Toots and The Maytals are from Kingston, Jamaica. It was the producer Byron Lee who 1971 renamed them Toots & the Maytals. Frederick "Toots" Hibbert, the leader of the group and the lead singer, was born in May Pen in the Parish of Clarendon, Jamaica. He was the youngest of seven children. He grew up singing gospel music in a church choir, but moved to Kingston in 1961 at the age of sixteen.
In Kingston, he met Henry "Raleigh" Gordon and Nathaniel "Jerry" McCarthy, forming a group whose early recordings were attributed to "The Flames" and, possibly, "The Vikings". Having renamed the group the Maytals, the vocal trio recorded their first album, "Never Grow Old - presenting the Maytals", for producer Clement "Coxsone" Dodd at Studio One in 1962-63. With musical backing from Dodd's house band, the legendary Skatalites, the Maytals' close-harmony gospel singing ensured instant success for the 1964 release, overshadowing Dodd's other up-and-coming gospel trio, The Wailers. The original album augmented by studio out-takes from the Studio One sessions was re-released by Heartbeat/Rounder Records in 1997, and is essential listening for Maytals and Skatalites fans.
After staying at Studio One for about two years, the group moved on to do sessions for Prince Buster (released in 1974) before recording their second album produced by Byron Lee in 1965. However, the band's musical career was rudely interrupted in late 1966 when Hibbert was arrested and imprisoned on drug possession charges.
Following Hibbert's release from jail towards the end of 1967, the band began working with Chinese-Jamaican producer Leslie Kong, a collaboration which produced three classic albums and a string of hits throughout the late sixties and early seventies -- "Do the Reggay", a 1968 single widely credited with coining the word "reggae", "Pressure Drop", "54-46" and "Monkey Man", the group's first international hit in 1970. The group was featured in one of reggae's greatest breakthrough events -- The Harder They Come, the 1972 film and soundtrack starring Jimmy Cliff.
Following Kong's death in 1971, the group continued to record with Kong's former sound engineer, Warwick Lyn; produced by Lyn and Chris Blackwell of Island Records, the group released three best-selling albums, and enjoyed international hits with Funky Kingston in 1973 and Reggae Got Soul in 1976.
Toots and the Maytals' compositions would be given a second airing in 1978-80 during the reggae-punk and ska revival period in the UK, when the Specials included "Monkey Man" on their 1979 debut album and the Clash produced their version of "Pressure Drop", with other Maytals' covers being recorded by Sublime. Having toured throughout the world for many years, Toots and the Maytals disbanded in the early 1980s, but reformed in the early 90s to continue touring and recording successfully.
In 2005, the band won a Grammy award for best reggae album for True Love, consisting of re-recorded versions of their classics alongside legendary musicians such as Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, and Keith Richards, as well as popular artists such as No Doubt, Ben Harper, The Roots, and Shaggy.
They also contributed to the Easy Star All-Stars album 'Radiodread' (a dub tribute to Radiohead's OK Computer).
In 2016 Toots and the Maytals announced a return to the stage with their first tour in 3 years,[35] and on June 15 at The Observatory North Park in San Diego the group returned to the stage for the first time since 2013.
In 2017 Toots and the Maytals played Coachella Fest April 16 and 23 at 4:20 pm. They became the second reggae-based group to perform at the Coachella festival, after Chronixx in 2016.
In 2018, Toots and the Maytals launched a 50th anniversary tour with concert appearances in North America from April to August, moving to dates in the UK starting in October.
On July 25, 2018 Toots and the Maytals debuted an original song entitled "Marley" live on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and also played the classic "Funky Kingston".
On August 24, 2018 Toots and the Maytals performed at Lockn’ Festival in Arrington, Virginia, where guest Taj Mahal accompanied them on the song “Monkey Man”.
Frontman "Toots" Hibbert died on 12 September 2020.
Funky Funky
Toots and The Maytals Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, yeah (uh)
Alright, oh, yeah, yeah
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, yeah, alright now
Come give it to me
Want you to believe everything I do
I said music is what I've got, baby
And I've got to find some way to make it
Music is what I've got, baby
I want you to come on and shake it, shake it
Shake it, shake it, baby
Oh, yeah, yeah
Na, na, na (na)
Na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na-na-na
Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na, na-na
Oh, yeah
Na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na
Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na
Come on
Funky, funky, funky
Funky Kingston
Is what I've got for you now, oh, yeah
Funky Kingston
Yeah, is what I've got for you
Funky Kingston, oh, yeah
Oh
Uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh
Lemme hear your funky guitar
Eh, eh, eh
Eh, eh, eh
Eh, eh, eh, yo, reggae
Uh, yeah, play that
Lick it to me, yeah, lick it to me
(Oh)
Na-na-na-na-na, ah
Oh, yeah, alright, oh, yeah
Na-na-na-na-na-na
Na-na-na-na-di-da-da, da-da-da-da-da-da
Watch me now
You watch me now, oh, God
Playing from east to west now
I just play from north to south, yeah
All over America
People keep on asking me for
Funky Kingston
But I ain't got none
Someone take it away from me
You gotta go and fetch one
Funky Kingston
They keep on asking me
But I ain't got none
Somebody take it from me
You gotta go and fetch one
Funky Kingston
Funky Kingston
Funky Kingston, oh, Lord
(Na-na-na-na)
(Na-na-na-na)
East to west no-now
From north to south now
Over America
People keep on asking me for
Funky Kingston
But I ain't got none
Somebody take it away from me
You gotta go and get you one
I ain't got none
Funky Kingston
Somebody take it away from me
You gotta go and buy yourself one
Funky Kingston
(Na-na-na-na)
(Na-na-na-na)
(Na-na-na-na)
(Na-na-na-na)
(Na-na-na-na)
The lyrics of "Funky Kingston" by Toots and the Maytals with Bootsy Collins and The Roots convey a strong desire to spread the power and joy of music. The song begins with the singer urging everyone to give their energy and attention to him. It establishes the importance of believing in his words and actions, emphasizing that music is his gift and he is determined to find a way to share it. The repeated mantra of "music is what I've got, baby, and I've got to find some way to make it" underscores his deep passion for his craft and his determination to make an impact.
The chorus of "Funky Kingston" expresses the essence of the song's message. The term "funky" is often associated with a lively and rhythmic style of music, and "Kingston" refers to the capital city of Jamaica, which is widely recognized as the birthplace of reggae music. The singer declares that he has the "funky Kingston" to offer, inviting listeners to experience the infectious energy and groove that comes with this particular style of music. Through the vibrant and catchy melodies, the song encourages people to let loose and dance to the infectious rhythm.
Overall, "Funky Kingston" serves as a celebration of the power of music and its ability to bring joy and connection. It showcases the fusion of funk and reggae, and the collaboration between Toots and the Maytals, Bootsy Collins, and The Roots adds a unique and dynamic flavor to the track.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody, give it to me, uh
Everyone, share your energy and enthusiasm with me
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
Expressing excitement and joy
Hey, hey, yeah (uh)
More exclamations of excitement and agreement
Alright, oh, yeah, yeah
Feeling positive and enthusiastic
Come give it to me
Share your energy and enthusiasm with me
I want you to believe every word I say
I want you to trust and have faith in everything I say
Want you to believe everything I do
I want you to have complete confidence in my actions
I said music is what I've got, baby
I emphasize that music is my greatest possession
And I've got to find some way to make it
I am determined to succeed and make music my livelihood
I want you to come on and shake it, shake it
I want you to join me and dance energetically
Shake it, shake it, baby
Dance and move your body enthusiastically
Oh, yeah, yeah
Expressing excitement and agreement
Na, na, na (na)
Nonsensical syllables used for rhythmic effect
Na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na-na-na
Continuation of nonsensical syllables for rhythmic effect
Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na, na-na
Continuation of nonsensical syllables for rhythmic effect
Oh, yeah
Expressing excitement and agreement
Na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na
Continuation of nonsensical syllables for rhythmic effect
Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na
Continuation of nonsensical syllables for rhythmic effect
Come on
Encouraging someone to join in or participate
Funky, funky, funky
Describing the style or genre of music as funky
Funky Kingston
Referring to the city of Kingston and its funky music scene
Is what I've got for you now, oh, yeah
I have this funky music to offer you right now
Yeah, is what I've got for you
Yes, this funky music is what I have to offer you
Funky Kingston, oh, yeah
Referring to the city of Kingston and its funky music scene
Oh
Exclamation expressing emotion or emphasis
Uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh
Repetitive vocalizations for rhythmic effect
Lemme hear your funky guitar
I want to hear you play your energetic and rhythmic guitar
Eh, eh, eh
Expressing excitement or satisfaction
Eh, eh, eh
Expressing excitement or satisfaction
Eh, eh, eh, yo, reggae
Expressing excitement for reggae music
Uh, yeah, play that
Encouraging someone to continue playing music
Lick it to me, yeah, lick it to me
Play your guitar in a way that excites and pleases me
(Oh)
Exclamation expressing emotion or emphasis
Na-na-na-na-na, ah
Continuation of nonsensical syllables for rhythmic effect
Oh, yeah, alright, oh, yeah
Expressing excitement and agreement
Na-na-na-na-na-na
Continuation of nonsensical syllables for rhythmic effect
Na-na-na-na-di-da-da, da-da-da-da-da-da
Continuation of nonsensical syllables for rhythmic effect
Watch me now
Pay attention and observe me closely
You watch me now, oh, God
Acknowledging the observer and emphasizing their attention
Playing from east to west now
Performing music from one side of the country to the other
I just play from north to south, yeah
I simply play music from the top to the bottom of the country
All over America
Covering the entire United States
People keep on asking me for
Many individuals repeatedly request
But I ain't got none
However, I do not have any
Someone take it away from me
Someone should remove it from my possession
You gotta go and fetch one
You need to go and obtain one
They keep on asking me
They continue to inquire
Somebody take it from me
Somebody should take it away from me
You gotta go and fetch one
You need to go and obtain one
Funky Kingston
Referring to the city of Kingston and its funky music scene
Funky Kingston
Referring to the city of Kingston and its funky music scene
Funky Kingston, oh, Lord
Referring to the city of Kingston and its funky music scene
(Na-na-na-na)
Continuation of nonsensical syllables for rhythmic effect
(Na-na-na-na)
Continuation of nonsensical syllables for rhythmic effect
East to west no-now
From one side of the country to the other, no-now
From north to south now
From the top to the bottom of the country, now
Over America
Covering the entire United States
I ain't got none
I do not have any
Somebody take it away from me
Somebody should take it from my possession
You gotta go and get you one
You need to go and obtain one for yourself
I ain't got none
I do not have any
Funky Kingston
Referring to the city of Kingston and its funky music scene
Somebody take it away from me
Somebody should take it from my possession
You gotta go and buy yourself one
You need to go and purchase one for yourself
Funky Kingston
Referring to the city of Kingston and its funky music scene
(Na-na-na-na)
Continuation of nonsensical syllables for rhythmic effect
(Na-na-na-na)
Continuation of nonsensical syllables for rhythmic effect
(Na-na-na-na)
Continuation of nonsensical syllables for rhythmic effect
(Na-na-na-na)
Continuation of nonsensical syllables for rhythmic effect
(Na-na-na-na)
Continuation of nonsensical syllables for rhythmic effect
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Frederick Hibbert
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@g.b.174
REGGAE
GOT
SOUL
🙏🏼❤️💛💚
To the Great and Irreplaceable Toots Hibbert. An absolute LEGEND. Thank you for bringing so much joy and happiness to the World. You will be missed beyond words. #MakeChesterProud
@andrewpetik2034
Everybody, give it to me huh
Hey Hey Hey
I want you to believe every word I say
I want you to believe every thing I do
I said music is what I've got to give
And I've got to find some way to make it
Music is what I've got baby
I want you to come on and shake it
Shake it shake it baby
Oh yeah hey
Na na na...
Oh yeah.na na na
Funky
Funky Kingston, is what I've got for you
Oh yeah
Funky Kingston, yeah is what I've got for you
Oh yeah
Lemme hear your funky guitar
Yo reggae
Hear the piano, stick it to me
Watch me now
You watch me now
Playing from east to west yeah
I just play from north to south, yeah
I love black America
People keep on asking me for
But I ain't got none
Somebody take it away from me
@lauriemills4336
I can’t believe he’s gone. I’ve been loving his music since my boyfriend turned me on to the soundtrack album from “The Harder they come”. I was 16 and although it wasn’t new music, I was hooked on his sound. My neighbors are getting educated in what true Reggae sounds like all ...week. It’s like a healing balm on my soul to get lost in this music during these stressful times. Thank you Toots, Rest In Peace brother.
@jimrolfe-herbert8583
I watched the film The Harder they come in Brixton in 1972 and the audience fell about laughing when sub titles came on the screen lol
@Kim_Jong_Un_2023
My all time favorite Funky Kingston
@stephenlayzell4786
That drum roll in the middle of the song is always electric no matter how many times I hear it!!!
@SaphirSouenEstherG
R I P Toots Hibbert - December 8, 1942 - September 11, 2020
@paulbarnes8363
Bad news for sure
@AssistantPimp2
died the same date as Peter Tosh...
@tomasghisolfo5309
@AssistantPimp2 kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkz.&.&..&.z..luz&.&zkz..&.&.&.&.&..&.&.&.&.&...&.&.&.&.&..&.&.&..&.kzkzkz&.&.&.
@apapapapo3171
Bro.... 9/11
@apapapapo3171
@tomas ghisolfo what are you saying?