Zapp is best known for its 1980 funk hit More Bounce to the Ounce (produced by Bootsy Collins). The group recorded five albums as 'Zapp' & Roger recorded five others under his own name.
Roger & Zapp are known for the distinctive synthesized sound produced by recording vocals through a Talk box fed by an electonic synthesizer. Roger's voice can be heard on the Dr. Dre-produced 1996 Tupac Shakur hit "California Love". Roger also appeared on songs by Johnny Gill, Keith Sweat, Eric Benet and H-Town amongst others.
On Sunday, April 25, 1999, Roger Troutman was found shot and critically wounded outside a recording studio in Dayton, Ohio; he died during surgery at a local hospital. Roger's brother Larry was found dead in a car a few blocks away with a single gunshot wound to the head. It is likely that a personal dispute had developed between the two brothers; as far as can be determined, Larry shot Roger, then shot himself.
Radio People
Zapp Lyrics
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On my radio,
Radio,
You can find it all on your radio,
On your radio,
Whenever I'm alone,
And I need, (I need, I need)
You know I,
Have a friend, (have a friend)
That I can listen to,
On my radio.
Stereophonic, groovalistic, realistic, superalistic,
Whatever's right for you.
You can find it all on your radio,
On your radio, (on your radio)
You can find it all on your radio,
On your radio, (on your radio)
You can find it all on your radio,
On your radio,
You don't need nobody,
You just touch the special dial,
On your radio.
W-see-A-D,
W-see-A-D,
W-see-A-D,
Help the radio.
Whatever sounds you like,
The music plays all night,
You can find it all,
On your radio
On your radio
Whoa-oa-oa radio
You can find it all on your radio,
On your radio,
You can find it all on your radio,
On your radio,
Radio.
I like,
My radio,
I like,
My radio.
In the morning,
Your DJ wakes you up.
In the afternoon,
You can take him on the freeway.
Late at night,
He'll still be there for you, (for you)
On your radio.
You get music on
Your radio
Radio, radio
You can find it all on your radio,
On your radio,
On your radio, (radio)
Whoa-oa-oa radio
You can find it all on your radio,
On your radio,
On your radio
You can find it all on your radio,
On your radio, (on your radio)
You can find it all on your radio,
On your radio, (on your radi-radio)
You can find it all on your radio,
On your radio, (on your radi-radio)
Whoa-oa-oa radio
You can find it all on your radio,
On your radio.
The song "Radio People" by Zapp is an upbeat and funky tribute to the power of radio to provide entertainment and companionship. The lyrics emphasize the variety and accessibility of radio, with lines like "You can find it all on your radio" and "Whatever sounds you like, the music plays all night." The song suggests that listening to the radio is a way to connect with others and feel less alone, especially when the DJ's familiar voice can be a reliable presence throughout the day and night.
The song also references the technical aspects of radio, with lines like "Stereophonic, groovalistic, realistic, superalistic" and "W-see-A-D, help the radio." These references may reflect the fascination with new and cutting-edge technology during the time the song was recorded (1982). At the same time, the song is timeless in its celebration of the human connection that radio can facilitate.
In the end, "Radio People" is a song that encourages listeners to tune in and find the sounds and personalities that speak to them. Whether they need a pick-me-up in the morning, some company during the day, or a soundtrack for the night, they can count on the radio to be there.
Line by Line Meaning
Radio, radio,
The singer is calling out to the radio, acknowledging its presence and its importance in their life.
On my radio,
The singer is referencing the power of the radio in their life - it is something that is always nearby and accessible.
Radio,
The singer is once again addressing the radio, emphasizing its significance.
You can find it all on your radio,
The artist is stating that anything and everything can be found on the radio - it is a versatile and comprehensive source of entertainment.
On your radio,
The artist is encouraging the listener to turn on their radio and access all of its offerings.
Whenever I'm alone,
The singer is setting the scene, explaining that when they are by themselves, they turn to the radio for comfort.
And I need, (I need, I need)
The singer is emphasizing their need for companionship and entertainment in their life.
Some company, (radio)
The artist is stating that the radio serves as their company during lonely times, emphasizing its value to them.
You know I,
The artist is addressing the listener directly, implying that they should know or understand what the artist is about to say.
Have a friend, (have a friend)
The artist is referring to the radio as their friend, highlighting the importance and companionship it provides.
That I can listen to,
The singer is pointing out that the radio is a listening-only experience, and therefore easy to access and enjoy without much effort.
On my radio.
The artist is confirming that they listen to the radio to access music and entertainment.
Stereophonic, groovalistic, realistic, superalistic,
The singer is describing the various qualities of the music that can be found on the radio - it is multidimensional and varied.
Whatever's right for you.
The singer is noting that there is something for everyone on the radio - each listener can find their own style and preference.
You can find it all on your radio,
The singer is once again emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the radio as a source of entertainment.
You don't need nobody,
The artist is suggesting that the radio can provide all the company and entertainment one needs, without requiring the presence of a physical person.
You just touch the special dial,
The artist is explaining how easy it is to access the radio - simply turning a knob or pressing a button can bring hours of entertainment.
W-see-A-D,
The singer is identifying a particular radio station, encouraging the listener to tune in and hear what it has to offer.
Help the radio.
This line is unclear, but may be interpreted as the singer urging the listener to support and promote their favorite radio station.
Whatever sounds you like,
The artist is emphasizing the idea that anyone can find music and entertainment on the radio that they enjoy - it is meant to be an inclusive medium.
The music plays all night,
The artist is describing the non-stop nature of the radio - there is always something playing, no matter the time of day or night.
Whoa-oa-oa radio
The artist is simply vocalizing their enthusiasm for the radio medium and its offerings.
In the morning,
The singer is describing a specific time of day.
Your DJ wakes you up.
The artist is referencing the power of radio personalities to influence the moods and feelings of listeners, and in this case, help them start their day off right.
In the afternoon,
The singer is progressing through the day, referencing another specific time of day.
You can take him on the freeway.
The singer is describing the idea of listening to the radio while driving, which is a common practice.
Late at night,
The singer is referencing a specific time of night.
He'll still be there for you, (for you)
The artist is emphasizing how ubiquitous and accessible the radio is - no matter the time or place, it can be relied upon for entertainment.
You get music on
The artist is making a statement about the primary offering of the radio - music.
Whoa-oa-oa radio
This line simply repeats earlier vocalizations of enthusiasm.
Radio, radio
The singer is referencing the radio once again, and further emphasizing its significance.
On your radio,
This line is a reminder to the listener that they have access to all the entertainment that the radio provides.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Songtrust Ave
Written by: ROGER TROUTMAN, TERRY TROUTMAN, LARRY TROUTMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind