuable resources that I need to access
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: PETER WOLF, SETH JUSTMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ken Dee
I danced to this song for what seemed like hours at my high school graduation party with a girl named Annette in 1975. I remember the magical feeling 40+ years later like it was yesterday. Always loved these guys.
Tom Long
The 1970's... Please, "Give It To Me", these guys were one of the best live acts!
Anne Johnston
I so agree
Later Gator
Its been 6 yrs since you commemted hows life? Cmon back and listen to it again 🔥🤘🏻🔥🤘🏻
Barb Donnelly
This should be counted as one of the top 10 best rock songs of all time, hands down. What a jam!
Scott Bohe
Classic as usual. This band is so very good. One of my all-time favorites.
Rick W
I remember playing this song with my cover band down the cape and the place was just partying like crazy...J Geils RIP brother man...Your tunes simplky the BEST for making the crowd boogie all night
Marsha Rupe
Great, underrated band. I'm really sorry I missed them live.
James Armato
This is one of their most underrated tunes. R.I.P. J. Geils!
JollyMeanThinkies JohnsterTheMonster
These guys were freakin' INCREDIBLE at the Super Bowl of Rock in late May '77 at Soldier Field Chicago!!!