1. The Gladiators are a Jamaican roots reggae band, most popular during the… Read Full Bio ↴1. The Gladiators are a Jamaican roots reggae band, most popular during the 1970s. The core was Albert Griffiths (guitarist and singer), Clinton Fearon (bassist and singer) and Gallimore Sutherland rhythm guitar and singer. The two most famous albums are Trenchtown Mix Up (1976) and Proverbial Reggae (1978) with songs as "Hearsay", "Jah Works", "Dreadlocks the Time is Now". "Mix Up", "Music Makers from Jamaica", and "Soul Rebel" – a song written by The Wailers.

Formed
1967, Kingston, Jamaica
Members
Albert Griffiths, Errol Grandison (1967-73), David Webber (1967-69), Clinton Fearon (1969-87), Gallimore Sutherland (died in January 2017)

2. Gladiators is progressive metalcore band from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. Lancaster is a cultural hub located amongst five major U.S. cities known for bringing audiences together in the vibrant music scene exclusive to the region. GLADIATORS work tirelessly to set themselves apart and establish a new frontier in the genre of metal. They bring a fresh perspective and direction to a scene that has developed a specific sound.

Members
Michael Hart (vocals), Josh Krantz (guitar), Caleb Stoltzfus (drums), Bernard Stabley (bass)

Sweet Soul Music
the Gladiators Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Do you like good music
That sweet soul music
Just as long as it's swingin'
Oh yeah oh yeah

Out here on the floor now
We're going to a go go
Ah dancin' to the music

Oh yeah oh yeah

Spotlight on Lou Rawls y'all
Ah don't he look tall y'all
Singin' loves a hurtin' thing now
Oh yeah oh yeah

Spotlight on Sam and Dave now
Ah don't they look boss y'all
Singin' hold on I'm comin'
Oh yeah oh yeah

Spot light on Wilson Pickett
That wicked picked Pickett
Singing Mustang Sally
Oh yeah oh yeah

Spotlight on Otis Redding now
Singing fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa
Fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa
Oh yeah oh yeah

Spotlight on James Brown now
He's the king of them all yeah

He's the king of them all y'all
Oh yeah oh yeah

Overall Meaning

The Gladiators' song "Sweet Soul Music" is a tribute to the iconic musicians who played a crucial role in shaping the soul music landscape during the 1960s. The lyrics are an invitation for the listener to join in and appreciate the beauty of good music, specifically, the soulful and electrifying sound that dominated the airwaves during that time. The mention of Lou Rawls, Sam and Dave, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, and James Brown in the song is an acknowledgement of their contributions to soul music and how they rightly deserve the spotlight.

As the song progresses, the Gladiators urge the listeners to get up and dance, embodying the free spirit and infectious energy that were hallmarks of soul music. The lyrics also reflect the cultural significance of soul music in the African American community, its ability to bring people together, and its power to transcend social and economic barriers.

Line by Line Meaning

Do you like good music
Are you fond of high-quality music?

That sweet soul music
Specifically referring to soul music

Just as long as it's swingin'
Only if it has a good rhythm

Out here on the floor now
On the dance floor at the moment

We're going to a go go
Dancing to music with a beat known as go-go music

Ah dancin' to the music
Enjoying the music by dancing to it

Spotlight on Lou Rawls y'all
Attention on Lou Rawls now

Ah don't he look tall y'all
Is Lou Rawls looking tall to you?

Singin' loves a hurtin' thing now
Performing the song 'Love Is a Hurtin' Thing'

Spotlight on Sam and Dave now
Now looking at Sam and Dave

Ah don't they look boss y'all
Don't they seem amazing to you?

Singin' hold on I'm comin'
Performing the song 'Hold On, I'm Comin''

Spot light on Wilson Pickett
Now highlighting Wilson Pickett

That wicked picked Pickett
Pickett is such a fantastic choice

Singing Mustang Sally
Performing the song 'Mustang Sally'

Spotlight on Otis Redding now
Now focussing on Otis Redding

Singing fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa
Performing the song 'Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)'

Fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa
Repeating the song's refrain

Spotlight on James Brown now
All eyes on James Brown now

He's the king of them all yeah
Referring to James Brown as the best in the game

He's the king of them all y'all
Stressing the point that James Brown is the king

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Abkco Music Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Arthur Lee Conley, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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