Give the People What They Want

The O'Jays

About Give the People What They Want

"Give the People What They Want" is a song by R&B vocal group The O'Jays. Released from their album Survival, it spent one week at number one on the R&B singles chart in the summer of 1975. It peaked at number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was used as part of the regular playlist at campaign events for Barack Obama's 2008 presidential candidacy. The song is currently being used by NBC's WCAU-TV-10 to promote the station's news and other programming. The chorus plays with no other voice-over, along with clips of action in the streets, and station on-air staff with slogans promoting programming. The campaign debuted on 12 February 2010, including a clip of Jay Leno at 11:35, after The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien was off the air. This song is heavily sampled in EPMD's song "Give the People" from their 1990 album Business as Usual. The song is used as the intro theme music for former NBA player Jalen Rose's, and ESPN Employee David Jacoby podcast Jalen and Jacoby, for ESPN. The phrase has become Rose's unofficial catchphrase. 


Year:
2010
73 

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You got to give the people, now
Give the people what they want
Well, well, well, well

No, don't know you
You got to give the people
Give the people what they want?

But I done been all over the world
And everybody feels the same
It's a unanimous decision
I said they're ready for a change, yeah, yeah, yeah

Don't know you
Got to give the people, give it up
Give the people what they want?
Well, well

No, don't know? You don't know, no
Got to give the people
Well, well
Give the people what they want

Well, it's about time for things to get better
We want the truth, the truth and no more lies
We want freedom, justice and equality
I want it for you and I want it for me

You, you, don't you?
Got to give the people
Give the people what they want

Don't you know that, don't you know you
Got to give the people, give it up
Give the people what they want?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, oh, yeah

And you got to give the people
Give it up
Give the people what they want

You better
Don't ya know, don't ya know you
Got to give the people, give it up
Give the people what they want?

Don't you know that you just
Give the people what, give the people what
Give the people what
Give 'em what they want?

You better, you better, you better
Give the people what, give the people what
Give the people what
Give 'em what they want

Don't you know, don't you know ya
Give the people what
Give the people what
Give the people what
Give 'em what they want?

People want better education now
People want better food to eat
People want here better homing
People need money, money

People need equality
People need understanding
People need freedom
And gotta [Incomprehensible]

You, you, you, you, you better
Give the people what
Give the people what
Give the people what
Give 'em what they want

Don't you know you
Give the people what
Give the people what
Give the people what
Give 'em what they want?

[Incomprehensible]
Give the people what
Give the people what

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The O'Jays

The O'Jays are an American R&B group from Canton, Ohio, formed in 1958 and originally consisting of Eddie Levert (born June 16, 1942), Walter Williams (born August 25, 1943), William Powell (January 20, 1942 – May 26, 1977), Bobby Massey and Bill Isles. The O'Jays made their first chart appearance with "Lonely Drifter" in 1963, but reached their greatest level of success once Gamble & Huff, a team of producers and songwriters, signed them to their Philadelphia International label in 1972. With Gamble & Huff, the O'Jays (now a trio after the departure of Isles and Massey) emerged at the forefront of Philadelphia soul with "Back Stabbers" (1972), and topped the Billboard Hot 100 the following year with "Love Train". Numerous other hits followed thro… more »

4 fans

Written by: Leon Huff, Kenny Gamble

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Background Information
"Give the People What They Want" is a song by American R&B group The O'Jays. It was released as a single in 1975 from their album "Survival".
Songwriting and Production
The song was written by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, who were incredibly successful Philadelphia-based songwriting and production partners.
Genre and Style
The musical style for "Give the People What They Want" is classic Philadelphia soul, characterized by lush instrumental arrangements and emotive vocal performances.
Charitable Association
The O'Jays were very socially conscious and many of their songs, including "Give the People What They Want", talked about justice, peace, and love. The song's direct, social activist nature was indicative of the times.
Chart Performance
The song did well on the charts. It peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles, while it reached No. 45 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Music Video
The music video for "Give the People What They Want" shows The O'Jays performing the song in front of an animated background. In the video, the group is seen performing their trademark choreography.
Pop Culture Reference
Although the song is not as popular as their biggest hit, "Love Train", "Give the People What They Want" has nonetheless been featured in several films and television shows, further cementing The O'Jays' cultural relevance.
Cover Versions
Many artists including Diana Ross and The Dramatics have covered "Give the People What They Want", testifying to the song's enduring appeal.
Social Impact
This song like many of The O'Jays hits became an anthem for various social causes, helping to accompany the mood of social change during the 70s.
Lyrics Message
The lyrics of "Give the People What They Want" call for justice and equity in society, a thematic approach The O'Jays often took in their music to amplify the voices of marginalized communities.

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    Give the People What They Want

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1975

    Billboard #45


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