There Was a Time
James Brown & His Famous Flames, James Brown, The James Brown Band
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There was a day, there was a time When I used to play There was a time when I used to play But take me now, baby, don't worry about later Teach the dance I used to do They call it the Mashed Potato There was a day, now dig this There was a day, they call it the Jerk Everybody relax and watch me work In my hometown where I used to stay The name of the place is Augusta, GA Down there we have a good time We don't talk We all get together in time, for rhythm with you So come and walk There was a day that I used to do The name of the dance They call it Boogaloo I may not do the dance as well as you But baby, you can bet your bottom dollar That you never hear me holler I do the best that I can do There was a time, sometimes I dance Sometimes I dance, sometimes I clown But you can bet you haven't seen nothing yet Until you see me do the James Brown
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Written by: Buddy J. Hobgood, James Brown
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, CARLIN AMERICA INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
14 facts about this song
Record Label"There Was a Time" was released under King Records, an American leading independent record company.
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Hit SongThe single managed to reach number 3 on the R&B charts and number 36 on the Pop charts, confirming its status as a hit song.
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Live PerformanceThe live version of this song was featured on James Brown's groundbreaking live album, "Live at the Apollo, Volume II," in 1968.
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Soul ClassicThe song is considered a classic of Brown's repertoire, embodying his unique brand of soul and funk music.
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Long-Lasting Influence"There Was a Time" had a significant influence on later generations of funk and soul musicians, as well as hip-hop artists.
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Band MembersRecording band members include the Famous Flames - Bobby Byrd, Bobby Bennett, and Baby Lloyd, along with the James Brown Orchestra.
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Signature Dance MovesIn live shows, James Brown would typically demonstrate his signature dance moves during this song.
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Release Year"There was a Time" was first released as a two-part single in 1967.
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Recorded LiveThe highly praised version of "There Was a Time" was recorded live at the Apollo Theater.
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SongwritersThe song was co-written by James Brown and his bandleader, Alfred "Pee Wee" Ellis.
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Distinctive LyricsThe lyrics draw from James Brown's experiences growing up in the segregated South, providing a rare autobiographical perspective.
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The Godfather of SoulJames Brown, also known as "The Godfather of Soul," is widely credited for writing and performing "There Was a Time", highlighting his ability to generate hits.
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Musical StructureThe song’s structure represents a departure from traditional song forms; it doesn’t have a clear chorus and verses, reflecting James Brown's unique style.
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Use in Media"There Was a Time" has been used in numerous films and advertisements over the years, indicating its enduring appeal.
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Citation
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"There Was a Time Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 16 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/5616365/James+Brown/There+Was+a+Time>.
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