If I'm In Luck I Might Get Picked Up

Album: Betty Davis (1973)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In the early '70s, after a stint of modeling in the UK, Betty Davis landed in Los Angeles with music on her mind. Ditching plans to record with Santana, she assembled a Bay Area dream team featuring Sly Stone's drummer Greg Errico as producer alongside Neal Schon (of Santana), Larry Graham, and several other members of Graham Central Station. This crew laid down an eclectic funk-soul album between 1972 and 1973, reflecting the richness of its players. This song is the LP's opening track.
  • The songs, all written by Davis herself, are mostly built around funk grooves, driving percussion and heavy guitars. "She really had a clear image in her mind of what she wanted," Errico told Uncut magazine. "She wanted some of that Sly influence of what we were doing back then."
  • "If I'm In Luck I Might Get Picked Up" is an unfettered vocal attack and a bare-backed blend of funk, rock and R&B. "I thought 'If I'm In Luck' was stinkingly funky!" said Errico. "We would go through it once, maybe a couple of times, then cut it. It was effortless. You put the right rhythm section in the right chemistry and stuff just flies. We didn't wear the tracks out going over them."
  • "If I'm In Luck I Might Get Picked Up" reflects Davis' bold and liberated persona. The lyrics are suggestive and risqué, expressing themes of sexual empowerment and independence. She's taking control, not just waiting for a Prince Charming.

    According to friend and collaborator Danielle Maggio, Davis wrote "If I'm In Luck I Might Get Picked Up" based on her surroundings. "She was living in the Bay Area, and she was observing her friends, herself and also the women in her community, using their desire," Maggio told Uncut. "There would be pressure to do things like make money, move their careers forward, and just enjoy life and have a good time. So the song is really for freedom of desire for pleasure, but also bodily and sexual autonomy."
  • Released as the lead single from the Betty Davis album, "If I'm In Luck I Might Get Picked Up" peaked at #66 on the Billboard R&B chart. It was the biggest hit of Davis' career.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)Songwriter Interviews

Before "Rap" was a form of music, it was something guys did to pick up girls in nightclubs. Donnie talks about "The Rapper" and reveals the identity of Leah.

Bass Player Scott Edwards

Bass Player Scott EdwardsSong Writing

Scott was Stevie Wonder's bass player before becoming a top session player. Hits he played on include "I Will Survive," "Being With You" and "Sara Smile."

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Carol Kaye

Carol KayeSongwriter Interviews

A top session musician, Carol played on hundreds of hits by The Beach Boys, The Monkees, Frank Sinatra and many others.

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Annie Haslam of Renaissance

Annie Haslam of RenaissanceSongwriter Interviews

The 5-octave voice of the classical rock band Renaissance, Annie is big on creative expression. In this talk, she covers Roy Wood, the history of the band, and where all the money went in the '70s.