Move on Up

Curtis Mayfield

About Move on Up

"Move On Up" is a song by Curtis Mayfield from his 1970 debut album Curtis. Nearly nine minutes long on the album version, it was released as a single in the United States (Curtom 1974), but failed to chart. An edited version of the song spent 10 weeks in the top 50 of the UK Singles Chart in 1971, peaking at #12, and it has become a soul music classic over the years.


Year:
1970
8:51
87 
#2

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Hush now child, and don't you cry
Your folks might understand you, by and by
Move on up, toward your destination
You may find from time to time
Complication

Bight your lip, and take a trip
Though there may be wet road ahead
And you cannot slip
So move on up for peace will find
Into the steeple of beautiful people
Where there's only one kind

So hush now child, and don't you cry
Your folks might understand you, by and by
Move on up, and keep on wishing
Remember your dream is your only scheme
So keep on pushing

Take nothing less, than the second best
Do not obey, you must keep your say
You can past the test
Just move on up, to a greater day
With just a little faith
If you put your mind to it you can surely do it

Just move on up
Move on up
But move on up
Oh child, but just move on up
But move on up
Move on up

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Curtis Mayfield

Curtis Lee Mayfield (June 3, 1942 – December 26, 1999) was an American soul, R&B, and funk singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known for his anthemic music with The Impressions during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and for composing the soundtrack to the blaxploitation film Super Fly, Mayfield is highly regarded as a pioneer of funk and of politically conscious African-American music. He was also a multi-instrumentalist who played the guitar, bass, piano, saxophone, and drums. Mayfield is a winner of both the Grammy Legend Award (in 1994) and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (in 1995), and he was a double inductee into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, inducted as a member of The Impressions into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame i… more »

4 fans

Written by: Curtis L. Mayfield

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Creation
"Move On Up" is a song by American singer-songwriter Curtis Mayfield from his 1970 debut album "Curtis". It is a social consciousness song with lyrics that promote positivity and perseverance.
Album Performance
The album "Curtis", including "Move on Up", peaked at number 19 on the pop albums chart and number one on the R&B charts.
Song Length
The original album version of "Move on Up" runs at over nine minutes, featuring an extended musical segment towards the end.
Single Release
A shorter, radio-friendly version of "Move on Up" was also released, running for a little under three minutes.
Instrumentation and Style
"Move on Up" is known for its upbeat horn arrangements and rhythmic percussions, reflective of Mayfield's roots in funk and soul music.
Impact and Influence
"Move On Up" is considered a classic of the funk and soul genres and has been heavily sampled by various artists in hip-hop and dance music. The uplifting and enduring message of the song has allowed it to stand the test of time.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by several artists, including the British band The Jam, who included their version on their 1982 album "The Gift."
Usage in Media
"Move on Up" has been used in numerous films and advertising campaigns due to its lively sound and motivational lyrics.
Notable Mentions
In 1971, "Move on Up" was ranked at number 49 on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”.
Chart Performance
Despite its popularity and critical acclaim, "Move On Up" did not chart in Mayfield's native USA. However, it reached number 12 in the UK Singles Chart in 1971.

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