Wild Cherry – Play That Funky Music ( 1976)

About the song

Let’s take a trip down memory lane to the funky, groovy sounds of the 1970s, where disco balls shimmered and dance floors were packed. Today, I’m excited to introduce you to a classic anthem that epitomizes the essence of that era and continues to get toes tapping and hips swaying. The song I’m talking about is “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry.

“Play That Funky Music” is a dynamic and infectious track that blends elements of rock, funk, and soul into a masterpiece of musical fusion. It was penned by Rob Parissi, the lead vocalist and guitarist of Wild Cherry, and released in 1976 as part of their self-titled debut album. The song quickly skyrocketed to the top of the charts, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning widespread acclaim for its innovative sound and irresistible groove.

Wild Cherry, hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, burst onto the music scene with their electrifying energy and unique musical style. “Play That Funky Music” propelled them to international fame and cemented their status as icons of the disco era. The success of the song also earned them a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.

With its catchy chorus and funky bassline, “Play That Funky Music” became an anthem for a generation and continues to be a favorite at parties, weddings, and dance clubs around the world. Its timeless appeal transcends generations, ensuring that it remains a staple of playlists and radio stations to this day.

So, whether you’re reliving the glory days of disco or discovering the magic of Wild Cherry for the first time, “Play That Funky Music” is sure to ignite your soul and get you grooving to the beat.

Video

Lyrics

Hey, do it now

Hey, once I was a boogie singer
Playin’ in a rock-and-roll band
I never had no problems
Burnin’ down the one-night stands

And everything around me
Got to start to feelin’ so low
And I decided quickly
Yes, I did
To disco down and check out the show

Yeah they were dancin’ and singin’
And movin’ to the groovin’
And just when it hit me
Somebody turned around and shouted

“Play that funky music, white boy
Play that funky music right
Play that funky music, white boy
Lay down that boogie
And play that funky music ’til you die.”

‘Til you die?

I tried to understand this
I thought that they were out of their minds
How could I be so foolish
To not see I was the one behind

So still I kept on fighting
Well, losing every step by the way
… we can do
I said, I must go back there
I got to go back
And check to see if things still the same

When they were dancin’ and singin’
And movin’ to the groovin’
And just when it hit me
Somebody turned around and shouted

“Play that funky music, white boy
Play that funky music right
Play that funky music, white boy
Lay down that boogie
And play that funky music ’til you die.”

‘Til you die?
Oh, ’til you die

Gonna play some electrified funky music

Hey, wait a minute

Now first it wasn’t easy
Changing rock-and-rolling minds
And things were gettin’ shaky
I thought I’d have to leave it behind

Oh, but now it’s so much better (it’s so much better)
I’m funking out in every way
But I’ll never lose that feelin’ (you know, I won’t)
Of how I learned my lesson that day

When they were dancin’ and singin’
And movin’ to the groovin’
And just when it hit me
Somebody turned around and shouted

“Play that funky music, white boy
Play that funky music right
Play that funky music, white boy
Lay down that boogie
And play that funky music ’til you die.”

‘Til you die?
Oh, ’til you die

They shouted

“Play that funky music
Play that funky music
Play that funky music
You got to keep on playin’ funky music
Play that funky music
Play that funky music
Play that funky music
Gonna take you high and low.”

“Play that funky music, white boy
Play that funky music right
Play that funky music, white boy
Play that funky music right

Play that funky music, white boy
Play that funky music right
Play that funky music, white boy
Play that funky music right.”