The Meaning Behind The Song: Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry
Introduction
Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry is a legendary song that has stood the test of time. Released in 1976, it quickly became the band’s signature song and topped the US Pop Chart. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind the lyrics and delve into the story behind this iconic track.
Table of Contents
The Lyrics
The opening verse sets the stage by introducing the narrator as a former boogie singer in a rock and roll band who never faced any problems until things started feeling low. Feeling the need for change, the narrator decides to disco down and check out a show.
As the chorus kicks in, the lyrics take an unexpected turn with the catchphrase “Play that funky music, white boy.” The repetition of this line emphasizes the theme of embracing a new style of music and breaking traditional boundaries.
In the second verse, the narrator reflects on their initial resistance to change and how they fought against it. However, they soon realize that embracing funk music is the key to their success, and they decide to return and see if things have remained the same.
The chorus remains the same, amplifying the importance of playing funky music and creating a vibrant atmosphere.
The final verse highlights the transformative power of funk music. The narrator initially struggles with the idea of leaving rock and roll behind, but eventually realizes that embracing funk is the best decision. They express their gratitude for the valuable lesson they learned and the positive impact funk music has had on their life.
The Story Behind the Song
“Play That Funky Music” was inspired by an audience member’s shout during a Wild Cherry performance. As the band played their hard rock set at a disco club, someone in the crowd yelled, “Play some funky music, white boy.” This moment sparked the idea for the song, with the main lyric serving as a direct homage to that audience member’s request.
Rob Parissi, the lead singer of Wild Cherry, frequently wrote songs in a similar style to songs he heard on the Top 40 charts. “Play That Funky Music” was born out of this inspiration, with the bass line and rhythm guitar part influenced by Ohio Players’ “Fire.”
Originally planned as the B-side to their cover of The Commodores’ “I Feel Sanctified,” the song gained immense popularity when the owners of Sweet City Records suggested it be released as the A-side.
Legacy and Influence
“Play That Funky Music” remains Wild Cherry’s most successful song. It topped the US Pop Chart and has been recognized as one of the greatest songs of all time by Billboard. The infectious groove and catchy chorus have made it a timeless classic.
The song has also left a lasting impact on the music industry, with numerous artists sampling or covering it. Vanilla Ice famously sampled the track in his hit song “Ice Ice Baby,” and other artists like White Boys and George Michael have also covered it.
Conclusion
“Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry is more than just an infectious disco anthem. It represents the transformative power of embracing new styles of music and breaking down barriers. It’s a testament to the universal language of funk and its ability to bring people together on the dancefloor.
