The group started in 1970 as the Young Movement. They changed their name to Flashflood in 1974 and recorded with Slave and Aurra. When vocalist and sole distaff member Jackie Thomas joined in 1979 they first recorded as Young & Co. Among the first three tracks they demoed was "I Like What You're Doing," which helped secure a contract with Brunswick Records. When released, this single reputedly sold over 250, 000 in the USA alone, yet never made the R&B or pop chart there. It did, however, go all the way into the UK Top 20 in 1980 when picked up by the newly formed Excalibur label. The group later recorded for Sounds Of London and Atlantic Records but never tasted success again.
Are You Ready
Young and Company Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And playin' domino
Leftin' and then rightin'
It's not a crime, you know
You gotta tell your story, boy
Before it's time to go
Because it's time to go
Are you ready for the country?
Because it's time to go
I was talkin' to the preacher
Said, "God was on my side"
Then I ran into the hangman
He said, "It's time to die"
You gotta tell your story, boy
You know the reason why
Are you ready for the country?
Because it's time to go
Are you ready for the country?
Because it's time to go
The lyrics to Young and Company's song "Are You Ready" seem to revolve around the theme of readiness and the inevitability of change. The opening lines "Slippin' and a-slidin' / And playin' domino / Leftin' and then rightin' / It's not a crime, you know" suggest a sense of movement and unpredictability. The reference to playing domino could symbolize the unpredictable nature of life, where one move can affect the entire outcome.
The repeated chorus "Are you ready for the country? / Because it's time to go" raises questions about readiness and preparation. The country could metaphorically represent a new phase or change in life. The emphasis on time further adds a sense of urgency, as if a decision or action needs to be taken soon.
The next verse brings in religious references, as the singer speaks to a preacher who affirms God's support. However, the encounter with the hangman, who represents death, contradicts the preacher's assertion. This contrast between life and death underscores the themes of readiness and the unpredictability of fate. The line "You gotta tell your story, boy / You know the reason why" suggests the importance of sharing one's experiences and leaving a mark before one's time comes to an end.
Overall, "Are You Ready" explores the themes of readiness, change, and the unpredictable nature of life. It encourages the listener to reflect on their preparedness and the stories they have to tell before it is too late.
Line by Line Meaning
Slippin' and a-slidin' And playin' domino
Moving and having fun without worrying about consequences
Leftin' and then rightin' It's not a crime, you know
Changing directions freely without feeling guilty
You gotta tell your story, boy Before it's time to go
You need to share your experiences before it's too late
Are you ready for the country? Because it's time to go
Are you prepared for a new phase in life? It's time for a change
I was talkin' to the preacher Said, 'God was on my side'
Having religious conversations and feeling spiritually supported
Then I ran into the hangman He said, 'It's time to di'
Encountering a person who represents impending death
You gotta tell your story, boy You know the reason why
You must share your life experiences because you understand why it's important
Are you ready for the country? Because it's time to go
Are you prepared for a new phase in life? It's time for a change
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: Neil Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@larrybrown4874
70s and 80s are the master of music.....no one can touch that era of vocals
@joannabmarketing
Yaaaaay I found it!!!! 😍🔥🔥🔥🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽💯💯💯 Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023
DJ Jazzy Jeff was playing the song
@luxurycarkey7207
When times were good we loved each other an we had a great time...i had many basement party's never any fighting....stay safe everyone
@Yokandyman
Me (15 at the time ) and my boys were rocking to this back in the early 80's, no house party was complete with out this joint. Those were the days.
@yoshluv7
I was 15 too at the time and I was hanging with my older cousins and we would jam to this
@TMGettingMoney
Facts indeed! I was 15 too when this came out. A youngin growing up in Harlem and Bklyn back in the 70’s! And true, we jammed to this at the house parties too, those were the most unforgettable days of my life! A timeless classic until this day!👑‼️💪🏾🙏🏾👍🏾🙌🏾❤️👑🎤🎧🎶🎸
@tangomoore2149
I use to pop Lock My Ass off to this song 🎵
@MILESDEBRA
I still get down on this ! Like right down....lol. high school days 😅
@MenkaByrd
I under stand love this song
@RogelioRosalez-sz3en
Reminds me of my eldest brother he had this album he had all the jams I love an miss him so much -he was h.s class of 84 then went to sfsu ,The city was home to him .R.i.p bro .