History
The group's music and unusual costuming (large Afros and white makeup) typified the then-popular trend of "psychedelic soul". A number of their singles became minor hits, and many of them were also songs for Whitfield's main act The Temptations, among them "You Make Your Own Heaven and Hell Right Here on Earth" and "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone". Their single Top 40 hit in the United States was the ominous "Smiling Faces Sometimes", also originally recorded by The Temptations, which hit #3 on the US pop charts in 1971.
The Undisputed Truth, along with Rose Royce and Willie Hutch, followed Whitfield during his exodus from Motown to set up Whitfield Records in 1975. At this time, Calvin and Joyce left the group, and Harris was joined by new members Taka Boom, Tyrone "Lil Ty" Barkley, and Calvin "Dhaak" Stephenson. The group's costuming and style changed as well, becoming even more unusual and Funkadelic-influenced. However, the group had little success at the new label, and faded into obscurity after two more albums, although they charted in the UK in 1977 (#43) with the disco single "You + Me = Love" from the album Method to the Madness.
(from the Wikipedia Page)
Law Of The Land
The Undisputed Truth Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well, well, well, well
Some people are always heaven made
Some people will live impermanent for the rest of their days
Time marches on
Yesterday is better than tomorrow
Life is uncertain, let me hear you say 'yeah'
That is that, oh yes it is
But don't forget you will have to shed some tears - oho
It's the law of the land - my brother - oh
Whether you like it or you'll understand - ah hey hey
It's the law of the land - hey hey hey hey
'Cause made by almighty men
Live by the good book if you're able
You must play your cards on top of the table
When you gamble you either win or lose
In life's ev'rybody's got to pay some dues - well
It's the law of the land - well well well
Whether you'll like it or you'll understand - you can't change it
It's the law of the land - ah-how
'Cause made by almighty men - oh hey
Hey, it's the law, the law of the land
Whether you'll like it or you'll understand
It's the law, the law of the land
'Cause made by almighty men
A teacher man can't be found
Until you find yourself - think about it
You might not like being, well you ought, but you'd better start like it
But you sure can't be nobody else
In other words: I can't be you - ain't no quit, yeah - you can't be me
Well well, that's all with you, my sister an' brother
And that's the way that good life meant to be - hey-ho
It's the law of the land - well
Whether you like it or you'll understand - say say
It's the law of the land - hey yeah oh
'Cause made by almighty men
Look at here
The tools of a man's day has got him by corrupt
For your own protection your Gods you must love
What goes around comes around
And what goes up, yeah, must come down - aha
It's the law of the land - well well well well
Whether you like it or you'll understand
It's the law of the land - well well well
'Cause made by almighty men - aha
It's the law of the land - ev'rybody else say
Whether you like it or you'll understand ...
The Undisputed Truth's song "Law of the Land" speaks to the inevitability of the ups and downs of life that are ultimately governed by a higher power. The lyrics suggest that some people are meant for greatness, while others will simply exist without any major accomplishments or achievements. The song acknowledges that time marches on, and the uncertainty of life means that people may experience moments of joy and moments of sadness.
The chorus repeats the phrase "It's the law of the land" to emphasize the idea that these ebbs and flows of life are not just happenstance, but rather are predetermined by a force greater than ourselves. The song then shifts focus to advise listeners to live by the "good book," which may refer to religious teachings or simply a code of ethics. The lyrics suggest that individuals must be honest and transparent in their dealings with others, and that they cannot escape the consequences of their actions.
The final verse implores listeners to embrace their individuality and to find their own path in life. They cannot be someone else, but must instead be true to themselves. Overall, the song reminds us that life is unpredictable, but we must accept its highs and lows as part of a greater plan.
Line by Line Meaning
Law of the land
The societal rules that govern our behavior and actions, which everyone is required to follow.
Well, well, well, well
An exclamation used to add emphasis to the previous statement.
Some people are always heaven made
Some people are destined for greatness, success, and happiness regardless of their circumstances or actions.
Some people will live impermanent for the rest of their days
Some people will experience hardship, struggle, and failure for the rest of their lives, without any permanent happiness or success.
Time marches on
Time continues to move forward, without regard for anyone or anything else. It is inevitable.
Yesterday is better than tomorrow
The past is better than the future because it is already known and the future is uncertain.
Life is uncertain, let me hear you say 'yeah'
The future is unpredictable, and we must acknowledge and accept this fact.
That is that, oh yes it is
A statement of finality or conclusion, indicating that there is no further discussion or debate on the matter.
There'll be days of sunshine and laughter
There will be good times and happy moments in life.
But don't forget you will have to shed some tears - oho
Bad times and sad moments are also a part of life, and we must be prepared to face them.
It's the law of the land - my brother - oh
Reiterating the fact that societal rules must be followed, and addressing the listener as 'brother' to emphasize the shared responsibility to obey the law.
Whether you like it or you'll understand - ah hey hey
The law must be followed whether you agree with it or not, and acknowledging the difficulty of understanding why some rules exist.
It's the law of the land - hey hey hey hey
Repeating the importance of the societal rules.
'Cause made by almighty men
Highlighting the fact that these rules were created by powerful individuals, and therefore must be obeyed.
Live by the good book if you're able
Follow the teachings of a moral or religious text if possible.
You must play your cards on top of the table
Be honest and transparent in your actions and intentions.
When you gamble you either win or lose
Taking risks in life can result in either success or failure, with no guarantee of either.
In life's ev'rybody's got to pay some dues - well
Everyone must face challenges and obstacles in life, and must work hard to earn success and happiness.
It's the law of the land - well well well
Reiterating the importance of societal rules and the consequences of breaking them.
Whether you'll like it or you'll understand - you can't change it
Emphasizing that the law cannot be altered or manipulated based on personal preferences or opinions.
It's the law of the land - ah-how
Highlighting the societal rules again.
'Cause made by almighty men - oh hey
Reminding the listener that these rules were created by powerful individuals and cannot be altered by individuals.
Hey, it's the law, the law of the land
Repeating the message that societal rules must be followed.
In other words: I can't be you - ain't no quit, yeah - you can't be me
Emphasizing the uniqueness of each individual, and that it is impossible for us to be exactly like someone else.
Well well, that's all with you, my sister an' brother
Concluding the message of the song with a reminder that we are all in this together and must work together to navigate life's challenges.
And that's the way that good life meant to be - hey-ho
Describing the idea that good life includes both happy and sad moments, reminding the listener of the overarching theme of the song.
Look at here
A phrase used to grab the listener's attention and introduce a new topic.
The tools of a man's day has got him by corrupt
The systems and structures of society are corrupt, and can negatively impact individuals.
For your own protection your Gods you must love
To protect ourselves from the negative effects of society, we must prioritize our own values and beliefs over those of others.
What goes around comes around
The consequences of our actions will inevitably come back to us in the future.
And what goes up, yeah, must come down - aha
Nothing can remain at the top forever, eventually we will all experience setbacks and challenges in life.
It's the law of the land - well well well well
Reiterating the theme of societal rules and the importance of following them.
Whether you like it or you'll understand
Emphasizing that the law cannot be changed based on personal preferences or opinions.
It's the law of the land - well well well
Highlighting the societal rules again.
'Cause made by almighty men - aha
Reminding the listener that societal rules were created by powerful individuals and must be obeyed.
It's the law of the land - ev'rybody else say
Encouraging the listener to acknowledge and accept the importance of societal rules.
Whether you like it or you'll understand
Repeating the message that the law cannot be changed based on personal preferences or opinions.
Contributed by Maya G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Zio Ledeux
FANTASTIC, why can't we have music like this today
Rusly Marzuki
What an underrated group! Wish acts of this caliber existed today
Fertus Herring
They were highly regarded in Black America. Once "Smiling Faces" came out, they were on the map!
Bosssolid Lacostranostra
#YADIG
Ron Baker
Undisputed Truth are back!!!! New record out soon!
Legras Sylvain Emmanuel
Pour moi une des plus belles chansons de soul de tous les temps ! Quelle énergie dans ce titre ! Il est FANTASTIQUE ! Chair de poule à chaque écoute ! Injustement méconnue
Frank Hanssens
One of my favourite songs from the early 70's.
Gary Adriaenssens
Unknown to many but a great song.
Jacqueline Iona
First time listening! Wonderful!!! I was 9 then but I'm searching old Soul music here on YouTube.... this is not disappointing at all!!!!
Jacqueline Iona
Back for the 2nd's .... This is one of the BEST from this list of 300 songs from 1973 when I was 9 .... Thanks for sharing 👍🏻🎶💞🎵💖💯