The song tells a story of a rock-and-roll singer who makes a shift to funk music. It’s about embracing change and finding joy in new experiences. The catchy chorus, “Play that funky music, white boy,” isn’t just a directive; it’s a call to break free from conventions and stereotypes. Wild Cherry wrote this song as a reflection of their own journey, shifting from rock to funk, and the joy and challenges that came with it.
This song isn’t just a foot-tapping number; it’s a tale of musical transformation and breaking free from the norm. Stick around to discover the deeper layers of this iconic track.
“Play That Funky Music” Lyrics Meaning
“Hey, do it now” – these opening words set the tone for a song that’s all about seizing the moment and embracing change. The singer starts as a “boogie singer” in a rock-and-roll band, comfortable in his niche. But soon, he feels something’s missing, something “low” in his musical experience.
The song then captures a moment of revelation. The singer decides to “disco down and check out the show,” signaling a willingness to explore beyond his comfort zone. Here, the song reflects a universal theme: the desire to break free from the routine and try something new.
As he immerses himself in the new rhythm, the crowd’s reaction – “Play that funky music, white boy” – serves as both a challenge and an affirmation. It’s a moment of transformation, not just in music but in identity. The repetition of this chorus throughout the song symbolizes the ongoing journey of embracing change and the joy it brings.
The lyrics “I tried to understand this” and “How could I be so foolish” reveal an inner conflict. The singer grapples with the initial shock and skepticism of trying something unconventional. Yet, as the song progresses, this skepticism turns into acceptance and then celebration. The line “It wasn’t easy, changing rock-and-rolling minds” highlights the struggle to break musical and societal barriers.
The song isn’t just about playing funk music; it’s a metaphor for life’s journey. It encourages us to explore, to be open to change, and to find our true rhythm in the unexpected.
The Story Behind “Play That Funky Music”
Wild Cherry, primarily a rock band, found themselves at a crossroads. The music scene was evolving, and disco and funk were taking the world by storm. This shift wasn’t just a trend; it was a seismic change in the musical landscape.
The band’s frontman, Rob Parissi, was inspired to write the song after a gig where the audience wasn’t responding to their rock repertoire. The pivotal moment came when someone shouted from the crowd, demanding a funkier tune. This real-life incident sparked the idea for “Play That Funky Music.”
Writing this song was a turning point for Wild Cherry. It wasn’t just about creating a hit; it was about reinventing themselves. Parissi and his band were stepping out of their comfort zone, venturing into a genre that was foreign yet fascinating to them.
The song’s success was a testament to their bold move. It resonated with listeners who were also navigating the changing musical tides of the 70s. “Play That Funky Music” became an anthem for adaptation and the joy of discovering new horizons.
In a broader sense, the story behind the song mirrors the life of any artist – or person, for that matter – facing change. It’s about the courage to try something new, the struggle of initial resistance, and the ultimate triumph of embracing evolution. “Play That Funky Music” is a narrative of transformation, resilience, and the enduring power of music.