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This is a tale of a woman who knows her boyfriend treats her badly but she can't help but love him.
Along with a tambourine and drums, snow chains were used as percussion for this song.
All the instruments were played by the Funk Brothers, who were session musicians for Motown.
Because of its brassy sound and chorus, this song is one of many which are popular at sporting events, where the original version is played, or a marching band performs it.
The song was particularly popular during the Vietnam War, and was featured in the 1987 film Good Morning, Vietnam. (thanks, Jerro - New Alexandria, PA, for all above)
Janet Jackson intended on recording a remake of this on her 1990
Rhythm Nation 1814 album before being persuaded by her songwriters Jam and Lewis to record a song with a similar beat. The end result was her American chart-topper "
Escapade."
Comments (5):
Randy Newman
Newman makes it look easy these days, but in this 1974 interview, he reveals the paranoia and pressures that made him yearn for his old 9-5 job.
Mike Watt - "History Lesson, Pt. 2"
Mike Watt of the Minutemen tells the story of the song that became an Indie Rock touchstone. It's also the story of what Mike calls "The Movement."
Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).
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