1. The Time is a musical group that was formed in 1981. Featuring a funky sound merging pop with dance music, soul music, and more, they are prominent proteges of Prince and arguably his most successful side project. A version of the outfit called 'Morris Day and the Time' still tour to this day.
The band was assembled under a clause in Prince's contract with Warner Bros. that allowed him to recruit and produce other artists for the label. Inspired by the 1980 film 'The Idolmaker', a work about the life of music promoter and producer Bob Marucci (the svengali behind such 50s/60s teen idols as Fabian and Frankie Avalon), Prince decided to put together a pop-infused funk group that would serve as a pet project and an outlet for further hits and material in the vein of his own early albums. Prince had the intent to explore other musical genres and go for a more avant-garde ethos in his own career.
By 1981, he had built 'The Time' out of an existing Minneapolis funk unit called 'Flyte Tyme' (from the Donald Byrd song), which featured Jellybean Johnson on drums, Jimmy Jam and Monte Moir on keyboards, and Terry Lewis on bass. To this base, musicans Jesse Johnson (on guitar) and Morris Day (on lead vocals) came in. Day was a childhood friend of Prince and was drawn from another local band called 'Enterprise'. Prince had used an Enterprise song, titled "Partyup", on his 'Dirty Mind' album, and his selection of Day was essentially a reward; he had originally tapped Alexander O'Neal, yet another player in the Minneapolis funk scene, for the vocalist slot yet that had fallen through. "Valet" Jerome Benton also became a member of The Time, despite not playing an instrument. His main contributions are backing vocals and various on-stage antics.
The band went on to release four albums during the course of their main career, each being welcomed by man critics as a solid slice of jammy, rock-infused 80s funk. In contrast to the spiritually and ideologically charged nature of much of Prince's work at that time, The Time's albums seemed generally light and humorous in tone, though the first two of which were composed and arranged entirely by Prince. The band scored numerous hits over the years. These include "The Bird", "Jungle Love", "777-9311", "Get It Up", "Gigolos Get Lonely Too", and "Cool".
Still, despite burning up the R&B charts in the early 80s, the group never approached true super-stardom. Nor did they develop a reputation for innovation or artistic brilliance in the manner of Prince, with tensions building between the desires of the band members to spread their wings and the heavy-handed control of their famous manager. In terms of raw talent, Prince's associates clearly had much to offer.
In 1983, musicians Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who had begun writing songs and branching out into production work of their own (such as working with SOLAR to produce Klymaxx and with Tabu Records to produce the S.O.S. Band), got stranded in Atlanta by a blizzard and failed to make it to a concert in San Antonio, Texas. The two were fined and then fired. Whether their firing had that much to do with the incident per se or seemed inevitable due to their increasing independence has never been clear, but the musicians went on to successful production careers involving them with multiple soul and funk artists. Monte Moir took the opportunity to leave as well, and he would also work with Jam and Lewis. The three were replaced with Mark Cardenez, Paul Peterson (redubbed St. Paul), and Jerry Hubbard.
This new line-up were featured in Prince's Purple Rain film. The Time rode the wave of popularity created by the movie and hit singles "Jungle Love" and "The Bird" and were household names in 1984.
It was Day who left next after arguments with Prince, choosing to pursue a solo career in 1985 after a successful acting turn in Purple Rain. Soon thereafter, with Jesse Johnson also opting to go solo, the band disintegrated but several members (Benton, Johnson and Peterson) were reformed into a new short-lived project called The Family. Meanwhile, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis went on to become one of the most successful songwriting and production teams of the 80s and 90s.
In 1990, Benton and the original six members of the band reunited for the Graffiti Bridge movie and soundtrack, as well as a new album called Pandemonium. This spawned their highest selling single, "Jerk Out" and the album featured more input from the band than any other Time album. The reunion was short-lived, however - infighting within the band caused them to disband once again. Morris and Jerome have since remained a team, with both trying out some small acting roles over the next few years.
Several members of The Time reunited in 1996, added a few new recruits and have remained together since. This version of the band can be seen in the Kevin Smith film Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back and tours frequently to this day. The band is usually billed as "Morris Day and The Time".
A fifth Time album is rumored to have been completed in the late 90s, recorded with the new lineup but production and coordination with Prince has prevented its release. The title Old Dogs, New Tricks was the working title. A 2004 album attributed to Morris Day called It's About Time contains a few new tracks written and performed by Day and a number of live performances by The Time.
In 2011, the original version of the band reformed as a new entity, The Original 7ven, in order to release a new album. Issues with Prince stalled out the group's momentum, even though 'Condensate' and its single, "#Trendin", both received critical praise. This version of the band had disbanded totally by 2013, Morris Day resumed touring as "Morris Day and The Time".
From late 2014 onward, the band shot back into international attention when genre-hopping British artist Mark Ronson used The Time's work as inspiration for his gigantic hit "Uptown Funk" (also known as "Uptown Funk (Feat. Bruno Mars)" due to Bruno Mars' involvement). After receiving the prestigious best British Single Award at the 2015 BRIT ceremony, Ronson directly thanked Morris Day and The Time alongside artists such as James Brown and others on air for trailblazing the "Uptown Funk" sound. In the past several months, a sort of 'halo effect' has allowed The Time to blast back into the mainstream and appear on programs such as 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'.
2. The Time was a freakbeat band of the mid-1960s from Southampton, United Kingdom. They released just two rare 45s on Pye Records in 1966, the first and best known one being 'Take a Bit of Notice' b/w 'Every Now and Then'. Personnel: Kevin Scott (vocals), John Glenfield (guitar), Mike Dubiel (bass), Danny Barbour (drums). Frontman Kevin Scott's real name was Kevin Finn. He would move on to become the lead singer in Wishful Thinking and The New Seekers.
Chocolate
The Time Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Uh, aaahhh!
Uh, ha
Pass my popcorn down this way
Everytime we're out on a date
I want 2 love you, you made me wait
Then you told me I look like a pimp
Damn!
(Chocolate)
you gotta give me some of your (Chocolate)
What you waitin' 4?
(Chocolate) Ha, oh Lord
Give me some of that (Chocolate)
Just can't wait no more
Every time I bring you home
you say you got a headache, you want to be alone
I ain't tryin' 2 brag baby, but if I ever get you in the bed
I'll work that body so hard, U'll wish all you had was an achin' head
(Chocolate) Aah, oh Lord
Give me some of your (Chocolate)
What you waitin' 4?
(Chocolate) Oh Lord
Give me some of that (Chocolate)
Just can't wait no more, uh
Aahh!
Look out, ha
Haa, haa, uh
Back up, wait, wait
(Chocolate) Oh nasty
Give me some of your (Chocolate)
What you waitin' 4 baby?
(Chocolate) Ah ah
Give me some of that (Chocolate)
Uh, I said I just can't wait no more, ah
Back up now
Yes
There, no, there.. wait a minute
Hit me!
Yes, uh
Oh nasty
Listen 2 me now...
When I sleep, I dream of you
I dream about doin' the things I want 2 do
I'd make it so nice if only I could
Don't you want to see my Tootsie Roll?
Baby, I'm sure you would
(Chocolate) Ah, oh Lord
Give me some of your (Chocolate)
Ha, what you waitin' 4?
(Chocolate) Candy, oh Lord
Give me some of that (Chocolate)
I.. I.. I said I just can''t wait no more, uh
(Chocolate) Ha, look out, uh
Give me some of your (Chocolate)
Yes, mm what you waitin' 4 baby?
(Chocolate) Candy, oh Lord
Give me some of that (Chocolate)
Ha, just can't wait no more, uh
Oh baby, what's the problem?
What's the matter, don't you like me?
U.. U.. you don't want no young man, you need somebody with experience
I could make it so nice
(Chocolate) Aahh, oh Lord
Give me some of your (Chocolate)
What you waitin' 4?
(Chocolate) Ha haaa! (Oh Lord)
Give me some of your (Chocolate)
I.. I said I just can't wait no more
Look out
[Repeat: x4]
(Chocolate)
(Milky Way) Ha haaa!
Give me some baby
Aahh, give me 2 day
Look out, uh
Ahh
Jesse, you play somethin'
I think I'm gonna go over here and tap on this cowbell
Y'all get out of the way, I'll do some
That's it
Nice, huh?
I like it
Yeah, ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Gimme some horns, uh
Gimme some horns
Look out, huh
Oh nasty, that's it, ha
Wait, look out, bring it back
[Repeat: x3]
(Chocolate)
Chocolate
What you waitin' 4 baby?
Candy, Tootsie Roll
Gimme some of that (Chocolate)
Have no fear baby, I'm one of the 3 musketeers, unwrap me
[Repeat: x8]
(Chocolate)
Aahh, aahh, aahh! No
Ha haaa, ha haaa!
Aaahhh, listen 2 me now
Milky Way, Tootsie Roll
Ain't nobody bad like me, I'm 2 old
Look out
Aahh, wait
Fellas, we got 2 get on up outta here
It's way past my dinner time, let's go
Garcon, Mr. Day's ready 2 order now
Waiter, I think I'll have the hot turkey dinner
What comes with that?
(Mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, stuffin', green beans,)
Mm hmm
(chitlins,)
That's good
(candy sweet potatoes,)
That's good, that's enough
(black..black-eyed peas, grits,)
Hey, wait.. wait.. wait, hold on, hold.. wait
(cabbage and...)
Could you take this?
(I can say anything I want 2)
(Y'll can't fuck with me)
Didn't nobody ask you all that, just take the menu
(Look out) And get the hell out my face, alright?
(2 old) 2 ugly
(Nasty) But still I'm bad
Bad 2 the bone
What you gonna do with me
I'm all alone, hit me
[Repeat: x4]
(Chocolate)
I like it, I like it
But we can't just leave it like that
We need somethin' else
We need some horns
Horns, stand up please
Thank you so much
Y'all come in on the one
Everybody else just clap, clap your hands, come on
Uh, (yeah) that's it
Uh, y'all sing with me, say.. say Tootsie Roll
That's right, that's right
Ha, so exciting, sing it
Say (Tootsie Roll)
Yeah, keep it in the pocket
Now if you can't clap on the one
Then don't clap at all
So exciting, sing
Yes, yes
Stuffin', we need some gravy
Yes (Hit it one time Jellybean)
Biscuits, sing
Jerome?
Morris?
Go get my BMW please
We got the Cadillac though
Cadillac, BMW, whatever, just please go get the car
Ha, good God, say Tootsie Roll
Oh no Stella, you gonna get your Tootsie Roll
After I have my dinner
Ha ha, sing
Yes, ha
Everybody look out
That's it, that's it
No, that's it now, that's it, we got to go
(Hey man, we still want to be singin' man)
No no, we supposed to be eatin' dinner now, I got 2 go
That's it, let's go
"Chocolate" by The Time is a funky song that is mostly about the lead singer, Morris Day, trying to convince his date to have sex with him. Morris is frustrated that his date keeps making excuses to avoid sleeping with him, so he tries to sweet talk his way to her bed. Morris Day's lyrics are suggestive, and the song is full of sexual innuendos that are left entirely up to interpretation. Morris describes his sexual prowess in bed and how he wants to "work that body so hard" that the girl wishes that she had an aching head. Despite his smooth words, Morris seems to be getting nowhere with his date, so he keeps asking her for some "chocolate," a metaphor for sex.
The song features a repetitive, uptempo beat that keeps the listeners grooving. The song's catchy beat and Morris Day's appealing vocals make the song an excellent representation of the 1980s funk music scene. Also, the song's lyrics advocate for the exploration of sexual pleasure, which was unusual for popular music in the 1980s. The song's lyrics were provocative, but they were not too explicit, which is why they managed to get radio airplay.
Overall, "Chocolate" by The Time is an enjoyable and entertaining song that represents the 1980s funk era. It is a song that proved the band's unique style and ability to turn any subject into an excellent groovy tune.
Line by Line Meaning
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
The singer is laughing, possibly at something amusing or as a way to break the ice.
Uh, aaahhh!
The singer is making a vocalization, possibly to express pleasure or excitement.
Uh, ha
The singer is making a vocalization, possibly to fill a pause or create a rhythmic effect.
Pass my popcorn down this way
The artist is asking someone to pass them their popcorn, likely because they are at a movie theatre or other venue with concessions.
Everytime we're out on a date
The artist is referring to a past pattern of behavior with their romantic partner.
I want 2 love you, you made me wait
The singer desires affection from their partner and is expressing frustration that they had to wait for it.
Then you told me I look like a pimp
The singer's partner made an insulting remark about their appearance which hurt the singer's feelings.
But honey, I noticed you waited 'til after dinner, 18 jumbo shrimp
The artist has observed that their partner waited until after they had eaten a significant amount of food before making the insulting comment, possibly indicating a lack of concern for the artist's feelings.
Damn!
The artist is expressing surprise or frustration with the situation.
(Chocolate) you gotta give me some of your (Chocolate)
The artist is using the metaphor of chocolate as a stand-in for sex and is expressing desire for their partner.
What you waitin' 4?
The singer is asking why their partner is holding back or hesitating from engaging in sexual activity.
(Chocolate) Ha, oh Lord
The artist is continuing to express their desire for sex using the metaphor of chocolate.
Give me some of that (Chocolate)
The singer is repeating the metaphor of chocolate to show their continued desire for sex.
Just can't wait no more
The singer is expressing their impatience for engaging in sexual activity with their partner.
Every time I bring you home
The singer's words imply that they have been dating their partner for some time and have had multiple opportunities for intimacy.
you say you got a headache, you want to be alone
The artist's partner makes excuses to avoid engaging in sexual activity with the artist.
I ain't tryin' 2 brag baby, but if I ever get you in the bed
The artist is suggesting that they are very skilled at sex and believes their partner would enjoy it if they engaged in sexual activity.
I'll work that body so hard, U'll wish all you had was an achin' head
The singer is continuing to suggest their prowess at sex and implies that their partner would enjoy it so much they would forget about their headache.
(Chocolate) Aah, oh Lord
The singer is repeating the metaphor of chocolate to express their desire for sex with their partner.
Look out, ha
The artist could be using this phrase to express a sudden realization or excitement.
Haa, haa, uh
The artist is making a rhythmic vocalization, which could indicate excitement or energy.
Back up, wait, wait
The artist is asking someone to stop or slow down, possibly so they can better understand a situation or make a decision.
(Chocolate) Oh nasty
The singer is using the metaphor of chocolate to indicate their desire for sex with their partner in a playful or teasing manner.
What you waitin' 4 baby?
The artist is repeating their desire for sex with their partner and is asking why the partner is hesitant to engage in sexual activity.
(Chocolate) Ah ah
The singer is using the metaphor of chocolate to express their increasing desire for sex with their partner.
I said I just can't wait no more, ah
The singer is expressing exasperation at their partner's repeated hesitancy to engage in sexual activity, implying that they are running out of patience.
Oh baby, what's the problem?
The singer is expressing concern for their partner and trying to understand why they are hesitant to engage in sex.
What's the matter, don't you like me?
The artist is expressing confusion and hurt that their partner is hesitant to engage in sexual activity, possibly taking it as a sign that their partner does not find them attractive or desirable.
U.. U.. you don't want no young man, you need somebody with experience
The artist is suggesting that their partner may be hesitant to engage in sexual activity because they would prefer a more experienced partner, or possibly as a way to deflect blame from themselves for the situation.
I could make it so nice
The singer is suggesting that they are capable of providing their partner with an enjoyable sexual experience.
Horns, stand up please
The singer is addressing the horn section of a band and asking them to begin playing their instruments.
Biscuits, sing
The artist is likely addressing a group of singers and asking them to begin singing the song's lyrics.
Cadillac, BMW, whatever, just please go get the car
The artist is addressing someone and requesting that they go retrieve a car for them, showing a casual attitude towards luxury items like cars.
That's right, that's right
The artist is expressing agreement or enthusiasm for something that has been said or done, likely regarding the song's lyrics or rhythm.
After I have my dinner
The singer is suggesting that they are prioritizing their hunger (and likely their physical needs in general) over a non-urgent desire for sex with their partner.
Everybody look out
The artist is calling for attention or announcing a change in the situation.
No no, we supposed to be eatin' dinner now, I got 2 go
The singer is indicating that it is time for them to leave and emphasizing their commitment to prioritizing their physical needs over sexual activity.
We need some horns
The singer is indicating that they want the horn section of the band to play their instruments again.
Y'all come in on the one
The singer is likely giving instructions to the band to begin playing the song again.
If you can't clap on the one / Then don't clap at all
The artist is expressing frustration with a lack of rhythm or timing among the audience, implying that they are disrupting the flow of the music.
Jerome? Morris?
The artist is calling to specific individuals, possibly members of the band or people they know personally.
Didn't nobody ask you all that, just take the menu
The singer is interrupting someone who has been speaking unnecessarily or irrelevantly and moving the conversation forward.
2 ugly / (Nasty) But still I'm bad
The singer is using powerful or confrontational language to describe themselves and simultaneously address any potential criticism or put-downs from others.
What you gonna do with me / I'm all alone, hit me
The artist is expressing confidence in their own abilities and indicating that they are ready to take on any challenge.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ERIC L CARSON, JAMES SAMUEL III HARRIS, JAMES HARRIS III, TAMARR J HOLLOWAY, TERRY LEWIS, DOUGLAS B RASHEED
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Everett McCreaven
I don't care what the Billboard chart say this is still a hit song
Hannibal Hector
The TIME. The BADDEST SHOW BAND ever! 😎👌🏽
Aaron Lumberger
The Original Blues Brothers Band, The Time & The Hives
Iamyoung 26
Champagne Hec
So True 👊🏿
Craig Patterson
Best music best dressed Greatest Band of all Time!!! Ain't Nobody Bad
rahsaan hill
Terry Lewis is killing that base.
DJ Nite Train
Prince is credited with playing all the instruments. But it sure sounds like Jesse Johnson's work
The Kid
Igaveyoumyfakename he would’ve played live but that prince on the album version SMH
Igaveyoumyfakename
@The Kid LMAO! You're not very smart are you? SMH.
The Kid
Igaveyoumyfakename he never played the baseline on the song it was prince on all the instruments just Morris on vocals, prince credited the time cos it's their album but most songs on the album are prince on instruments