Give the People What They Want
The O'Jays
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You got to give the people, now Give the people what they want Well, well, well, well Don't you know you You got to give the people Give the people what they want? But I done been all over the world And everybody feels the same It's a unanimous decision I said we're ready for a change, yeah, yeah, yeah Don't know you Got to give the people (give it up) Give the people what they want? Well, well Don't you know you just oughta You got to give the people Well, well Give the people what they want Well, it's about time for things to get better We want the truth, the truth and no more lies We want freedom, justice and equality I want it for you and I want it for me You, you, don't you? Got to give the people (give it up) Give the people what they want Don't you know, don't you know you Got to give the people (give it up) Give the people what they want? Yeah, yeah, yeah, oh, yeah And you got to give the people (give it up) Give the people what they want (You better) Don't ya know, don't ya know you Got to give the people, give it up Give the people what they want? Don't you know that you just Give the people, give the people what Give the people what, give 'em what they want You better, you better, you better Give the people what, give the people what Give the people what give 'em what they want Don't you know, don't you know ya Give the people what, give the people what Give the people what, give 'em what they want? People want better education now, now People want better food to eat People want, hey, better housing People need money, money People need equality People need understanding People need freedom And gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta, got, you, you, you You better Give the people what, give the people what Give the people what, give 'em what they want Don't you know you Give the people what, give the people what Give the people what, give 'em what they want
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Written by: Leon Huff, Kenny Gamble
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Background Information"Give the People What They Want" is a song by American R&B group The O'Jays. It was released as a single in 1975 from their album "Survival".
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Songwriting and ProductionThe song was written by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, who were incredibly successful Philadelphia-based songwriting and production partners.
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Genre and StyleThe musical style for "Give the People What They Want" is classic Philadelphia soul, characterized by lush instrumental arrangements and emotive vocal performances.
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Charitable AssociationThe O'Jays were very socially conscious and many of their songs, including "Give the People What They Want", talked about justice, peace, and love. The song's direct, social activist nature was indicative of the times.
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Chart PerformanceThe song did well on the charts. It peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles, while it reached No. 45 on the Billboard Hot 100.
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Music VideoThe music video for "Give the People What They Want" shows The O'Jays performing the song in front of an animated background. In the video, the group is seen performing their trademark choreography.
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Pop Culture ReferenceAlthough the song is not as popular as their biggest hit, "Love Train", "Give the People What They Want" has nonetheless been featured in several films and television shows, further cementing The O'Jays' cultural relevance.
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Cover VersionsMany artists including Diana Ross and The Dramatics have covered "Give the People What They Want", testifying to the song's enduring appeal.
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Social ImpactThis song like many of The O'Jays hits became an anthem for various social causes, helping to accompany the mood of social change during the 70s.
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Lyrics MessageThe lyrics of "Give the People What They Want" call for justice and equity in society, a thematic approach The O'Jays often took in their music to amplify the voices of marginalized communities.
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Citation
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"Give the People What They Want Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 31 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/30674487/The+O%27Jays/Give+the+People+What+They+Want>.
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