Story Behind The Song
Written at the time of the "Bail Out," and everyone was pointing fingers at everyone else, looking externally to be saved from their own mess, not taking personal responsibility for bad decisions, and not bailing themselves out of their own jam.
Song Description
Curtis Mayfield, if he were a woman, walks into a honky tonk. And this is what he played.
| Song Length |
3:33 |
Genre |
R & B - Funk, R & B - Classic |
| Tempo |
Medium Fast (131 - 150) |
Lead Vocal |
Female Vocal |
| Mood |
Exultant, Cheerful |
Subject |
Breaking Up, Power |
| Similar Artists |
Aretha Franklin, Cher |
Language |
English |
| Era |
1970 - 1979 |
| |
Lyrics
Bail Yourself Out
Every time I look into your eyes I see the same surprise, it's true. [Woo.]
What the heck did you expect, you act if it's news the sky is blue. [Woo.]
I can't hold your hand through every master plan.
You need to stand on your own two feet. [Now!]
Get the lead out. Move your feet. [Woooo.]
There's no shortcut. You can't cheat. [Woooo.]
Gravy train is off the rails
Pick yourself up, bail yourself out.
Wishing, hoping, praying that your life will rearrange, that's for fools. [Woo.]
Who the heck did you expect to swoop in to take care of you. Again. [Woo.]
I've got no time if you whine and moan about it.
You need to stand on your own two feet. [Now!]
Get the lead out. Move your feet. [Woo.]
Party's over. Hit the street. [Woo.]
Gravy train is off the rails
Pick yourself up, bail yourself out.
You're begging and you're pleading,
Cuz you're feeling so defeated,
World's replete with schemers, deadbeats, cheats, and money takers;
Ditch your lazy ass and shake your moneymaker, baby,
Word on the street, and believe me it's no secret:
Be relentless, never falter and I promise.
You will make it happen if you follow your passion
Chorus