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.
This World
The Staple Singers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My mind holds this world in its hands
This world, this world, my mind holds this world
My mind holds this world in its hands
And when I think about this world
I can shape it just like clay
I can make myself a Garden of Eden
This world, this world, my mind holds this world
My mind holds this world in its hands
This world, this world, my mind holds this world
My mind holds this world in its hands
And when I spin this world around
I can turn night into day
I can make myself a sunny tomorrow
Or bring back yesterday
Yesterday, I can bring back yesterday
This world, this world, my mind holds this world
My mind holds this world in its hands
This world, this world, my mind holds this world
My mind holds this world in its hands
The Staple Singers' song "This World" is a powerful and introspective reflection on the power of the mind to shape one's reality. The repeating chorus, "this world, my mind holds this world," emphasizes the connection between our thoughts and the world around us. The singer acknowledges that when they think about the world, they have the ability to shape it like clay, either creating a paradise or destroying it. The song recognizes the power we have in our own minds to bring positivity or negativity into our lives and the world.
The verses describe the different ways in which one can shape the world through their thoughts. The first verse speaks of shaping the world like clay, acknowledging that the mind has the power to mold and transform the world. In the second verse, the singer speaks of spinning the world around, again emphasizing the control our minds have over our reality. The final line, "yesterday, I can bring back yesterday," highlights the power we have to revisit memories and shape our perception of the past.
Overall, "This World" is a profound reminder of the influence our thoughts have on our realities. By recognizing this power, we can work towards creating a positive and fulfilling life for ourselves and others.
Line by Line Meaning
This world, this world, my mind holds this world
The singer emphasizes the power of their mind in controlling their perceptions of the world.
My mind holds this world in its hands
The world is entirely subject to the singer's perception and control, highlighting their responsibility for its state.
And when I think about this world
The singer recognizes the power of their thoughts and intentions in shaping how they experience and interact with the world.
I can shape it just like clay
The artist understands that their mindset has the power to mold and transform reality according to their desires.
I can make myself a Garden of Eden
The world can be a paradise, and the artist has the power to form it into one with their perception.
Or throw it all away
Alternatively, the singer can choose to reject and destroy the world as it is if it doesn't align with their desires.
And when I spin this world around
The singer recognizes that their perspective has a profound impact on their experience of the world.
I can turn night into day
By changing their focus and mindset, the artist can turn negative experiences into positive ones.
I can make myself a sunny tomorrow
The artist has the power to shape their future by manipulating their thoughts and perspectives.
Or bring back yesterday
The artist recognizes that past events can continue to shape the present, and can choose to revisit those memories to shape their current experience.
This world, this world, my mind holds this world
The repeated refrain reinforces the idea that the world is entirely subject to the singer's perception and control.
My mind holds this world in its hands
The final line reminds the listener of their responsibility to actively shape their experience of the world through their mindset.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CARLIN AMERICA INC
Written by: GARY WILLIAM FRIEDMAN, HERB SHAPIRO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ohh
I used to just play this over and over.. I love this song.. that bass line is just wow
Sean Sherrod
RIGHT???!!!??
Norma Wells
Yes! That bass line is is just wow especially at 2:56
Donnell W
I would play this song for hours straight. It inspired me to learn how to play the bass just so I could play it.
Bickliffe Oba
This daddy and daughters! They took centre stage in dancehalls back in the day. We used to love their music; and I still do, in 2022.
AJ. McGowan
This song never received the accolades and recognition as some of their others but have no doubt it was just as powerful and inspirational
AJ. McGowan
This is a great song. It has been overlooked while others get all of the recognition. what a shame
prettycountrygirl2
Still sounding GREAT. May 13, 2020.
Brent Williams
RIP Pops, Cleotha, Yvonne! You will never be forgotten!!
Ethan Hill
Saw band on bill headlined by SLY & The FAMILY STONE at Madison Square Garden. Experience was life-affirming.