"Give it To Me" surprisingly did not chart in the Top 10 in 1973, reaching it's highest at #30 on the Billboard charts when it was released on The J. Geils Band's Atlantic Records album Bloodshot. Perhaps a more likely reason the song didn't chart higher was because of it's length being 6 and 1/2 minutes and less because of the somewhat "suggestive lyrics." Most hit songs at the time were not usually over 6 minutes, but keep in mind, this was back when most pop songs had relatively clean lyrics. Most lines in pop songs then were not so blatant. True, Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" came out the same year and did chart higher, but by 1973 Gaye had been an established star in music since the mid 60's. Even for Marvin's standards, those were his most "direct" lyrics that he had sung up to that point as well. The J. Geils Band, around this time, were just starting to make noise in the major music scene. Both songs are great, but it took The J. Geils Band years later in the early 80's (thanks to heavy rotation on MTV) to gain serious recognition on the national level.
This song has always been one of the band's most beloved tunes. The live versions of this song have even more energy. I'd say it's the best song in their set. The funk style breakdown starting around 2:55 that drives through the rest of the song is simply one of the best breakdowns in Rock and Roll history. Each group member has their moment to stand out. The organ part, played by underrated keyboardist Seth Justman ,certainly has a 1960's psychedelic sound. Then, Magic Dick solos on the Lickin' Stick. J. Geils comes in after with a sweet guitar solo. All while bassist Danny Klein holds down that unique bass line until the song fades. It's such a memorable groove. The way the song is structured is unique, having the 3 different parts: the Reggae style in the beginning, the organ solo after the bridge and the funk style outro. Three completely different sections, but they all work together as one great whole!
"Give it To Me" is my one of my favorite songs ever. I love the Reggae influence in the first part of the song. Few rock bands used Reggae influences in their songs at that time. The genre was just beginning to gain substantial appeal in the U.S., due in large part to artists like Jimmy Cliff and Bob Marley. This song further proves how ahead of their time the Geils crew really was for a Rock band. So sit back, relax and enjoy this gem by my hometown guys: Boston's very own, J. Geils Band!
Lyrics:
Now don't touch the knobs 'cause I think
We're going to have some fun with this one here
Oh yeah!
You've got to give it to me
You've got to give it to me
You've got to give it to me
You've got to give it to me
You're so slick hun, know every trick now
You know I want it, I want it so bad
You know I need it, I can't believe it
So come on baby, Please relieve it
You've got to give it to me
You've got to give it to me (Mmm, hmm)
You've got to give it to me
You've got to give it to me
Now you've been bugging me, Every night now
You say you want it, You want it right now
I can't get to it, I can't get through it
So come on baby, Please
You've got to get it up (give it up)
You've got to get it up (give it up)
You've got to get it up (give it up)
You've got to get it up (give it up)
You've got to give it to me
You've got to give it to me
You've got to give it to me
You've got to give it to me
Why keep me cold
When it's so warm inside
Come on baby
Your love is too good to hide"
12 сен 2024
