Funny Vibe

Living Colour

About Funny Vibe

"Funny Vibe" is a single released by Living Colour from their 1988 debut album Vivid. It features Chuck D and Flavor Flav from Public Enemy. Rolling Stone magazine wrote about the song in a 1990 Living Colour interview, saying "The words – "No I'm not gonna hurt you/No I'm not gonna harm you/And I try not to hate you/So why you want to give me that/Funny Vibe!" – spelled out with machine-gun eloquence Reid's rage and frustration in communicating his vision to a rigid, unapologetic music industry rife with racial stereotyping and de facto discrimination. " 


4:20

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

No, I'm not gonna rob you
No, I'm not gonna beat you
No, I'm not gonna rape you
So why you want to give me that
Funny Vibe!

No, I'm not gonna hurt you
No, I'm not gonna harm you
And I try not to hate you
So why you want to give me that
Funny Vibe!

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Living Colour

Living Colour is an American rock band from New York City, formed in 1984. Stylistically, the band's music is a creative fusion influenced by free jazz, funk, hip hop, hard rock, and heavy metal. Their lyrics range from the personal to the political, in some of the latter cases attacking Eurocentrism and racism in America. more »

0 fans

Written by: VERNON ALPHONSUS REID

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Musical Style
"Funny Vibe" reflects Living Colour's unique blend of heavy metal, funk, jazz, hip-hop, country, and even early rhythm and blues sounds. The band’s mix of genres defied the predominant hegemony of the rock music industry during their prime time.
Album Release
This track can be found on "Vivid," Living Colour's debut studio album, which was released in 1988. The album achieved double platinum status and spurred a new movement of African-American rock musicians.
Vocal Participation
The iconic group, Public Enemy’s Chuck D and Flavor Flav, provided vocals for the rap segment in "Funny Vibe," further bridging the gap between rock and hip-hop on the track.
Song Theme
Lyrically, "Funny Vibe" addresses racism directly, countering stereotypes and prejudice. It is influential for its straightforward lyrical confrontation with racial issues, a topic that was generally avoided in the rock music genre during that time.
Music Video
The music video for "Funny Vibe" was directed by Drew Carolan, who often highlighted the band's energy, inextinguishable spirit, and passion for obliterating racial boundaries through their music.
Band Formation
Living Colour was formed in New York City in 1984 by English-born guitarist Vernon Reid. They became one of the first all-black rock bands to achieve mainstream success.
Critical Success
Despite facing numerous obstacles due to their race in a genre largely populated by white males, Living Colour rose to unprecedented heights. Their uniqueness and the success of songs like "Funny Vibe" won them two Grammy Awards.
Live Performances
"Funny Vibe" remains a fan favorite during the live performances, with its intense guitar licks, powerful vocals, and thought-provoking lyrics ensuring its continuous popularity.
Influence
The success of "Funny Vibe" and its parent album "Vivid" effectively helped pave the way for more racially diverse bands and musicians in the rock and metal arena.
Band Disbandment and Reunion
Though Living Colour disbanded in January 1995, they later reunited in late 2000. Even in their re-formation years, "Funny Vibe" remains a key track in the band’s discography.

Discuss the Funny Vibe Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Funny Vibe Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/15111404/Living+Colour/Funny+Vibe>.

    Missing lyrics by Living Colour?

    Know any other songs by Living Colour? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Funny Vibe

    57,643
    1,021     18

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Who of the following is not a Dutch singer-songwriter?
    A Peter Fox
    B Danny Vera
    C Davina Michelle
    D Gerard Joling

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Living Colour tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!