Got to Get You into My Life

Many people will recognize today’s selection as the title of a 1966 song by the English rock band the Beatles.

Today though, I’m featuring the famous 1978 cover by Earth, Wind & Fire. The music of this American group, which was formed in 1969 and is still active, touches on many music genres, including rhythm & blues, funk, soul, jazz, pop, and disco. They’re not a band I’ve ever followed, though I enjoy their music; I’m just unfamiliar with their catalogue.

Earth, Wind & Fires’s version of the song appeared in the jukebox musical comedy film Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band (1978), which stars English-American singer, songwriter and guitarist Peter Frampton, the Bee Gees, and many other musical acts. The movie itself was not a success but EW&F’s version of the song was the most successful track on the four-side album, reaching number one on the Billboard R&B chart.

“Got to Get You into My Life” is an affirming celebration of new love, and EW&F’s rendition is full of joy and playfulness. It’s a real toe-tapping mood-lifter.

“I was alone, I took a ride, I didn’t know what I would find there.
Another road, where maybe I could see another kind of mind there.
Ooh, then I suddenly see you.
Oooh, did I tell you I need you ev’ry single day of my life?

Got to get you into my life
Got to get you into my life

You didn’t run, you didn’t lie, you knew I wanted just to hold you
And had you gone you knew in time we’d meet again for I had told you.
Ooh, you were meant to be near me.
Ooh, and I want you to hear me say we’ll be together ev’ry day.

Got to get you into my life
Got to get you into my life

What can I do, what can I be, when I’m with you I want to stay there.
If I’m true I’ll never leave and if I do I know the way there.
Ooh, then I suddenly see you.
Ooh, did I tell you I need you ev’ry single day of my life?

Got to get you into my life
Got to get you into my life
Got to get you into my life
Got to get you into my life”

“Got to Get You into My Life,” by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
Lyrics retrieved from AZLyrics.com.

Today, the weather in Winnipeg, Canada is sunny, clear and mild. It’s the kind of day when you really get the idea that after a long winter, spring is on the way (which, of course, means outdoor cycling and other activities are not far off!). As I enjoyed the sunshine while returning home after walking downtown with my lad, I thought about how he had recently posted that EWF is “the best band of all time.” I decided it was time to listen to some of their music, and this was the track that jumped out at me.

In addition to appearing on the movie soundtrack, “Got to Get You into My Life” has appeared on several EW&F compilation albums.

Now you know a little about why this is my Song of the Day for Today. Thanks for joining me here, and please enjoy the audio from the Earth, Wind & Fire VEVO/YouTube channel:

With my best wishes,

Steve