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.
House Party
The J. Geils Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They're dancing on the ceiling, they're dancing on the floor
People everywhere coming through the door
They know there's a party going on
Through the dance and romance all night long
I know it's cold outside
All you got to do is move
Every time you steal that groove
It ain't nothing but a party
It ain't nothing but a party
It ain't nothing but a party, baby
It ain't nothing but a house party
Come on baby dig that crazy soul
I know you're gonna lose control
You can do the boogaloo
Anything that you want to
I know it's cold outside
Come on baby, I'll keep you satisfied
All you got to do is move
Every time you steal that groove
It ain't nothing but a party
It ain't nothing but a party
It ain't nothing but a party, baby
It ain't nothing but a house party
Yeah c'mon, yeah
I know baby
I know it's cold outside
Come on baby, I'll keep you satisfied
All you got to do is move
Every time you steal that groove
It ain't nothing but a party
It ain't nothing but a party
It ain't nothing but a party, baby
It ain't nothing but a house party
I said move it, groove it
Baby, don't you lose it
I said, roll is, stroll it
Baby, don't control it
It ain't nothing but a party baby
It ain't nothing but a party baby
It ain't nothing but a party baby
It ain't nothing but a house party
It ain't nothing but a party
It ain't nothing but a party
It ain't nothing but a party
It ain't nothing but a party
It ain't nothing but a party
It ain't nothing but a party
It ain't nothing but a party
Comes in the body
It ain't nothing but a party
It ain't nothing but a party
Comes in the body
...
The J. Geils Band's song House Party is all about a wild, crazy party that's happening at someone's house. The lyrics describe the chaos that's going on with people dancing on both the ceiling and the floor, and others coming in through the door. Despite the cold outside, the party is going strong with the music and romance going on all night long. The singer is encouraging his partner to join in the fun and dance, promising to keep her "satisfied" while she steals the groove.
The entire song is an energetic and fun celebration of life, liberation, and dancing. It encourages listeners to "roll it, stroll it, and don't control it," as they embrace the carefree excitement of the party. The song is filled with bounce and funk, epitomizing the time when it was produced, and encouraging listeners to celebrate life in the same way.
Line by Line Meaning
They're dancing on the ceiling, they're dancing on the floor
The people at this party are enjoying themselves and dancing everywhere, including on the ceiling and floor.
People everywhere coming through the door
Lots of people are arriving at the party.
They know there's a party going on
Everyone knows that there's a lively and fun party happening.
Through the dance and romance all night long
People are dancing and being romantic all night long.
I know it's cold outside
The weather outside is cold.
Come on baby, I'll keep you satisfied
The singer is trying to convince someone to come to the party and promises to keep them happy.
All you got to do is move
To have a good time, all you need to do is dance.
Every time you steal that groove
Whenever you start dancing really well and enjoying yourself.
It ain't nothing but a party
This event is all about having a good time.
It ain't nothing but a house party
Specifically, it's a party happening in a house.
Come on baby dig that crazy soul
The singer is encouraging someone to enjoy the music and get into the party spirit.
I know you're gonna lose control
The singer believes that the person they're speaking to will get caught up in the excitement of the party.
You can do the boogaloo
You can dance however you want to.
Anything that you want to
You have the freedom to do whatever you like at this party.
I said move it, groove it
The singer is once again urging people to dance and have a good time.
Baby, don't you lose it
The singer doesn't want anyone to stop enjoying themselves.
I said, roll is, stroll it
The singer is suggesting different dance moves that people can try.
Baby, don't control it
The singer wants people to let loose and enjoy themselves without worrying about anything else.
Comes in the body
This line is unclear and doesn't seem to have a specific meaning.
Lyrics © JAMIE MUSIC PUBLISHING CO, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANDREW THOMAS, GARTH WILLIAMS, M GITTENS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@papa_usa203
The perfect song for a house party fight.
@looseends9634
watch grown ups 2
@papa_usa203
@@looseends9634 I DO watch Grown Ups 2
@JasonLumbatis
I love this song, and if y’all don’t know... these guys were notorious for their ability to PARTY with the best of them!! One of the most underrated artists of the 70’s. My favorite J. GEILS tune.🤙🏻🤘🏼✌🏻
@TiggerToo
J. Geils Band is one of the best, most underrated groups EVER! Ain't nothing but a fuckin' house party!
@gogoyubari366
What makes you believe they're underrated?
@chazhernandez657
Never underrated to people who get music for its depth🎶🎶🎶
@joeinthebush
MOTOWN ppl know otherwise...we know great rock..
( maybe a little bias..)....
@dbergum1
Underrated is the most overrated word on you tube...You need to learn what that word means....smfh
@brianmesser4065
Back in the day this band was everywhere. I saw them so many times. Made us all get off our asses and dance. Walking thru the Holiday Inn Charles River they were so proud of them. I love J. Geils until I die. They are the best rock and roll band to get it all started. House Party nothing but a house party!