1) The Rascals (initially … Read Full Bio ↴There are two bands called 'The Rascals'.
1) The Rascals (initially known as The Young Rascals) were an American soul and rock group of the 1960s. Eddie Brigati (vocals), Felix Cavaliere (keyboard, vocals), Gene Cornish (guitar) and Dino Danelli (drums) started the band in Brigati and Danelli's native state New Jersey. Their first public performance took place at the Choo Choo Club in Garfield on Saturday, February 27th, 1965. Three-quarters of the group - Brigati, Cavaliere and Cornish - had previously been members of Joey Dee and the Starliters. Eddie's brother, David Brigati, an original Starliter, helped arrange the vocal harmonies and sang backgrounds on many of the group's recordings (informally earning the designation as the Fifth Rascal). When Atlantic Records signed them, they discovered that another group (Borrah Minevitch's and Johnny Puleo's Harmonica Rascals) objected to the release of records under the name Rascals. To avoid conflict, manager Sid Bernstein decided to rename the group the Young Rascals.
The Young Rascals had a minor hit with "I Ain't Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore" (1965), followed by the #1 single "Good Lovin'" (1966, originally by The Olympics). Then the band's songwriting team of Brigati and Cavaliere began providing most of their songs, and the hits kept coming for the next two years, including "I've Been Lonely Too Long", "You Better Run", "Groovin'" (#1, 1967), "It's Wonderful", "A Girl Like You", "How Can I Be Sure?" (which David Cassidy would record in 1972 for a #1 hit in the United Kingdom) and "A Beautiful Morning" (1968).
Guitarist Gene Cornish provided several songs of his own, such as "I'm Gonna Love You" and "No Love To Give."
In early 1968, the group dropped the "Young" from their name.
The Rascals' best work arguably came from their 1968 album Once Upon A Dream, which featured several leads each from Brigati and Cavaliere. Though the only success for a single on the album was "It's Wonderful" (#20 on the US charts), the album utilized frequent instrumentals, and peaked at #9 on the album charts. The album was praised by some critics for such songs as "Rainy Day", "My World" and the title track. Understandably, the song "My Hawaii" became a top of the charts hit in Hawaii.
Time Peace: The Rascals' Greatest Hits, released in mid-1968, topped the album chart and became the group's best-selling album. The same year, "People Got to Be Free", a horn-punctuated plea for racial tolerance (the band was known for refusing to tour on segregated bills) and their third U.S. #1 single, was also their final Top Ten hit.
Later singles and albums were not as popular, with only two top-40 releases in 1969, and none afterward.
In 1970, Brigati left the group, followed by Cornish in 1971. The last album with them as active members was Search & Nearness (hitting #198 in the U.S.), which featured Brigati's last performances as a member singing lead on the Cornish-penned "You Don't Know" and their cover of The Box Tops hit "The Letter". The only single release from the album was the spiritually-themed "Glory, Glory" (#58 in the US), with backing vocals by The Sweet Inspirations.
Cavaliere shifted toward more jazz and gospel influenced writing; he and Danelli released two more albums on Columbia Records as The Rascals, Peaceful World (U.S. #122) and The Island Of Real (U.S. #180), using other musicians and singers. These albums didn't sell as well as their earlier work and the group finally disbanded in 1972.
Cavaliere released several solo albums throughout the 1970s. Brigati, with his brother David, released Lost in the Wilderness in 1976. Cornish and Danelli worked together in other groups, including Bulldog and Fotomaker. In 1982, Cavaliere and Danelli joined Steve Van Zandt in Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul for the group's first two albums.
2) The Rascals were a three-piece indie rock band made of Miles Kane (guitar/vocals), Joe Edwards (bass), and Greg Mighall (drums). Hailing from the Wirral, on Merseyside, these three 21 year olds spent years learning their craft as part of The Little Flames, touring with bands like The Coral, The Zutons, and, most notably, the Arctic Monkeys. It was during this time supporting the Arctic Monkeys, inspired by their maverick, DIY spirit and refusal to comprise, the three youngest Flames decided it was time to trust their hearts and their instincts and go it alone.
In September 2006, they began jamming and writing new material as a three piece, and there was born The Rascals. Impressed by the raw energy and virtuosity of Miles’ playing, singer-songwriter Alex Turner approached him and suggested that he play lead guitar on a new Arctic Monkeys’ tune called "505". The Rascals were immediately signed to Deltasonic Records and played their first gig supporting Turner's band at Cardiff International Arena in June 2007.
August 2009, frontman Miles Kane confirmed that he left the band to pursue a solo career. The band was discontinued. Although receiving some commercial success by himself, fans of the group have kept the flame burning for reunions.
A Ray of Hope
The Rascals Lyrics
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Let love be your goal and let it fly
Cause it's easy to hate and to draw a line
But error is human forgiveness is divine
I know a lot of people who think like me
That this world can be a place that's filled with harmony
First there's a lot of things we've got to rearrangePut an end to hate and lies
So peace can come and truth shall reign
As long as there is a ray of hope
Lord, I don't mind going out and doin' my work
Light up the way to brotherhood
Help us to make His dream understood
Sometimes the road gets a little bit rough
Your strength is all gone, you had enough
But there's people who win without making fists
Our world won't survive lest we think like this
I can't imagine any greater need
To treat each other as we'd like to be
It's a gas just knowing what is yet to come
Not unless we get together
Got to get together one by one
As long as there is a ray of hope
Lord, I don't mind goin out and doin my work
Light up the way to brotherhood
I got to keep on searchin, keep on searchin
Till I find out
Keep on searchin, keep on searchin
Till I find out
Till I find out
Gonna take a little look way down inside
Gotta find out Lord, why I'm alive
We'll pray for a day when all men are free
And people can live like they're meant to be
Meanwhile it's all up to you and me
Start working together towards this dream
As long as there is a ray of hope
Lord, I don't mind goin out and doin my work
Light up the way to brotherhood
Help us to make His dream understood
As long as there is a ray of hope
I got to wait my turn till I can vote
As long as there is a ray of hope
In this song, The Rascals encourages people to strive for love over hate and to forgive others despite their mistakes. The lyrics suggest that it is human nature to make mistakes, but it's divine to forgive and move forward. The song talks about the need for harmony in the world and that this can be achieved if hate and lies are put to an end. The Rascals assert that peace can only prevail if people start thinking positively one by one.
The song also alludes to the fact that treating each other with love is essential. By treating each other as one would want to be treated, there is hope for a better future. The lyrics suggest that there are people who have won without making fists, and others can follow their lead. The Rascals goes further to emphasize the significance of unity in the fight against hate and lies, and how treating others with kindness is the only way the world can survive.
Line by Line Meaning
Most people got soul if they want to try
People who make the effort to have a soul and embody love in their actions.
Let love be your goal and let it fly
Let love guide your life and spread it to others.
Cause it's easy to hate and to draw a line
Hate and discrimination are simple, but love and inclusivity require effort.
But error is human forgiveness is divine
Everyone makes mistakes, but forgiveness is a divine virtue.
I know a lot of people who think like me
Many people share the belief that the world can be a harmonious place.
That this world can be a place that's filled with harmony
Belief that world peace is possible.
First there's a lot of things we've got to rearrange
There are many societal issues and prejudices that need to be addressed.
Put an end to hate and lies
Elimination of hate and lies from society.
So peace can come and truth shall reign
Peace and truth are needed for harmony to reign.
As long as there is a ray of hope
Hope is necessary for a better future.
Lord, I don't mind going out and doin' my work
Willingness to work towards a better world.
Light up the way to brotherhood
Create a path towards brotherhood and unity.
Help us to make His dream understood
Assistance in spreading the vision of a harmonious world.
Sometimes the road gets a little bit rough
Overcoming obstacles is challenging.
Your strength is all gone, you had enough
Feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
But there's people who win without making fists
Peaceful resolution without resorting to violence.
Our world won't survive lest we think like this
Without peaceful thinking, the world cannot survive.
I can't imagine any greater need
Peace and love for all is the greatest need.
To treat each other as we'd like to be
Treat people with kindness and respect, the way we want to be treated.
It's a gas just knowing what is yet to come
Excitement about the future possibilities.
Not unless we get together
We must collaborate for a better future.
Got to get together one by one
Collaboration and unity must be achieved incrementally.
Gonna take a little look way down inside
Soul-searching to find one's purpose.
Gotta find out Lord, why I'm alive
Seeking out one's purpose and role in creating a better world.
We'll pray for a day when all men are free
Hoping for peace and freedom for all.
And people can live like they're meant to be
The world should be a place where everyone can live to their fullest potential.
Meanwhile it's all up to you and me
It's our responsibility to work towards a harmonious world.
Start working together towards this dream
Collaborative effort to create the world we dream about.
I got to wait my turn till I can vote
The importance of voting and patiently waiting for one's turn.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EDWARD J BRIGATI, FELIX CAVALIERE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind