The family began appearing in Chicago-area churches in 1948, and signed their first professional contract in 1952. They signed with United Records, then Vee-Jay, Riverside, Epic and, eventually, the black-owned indie Stax Records label where they hit their most fertile commercial peak.
In 1967, on Columbia subsidiary Epic, the Staple Singers first began moving into mainstream pop markets with "Why (Am I Treated So Bad)" and "For What It's Worth" (written by Stephen Stills). In 1968, the Staple Singers signed to Stax and released two albums recorded with Steve Cropper of Booker T & the MG's fame - Soul Folk in Action and We'll Get Over. By 1970, Al Bell had become producer, and the family began recording at the famed Muscle Shoals studio, moving in a more funk and soul direction. The first Stax hit was "Heavy Makes You Happy (Sha-Na-Boom Boom)". In 1972, the group had a No. 1 hit in the United States with "I'll Take You There." Their 1972 recording on Stax of "Respect Yourself," written by Luther Ingram and Mack Rice, was number 2 on the R&B charts and a Top 40 pop hit as well. The song's theme of self-empowerment had universal appeal, released in the period immediately following the intense American civil rights movement of the 1960s. During this Stax period they appeared at a 1972 summer concert at the LA Memorial Coliseum attended by 100,000 people and documented in the 1973 film and soundtrack album Wattstax.
The Staple Singers then signed to Curtom, Curtis Mayfield's imprint, and released the soundtrack to a comedy film co-starring Bill Cosby called "Let's Do It Again". The soundtrack was produced by Mayfield; and the title song was a huge hit in 1975. After this, however, they were not able to regain their commercial momentum, releasing occasional minor hits, and moving from label to label including Warner Brothers and 20th Century before returning to Epic in the mid 80s. Lead singer Mavis Staples began a fruitful solo career in earnest that continues to this day and involves live performing with her sister Yvonne Staples. The other daughters in the group who did not pursue solo careers were Pervis Staples, and Cleotha Staples.
In 1994, the family made this final recording of a duet with Mary Stuart (reprising their Last Watz style backing on a cover of "The Weight" by The Band), somewhat re-establishing an audience.
Pops Staples died in December 2000.
Cleotha Staples died in Chicago on February 21, 2013.
Yvonne Staples died in April 2018 and Pervis Staples in May 2021.
If You
The Staple Singers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No hatred
Will be tolerated
Peace love all between the races
Love is the only transportation
To where there;s communications
If you're ready come go with me
The boat is after
No wars will ever be declared
No economical exploitation
No political domination
Take your evil
Come go with me
Genocide
Get ready
Troublemaker
You better get ready now
Liars
I'm waiting on ya
The lyrics of The Staple Singers' song "If You're Ready" convey a powerful message of unity, love, and peace. The song is essentially an invitation to embrace these values and join together in a movement towards a more harmonious world.
The lyrics start with an invitation to join in, "If you're ready come go with me." The singer then states that any form of hatred will not be tolerated, and instead, there will be peace and love between all races. Love is presented as the sole mode of transportation that will lead to better communication and understanding between individuals.
The song also addresses some of the major issues plaguing society, such as wars, economic exploitation, and political domination. The singers invite those who engage in wrongdoing, such as genocide and being troublemakers, to join the movement. They also call out liars, urging them to get ready to embrace the new path.
Overall, the lyrics encapsulate a hopeful vision of a world free from division, hatred, and exploitation. The song is one that encourages listeners to embrace positive change in themselves and the world around them.
Line by Line Meaning
If you're ready come go with me
Let us journey together, but only if you are truly willing
No hatred
There should be no animosity between us
Will be tolerated
We will not accept or allow hateful behavior
Peace love all between the races
We seek unity among all people, regardless of race
Love is the only transportation
Only through love can we reach our destination
To where there's communications
We will journey to a place where communication flows freely
The boat is after
Our vessel is ready and waiting for us to board
The ever here to there
We will travel together, from the present to the unknown future
No wars will ever be declared
We seek peace and will never engage in war
No economical exploitation
We will not profit from each other's misfortune
No political domination
We will not seek to control or govern each other
Take your evil
Leave behind any negative thoughts or actions
Come go with me
Let us journey together
Genocide
The deliberate killing of a large group of people, especially those of a particular ethnic group or nation
Get ready
Prepare yourself for what is to come
Troublemaker
Someone who causes problems or difficulties
You better get ready now
You need to be ready immediately
Liars
People who tell lies or falsehoods
I'm waiting on ya
I am ready to begin this journey, but I am waiting for you
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CARL MITCHELL HAMPTON, HOMER BANKS, RAYMOND E. JACKSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Miranda Pottorf
LYRICS
If you're ready come go with me
No hatred
Will be tolerated
Peace love all between the races
Love is the only transportation
To where there;s communications
If you're ready come go with me
The boat is after
The ever here to there
No wars will ever be declared
No economical exploitation
No political domination
Take your evil
Come go with me
Genocide
Get ready
Troublemaker
You better get ready now
Liars
I'm waiting on ya
Toni Warren
I love the lyrics they are so powerful!!!! And filled soooo much soul!!!🙏🙏🙏😊😊😊
Charmaine Amith
The 70's music will never die. For ever loved
Sean Shea
That drumming is still the finest session I have ever heard in my life.
skeeter blanton
Agreed....Can not be still......
Daniel
It's flawless, and you know they did it all in one take 🤦♂
David Moran
@Daniel next time you listen to percy sledge's 'when a man ...' --- same thing, and you can tell
Erin
Their music fills me with good feels. God bless them
Anna Arnold
😢đ
Anna Arnold
😊
sandella11
This song....I so connect with it. I loved this song...the words...back in the late 60’s. I marched in the civil right marches back then. I will not give up hoping for change. The last four years have been brutal in the US. I’m a 73 yr old white woman. I continue to pray for peace and love, within the Universe, to grow so strong that it eliminates all the negativity, hate, greed and ego. 🙏🏻💕. Light and love being sent out to all beings....everywhere.🙏🏻💖