Papa's Got a Brand New Bag

James Brown

About Papa's Got a Brand New Bag

"Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" is a song written and recorded by James Brown. Released as a two-part single in 1965, it was Brown's first song to reach the Billboard Hot 100 Top Ten, peaking at number eight, and was a number-one R&B hit, topping the charts for eight weeks. It won Brown his first Grammy Award, for Best Rhythm & Blues Recording. Consolidating the rhythmic innovations of earlier James Brown recordings such as "I've Got Money" and "Out of Sight", "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" is considered seminal in the emergence of funk music as a distinct style. As Brown sings the praises of an old man brave enough to get out on the dance floor of a nightclub ("brand new bag" meaning new interest, taste, or way of doing something), his band provides a horn-heavy backdrop with a prominent rhythm and an electric guitar riff for a hook. Both singer and musicians place overwhelming emphasis on the first beat of each measure ("on the One"). The song is Brown's first recording to feature Jimmy Nolen on guitar. 


Year:
2003
2:21
42 

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Come here sister, Papa's in the swing
He ain't too hip, about that new breed babe
He ain't no drag
Papa's got a brand new bag

Come here mama, and dig this crazy scene
He's not too fancy, but his line is pretty clean
He ain't no drag
Papa's got a brand new bag

He's doing the Jerk
He's doing the Fly
Don't play him cheap 'cause you know he ain't shy
He's doing the Monkey, the Mashed Potatoes
Jump back Jack, See you later alligator

Come here sister
Papa's in the swing
He ain't too hip now
But I can dig that new breed babe
He ain't no drag
He's got a brand new bag

Oh papa! He's doing the Jerk
Papa, he's doing the Jerk
He's doing the twist, just like this
He's doing the Fly every day and every night
The thing's, like the Boomerang
Hey, come on
Hey! Hey, come on
Hey! Hey, he's put tight, out of sight
Come on. Hey! Hey!

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James Brown

James Joseph Brown (May 3, 1933 – December 25, 2006) was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and recording artist. He is the originator of funk music and is a major figure of 20th century popular music and dance. more »

2 fans

Written by: James Brown

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Details
Released as a two-part single in 1965, "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" is a song written and recorded by James Brown. It was Brown's first song to reach the Billboard Top Ten Pop list.
Music Genre
The song is considered a groundbreaking record in the genre of funk music. It has been widely recognized as one of the first mainstream records to feature the genre's signature rhythm.
Achievement
"Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" won Brown his first Grammy Award, for Best Rhythm & Blues Recording. It was also selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress in 2006.
Cultural Influence
It has been featured in many films and television series over the years, adding to Brown's recognition as a key figure in American music culture.
Cover Versions
Numerous artists, including Otis Reading and Tina Turner, have covered the track. It has also been sampled by a range of musicians in different genres over time.
Studio Recording
It was reportedly recorded in just two takes, with the first take being used for the final release. This demonstrates Brown's talent as a live performer.
Lyric Meaning
The phrase "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" is slang for someone changing their way of doing things, a phrase Brown would use to describe his own change in musical direction.
Chart Success
The song hit #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and topped the Billboard R&B charts in the U.S.
Record Label
The song was released under the King Label, a major label for R&B, country, jazz, and pop music in the mid-to-late 20th century.
Live Performances
"Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" became a staple in James Brown's live shows. Performances of the song were famous for Brown's intense and energetic dance moves.

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