Shaft
Isaac Hayes
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Who's the black private dick That's a sex machine to all the chicks? Shaft, ya, damn right Who is the man that would risk his neck For his brother man? Shaft, can you dig it? Who's the cat that won't cop out When there's danger all about? Shaft, right on They say this cat Shaft is a bad mother Shut your mouth But I'm talkin' 'bout Shaft Then we can dig it He's a complicated man But no one understands him but his woman John Shaft
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Written by: ISAAC HAYES
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Creation"Shaft" is theme song for the film "Shaft." Isaac Hayes wrote and recorded this song specifically for the film in 1971.
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Record Label"Shaft" was released under the Enterprise division of Stax Records, a label known for producing soul music.
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AwardsThis song earned Isaac Hayes an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1972. This made him the first African-American to win this award.
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Chart RankingsDespite its length of over seven minutes, "Shaft" managed to peak at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song also reached number two on the billboard Soul Singles chart.
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Game-changing ImpactThe theme song was groundbreaking due to its inclusion of orchestral elements along with the traditional rhythm and blues. It set a new trend for future theme songs of similar films.
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Album SuccessThe "Shaft" soundtrack album, which also included other songs performed by Isaac Hayes, went on to top the Billboard 200 chart and won a Grammy Award for Best Original Score.
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Notable LyricsOne of the most well-known lines from the song, "Who's the black private dick that's a sex machine to all the chicks? Shaft…Damn right," has become a pop culture catchphrase.
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The Baritone VoiceThe infamous baritone voice of Isaac Hayes is heard in spoken-word form rather than singing throughout most of the song. This distinctive style added to the uniqueness of the song.
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Influence"Shaft" has greatly influenced other works of music with its blend of orchestral elements and funk-inspired sound. It is often considered one of the defining works of the funk genre.
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Multiple Covers and ReferencesMany artists, including Sammy Davis Jr and Eddy and the Soulband, have covered "Shaft". The song has also been referenced and sampled by numerous musicians and TV shows over the decades.
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LegacyThe song "Shaft" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, recognizing its historical, artistic, and significant value.
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Relevance Today"Shaft" continues to be popular and relevant decades after its release. In 2019, a new movie in the "Shaft" series used a cover of the iconic song in its soundtrack.
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Citation
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"Shaft Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 1 Jun 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/9076583/Isaac+Hayes/Shaft>.
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