Kasenetz, Katz and Elliot Chiprut produced the song "Little Bit O'Soul", which paved the way for bubblegum pop bands like Ohio Express and 1910 Fruitgum Company. The song was a million seller (Laurie Records #3380, subsequently reissued on Buddah Records) but was the band's only hit. It was written by John Carter and Ken Lewis, who went on to write big hits for The Ivy League and Herman's Hermits.
Lead singer Jamie Lyons also recorded several solo singles on Laurie while still recording with the group. His first single, "Soul Struttin'" became a Northern Soul hit in several Northeast regions. Lyons died of heart failure at his home in Little River, SC on September 25, 2006. He was 57.
"Little Bit O'Soul" has been subsequently covered by several bands including The Ramones and 2 Live Crew, who sampled the melody.
Little Bit O' Soul
The Music Explosion Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You need a little bit o' soul to put you right
You gotta make like you want to kneel and pray
And then a little bit of soul will come your way
Now when your girl is gone and you're broke in two
You need a little bit o' soul to see you through
And when you raise the roof with your rock'n'roll
And when your party falls 'cause ain't nobody groovin'
A little bit of soul and it really starts movin', yeah
And when you're in a mess and you feel like cryin'
Just remember this little song of mine
And as you go through life tryin' to reach your goal
Just remember what I said about a little bit o'soul
A little bit o' soul, yeah (a little bit o' soul)
A little bit o' soul, yeah (a little bit o' soul)
A little bit o' soul, yeah (a little bit o' soul)
A little bit o' soul, yeah (a little bit o' soul)
A little bit o' soul, yeah (a little bit o' soul)
The Music Explosion's song "Little Bit O' Soul" is an upbeat and catchy tune about how to find strength and motivation through the power of music. The lyrics suggest that when life gets tough, you can turn to music, specifically soul music, to lift your spirits and keep you going. The song starts with the singer acknowledging that when things are going badly, it can be hard to stay positive, but that a little bit of soul can go a long way.
The chorus repeats the phrase "a little bit o' soul," emphasizing how important this type of music can be. The second verse specifically focuses on how music can help you cope with heartbreak and tough times, saying that it can "see you through." The bridge acknowledges that sometimes it can be hard to get people moving and grooving at a party, but that a little bit of soul is all it takes to turn things around. Finally, the song ends with the advice to always remember the power of soul music, and to hold onto it as you strive to achieve your goals in life.
Overall, "Little Bit O' Soul" is a song about the importance of music in our lives, and how it can help us through even the toughest times. The upbeat and catchy melody pairs perfectly with the uplifting message, creating a song that is sure to make you feel a little bit better.
Line by Line Meaning
Now when you're feelin' low and the fish won't bite
When you're feeling down and things seem to not work out
You need a little bit o' soul to put you right
You need something that moves you, something that makes you feel good to make things right
You gotta make like you want to kneel and pray
You need to kneel and pray, but not in the religious sense. You need to show effort, eagerness to succeed
And then a little bit of soul will come your way
If you show effort and eagerness, something that moves you, something that makes you feel good, will come your way
Now when your girl is gone and you're broke in two
When you feel sad and lonely, following a break-up or something similar
You need a little bit o' soul to see you through
You need something that moves you, something that makes you feel good to help you get through it
And when you raise the roof with your rock'n'roll
When you’re having a blast or really feeling and enjoying the music
You'll get a lot more kicks with a little bit o' soul
You'll enjoy it more and feel more fulfilled when you have something that moves you, something that makes you feel good
And when your party falls 'cause ain't nobody groovin'
When your party is just not happening, and nobody is really getting into the music
A little bit of soul and it really starts movin', yeah
Something that moves you, something that makes you feel good, is what it takes to get things going and make things happen
And when you're in a mess and you feel like cryin'
When you’re in a difficult situation or feeling very emotional
Just remember this little song of mine
Remember that there’s always something that moves you, something that makes you feel good, to help you get through the tough times
And as you go through life tryin' to reach your goal
As you move through life and try to achieve what you’re after
Just remember what I said about a little bit o'soul
Remember that something that moves you, something that makes you feel good, is what it takes to help you succeed in reaching your goals
A little bit o' soul, yeah (a little bit o' soul)
Something that moves you, something that makes you feel good
A little bit o' soul, yeah (a little bit o' soul)
Something that moves you, something that makes you feel good
A little bit o' soul, yeah (a little bit o' soul)
Something that moves you, something that makes you feel good
A little bit o' soul, yeah (a little bit o' soul)
Something that moves you, something that makes you feel good
A little bit o' soul, yeah (a little bit o' soul)
Something that moves you, something that makes you feel good
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: John Carter, Kenneth Hawker
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alex Orozc
James Lyions, the singer, got a lot of charisma, this may have been a one hit wonder, but that guy sure had a great voice and personality.......GREAT SONG by the way, a classic.
Boon Yee
Back in Ipoh, Malaya, 1967 I always heard this explosive song being requested by listeners. I was a kid then aged 7 and it was one of my late dad's favourite songs.
Scout 393
OMG! I danced to this song so many times!
Steve Careskey
Amen Alex
Freddie Cat
@im1who84u true or not, it seriously adds to the flavor, thanks for that!
im1who84u
That drummer sure got a lot of sounds out of that set up.
James Lewis
Back in '67 I still remember playing this song with our group at high school dances. It was one of our most requested songs. 😎👍
Ted Kohl
This was the first song I learned to play on the drums. I still love this song.
John Francis Adlesic
Absolutely! This song popped in my head. What a wonderful time we live in...went here and there it is. This guy Jaime Lyons is extremely charismatic. Sadly, very little media on him. He died at 52. God Bess one hit wonders: there's plenty that boost me everyday!
Lynn Gnatzig
I met James at a band showcase in Detroit...early 70s. He had a new band and was promoting a song called Breakfast in bed. James was one of the most authentic and enthusiastic rock and rollers I ever met during my career. He was the real deal. too good for the industry.