Payback
James Brown
Lyrics currently unavailable…
10 facts about this song
Music Style"Payback" by James Brown is notable for its fusion of funk and soul, two genres heavily attributed to James Brown's musical influence.
|
Chart PerformanceThe single peaked at number 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and reached number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of Brown's highest-charting songs in the US.
|
Album Details"Payback" is the title track and the lead song on James Brown's 1973 double album, "The Payback."
|
Recording DetailsThe song, like many of Brown's tracks, features a focus on rhythm and groove, with a heavy emphasis on the interplay between rhythm guitars and horns.
|
Song OriginJames Brown initially wrote it as the soundtrack for the blaxploitation film "Hell Up in Harlem," but it was rejected by the filmmakers.
|
Length of Song"Payback" was widely notable for its length too. The original version of the song is over 7 minutes long, whereas average song lengths at that time were between 3 and 4 minutes.
|
Song ThemeThe lyrics of "Payback" are a narrative about revenge and retribution, hence the title "The Payback."
|
Pop Culture"Payback" has been sampled numerous times by various artists, especially in hip-hop. Notably, En Vogue used a loop from "Payback" in their 1990 hit song "My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)."
|
Historical SignificanceRolling Stone ranked "The Payback" number 238 on their list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
|
AwardsIn 2015, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Payback Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 13 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/9072941/James+Brown/Payback>.
Discuss the Payback Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In