Meaning and Lyrics of Brick House by Commodores
Song Lyrics meaning of Brick House by Commodores
About Commodores
Commodores
Formed in 1968 in Tuskegee, Alabama, the Commodores are one of the quintessential bands of the funk and soul genres. Originally consisting of Lionel Richie, Thomas McClary, Milan Williams, Ronald LaPread, and Walter Orange, the group initially found success as the house band for Motown Records. Their blend of funk, soul, and pop catapulted them to fame in the ’70s and early ’80s, making them a staple in the American music landscape. The Commodores made waves with their self-titled debut album in 1974, but it was their follow-up, “Hot on the Tracks” (1976), that solidified their place in music history. The album featured hits like “Brick House,” a funky anthem that showcased their tight harmonies and infectious grooves. “Brick House” became a cultural touchstone, embracing themes of female empowerment with its catchy hook and rhythm that still reverberates through dance floors today. Throughout their career, the Commodores released a string of successful albums, including “Natural High” (1978) and “Midnight Magic” (1980). Their sound evolved over the years, incorporating more pop elements, particularly with Richie at the helm, resulting in chart-toppers like “Easy,” “Three Times a Lady,” and “Still.” These songs highlighted their ability to balance sophisticated lyrics with smooth melodies, demonstrating their artistic merit beyond just danceable funk. The Commodores experienced lineup changes, with Richie leaving the band in 1982 to pursue a solo career — and what a career it was as he went on to become one of the most successful artists of his time. Although the original group diminished, the Commodores continued to perform and record, proving their resilience in the ever-evolving music landscape. In terms of cultural impact, the Commodores stand out as pioneers in producing music that transcended racial barriers. Their fusion of funk, soul, and R&B laid the groundwork for future genres and artists. Even after decades, their songs remain staples in pop culture, featured in films, commercials, and classic playlists. With a legacy anchored in vibrant grooves and emotive ballads, the Commodores not only shaped the sound of their era but also influenced generations of musicians, ensuring that their music endures long after the last note fades out.
Formed in 1968 in Tuskegee, Alabama, the Commodores are one of the quintessential bands of the funk and soul genres. Originally consisting of Lionel Richie, Thomas McClary, Milan Williams, Ronald LaPread, and Walter Orange, the group initially found success as the house band for Motown Records. Their blend of funk, soul, and pop catapulted them to fame in the ’70s and early ’80s, making them a staple in the American music landscape. The Commodores made waves with their self-titled debut album in 1974, but it was their follow-up, “Hot on the Tracks” (1976), that solidified their place in music history. The album featured hits like “Brick House,” a funky anthem that showcased their tight harmonies and infectious grooves. “Brick House” became a cultural touchstone, embracing themes of female empowerment with its catchy hook and rhythm that still reverberates through dance floors today. Throughout their career, the Commodores released a string of successful albums, including “Natural High” (1978) and “Midnight Magic” (1980). Their sound evolved over the years, incorporating more pop elements, particularly with Richie at the helm, resulting in chart-toppers like “Easy,” “Three Times a Lady,” and “Still.” These songs highlighted their ability to balance sophisticated lyrics with smooth melodies, demonstrating their artistic merit beyond just danceable funk. The Commodores experienced lineup changes, with Richie leaving the band in 1982 to pursue a solo career — and what a career it was as he went on to become one of the most successful artists of his time. Although the original group diminished, the Commodores continued to perform and record, proving their resilience in the ever-evolving music landscape. In terms of cultural impact, the Commodores stand out as pioneers in producing music that transcended racial barriers. Their fusion of funk, soul, and R&B laid the groundwork for future genres and artists. Even after decades, their songs remain staples in pop culture, featured in films, commercials, and classic playlists. With a legacy anchored in vibrant grooves and emotive ballads, the Commodores not only shaped the sound of their era but also influenced generations of musicians, ensuring that their music endures long after the last note fades out.
Meaning of Brick House by Commodores
“Brick House” by the Commodores is not just a song—it’s an enduring anthem that resonates with themes of body positivity, sensuality, and empowerment in a manner that both celebrates and fetishizes the female form. Released in 1977 and composed by the band members themselves, this track represents a masterclass in blending funk, soul, and rock, encapsulating the sounds of its era while wielding an influence that extends far beyond.
Sonically, “Brick House” stands out for its infectious groove, punctuated by a punchy bassline and vibrant horn arrangements. The production captures the quintessential Motown vibe, lush with rhythmic intricacies that compel bodies to move. The tight instrumentation and layered vocals crafted by lead singer Lionel Richie contribute to that unmistakable swagger—each element interlocking seamlessly like the bricks featured prominently in the song’s metaphor. The track features an upbeat tempo, playful vocal interplay, and that undeniably catchy chorus, making it a staple on dance floors and radio stations alike.
Lyrically, the song employs the motif of a “brick house” to symbolize strength, sturdiness, and allure. The lyrics, with Richard Penniman’s unmistakable delivery, assertively draw attention to a woman’s physicality: “36-24-36, ow, what a winning hand!” The provision of those iconic measurements not only reflects societal standards of beauty from the time but also contributes to the song’s shameless celebration of the female body. The repeated chorus “She’s mighty mighty, just letting it all hang out” underscores a duality—it’s not merely an objectification; it is also a celebration of confidence and self-assuredness. The woman in question knows her worth and wields it artfully, engaging with the male gaze unapologetically.
Moving beyond conventional lyrical narratives, Commodores push the envelope by transforming what could easily fall into cliched territory into something richly layered. The notion of being “put together” with reference to a body type evokes traditional ideals, yet there’s an undercurrent of defiance—an insistence that femininity can embrace all shapes and sizes. One could even argue that there’s an early hint of body positivity present in the narrative, even if framed within the context of the 1970s soul and funk landscape.
The cultural impact of “Brick House” cannot be overstated. It finds its roots in the disco-funk revival that dominated the late ’70s, while also parsing out conversations around sexuality, body image, and empowerment in a pre-feminist wave era. This song is often viewed through a cultural lens, seen as a depiction of the burgeoning sexual autonomy that women began to express in the wake of earlier liberation movements. Listening to the track today, one might consider its continuing relevance—the chorus is just as tantalizing, the themes just as relatable.
Musically and thematically, the Commodores borrow from the energetic pulse of African American musical traditions, bridging gaps across genres. They harness not just the rhythmic agility of funk but also the soulful vulnerability characteristic of the genre. The blend of dynamic instrumentation, engaging vocal stylings, and celebratory lyricism gives “Brick House” an evergreen quality, forever rendering it relevant in contemporary discussions about female empowerment and self-love.
In an era where discussions on body image, gender norms, and empowerment are more pronounced than ever, “Brick House” serves as a sonic time capsule, capturing a specific cultural moment that speaks to broader and more universal truths. Its audacious celebration of form, rhythm, and confidence makes it not merely a hit but an artistic statement—an enduring reminder of the beauty found in strength, both physical and emotional.
Ultimately, the enduring legacy of “Brick House” is its masterful encapsulation of a spirit of boldness and self-assurance, embodying the complex interplay of desire, respect, and recognition in the celebration of femininity. As we listen to the rhythmic declarations and the jubilant horn embellishments, we’re reminded that this is not just a song about a woman’s body; it’s a call to embrace one’s self-worth—mighty, built like a “brick house,” and letting it all hang out.
Sonically, “Brick House” stands out for its infectious groove, punctuated by a punchy bassline and vibrant horn arrangements. The production captures the quintessential Motown vibe, lush with rhythmic intricacies that compel bodies to move. The tight instrumentation and layered vocals crafted by lead singer Lionel Richie contribute to that unmistakable swagger—each element interlocking seamlessly like the bricks featured prominently in the song’s metaphor. The track features an upbeat tempo, playful vocal interplay, and that undeniably catchy chorus, making it a staple on dance floors and radio stations alike.
Lyrically, the song employs the motif of a “brick house” to symbolize strength, sturdiness, and allure. The lyrics, with Richard Penniman’s unmistakable delivery, assertively draw attention to a woman’s physicality: “36-24-36, ow, what a winning hand!” The provision of those iconic measurements not only reflects societal standards of beauty from the time but also contributes to the song’s shameless celebration of the female body. The repeated chorus “She’s mighty mighty, just letting it all hang out” underscores a duality—it’s not merely an objectification; it is also a celebration of confidence and self-assuredness. The woman in question knows her worth and wields it artfully, engaging with the male gaze unapologetically.
Moving beyond conventional lyrical narratives, Commodores push the envelope by transforming what could easily fall into cliched territory into something richly layered. The notion of being “put together” with reference to a body type evokes traditional ideals, yet there’s an undercurrent of defiance—an insistence that femininity can embrace all shapes and sizes. One could even argue that there’s an early hint of body positivity present in the narrative, even if framed within the context of the 1970s soul and funk landscape.
The cultural impact of “Brick House” cannot be overstated. It finds its roots in the disco-funk revival that dominated the late ’70s, while also parsing out conversations around sexuality, body image, and empowerment in a pre-feminist wave era. This song is often viewed through a cultural lens, seen as a depiction of the burgeoning sexual autonomy that women began to express in the wake of earlier liberation movements. Listening to the track today, one might consider its continuing relevance—the chorus is just as tantalizing, the themes just as relatable.
Musically and thematically, the Commodores borrow from the energetic pulse of African American musical traditions, bridging gaps across genres. They harness not just the rhythmic agility of funk but also the soulful vulnerability characteristic of the genre. The blend of dynamic instrumentation, engaging vocal stylings, and celebratory lyricism gives “Brick House” an evergreen quality, forever rendering it relevant in contemporary discussions about female empowerment and self-love.
In an era where discussions on body image, gender norms, and empowerment are more pronounced than ever, “Brick House” serves as a sonic time capsule, capturing a specific cultural moment that speaks to broader and more universal truths. Its audacious celebration of form, rhythm, and confidence makes it not merely a hit but an artistic statement—an enduring reminder of the beauty found in strength, both physical and emotional.
Ultimately, the enduring legacy of “Brick House” is its masterful encapsulation of a spirit of boldness and self-assurance, embodying the complex interplay of desire, respect, and recognition in the celebration of femininity. As we listen to the rhythmic declarations and the jubilant horn embellishments, we’re reminded that this is not just a song about a woman’s body; it’s a call to embrace one’s self-worth—mighty, built like a “brick house,” and letting it all hang out.
Lyrics of Brick House by Commodores
Intro
Uh
Mmm, mmm, mmm
Chorus
Ow, she's a brick house
She's mighty mighty, just letting it all hang out
Ah, she's a brick house
I like ladies stacked and that's a fact
Ain't holding nothing back
Ow, she's a brick house
Well put together, everybody knows
This is how the story goes
Verse 1
She knows she's got everything
Mmm, that a woman needs to get a man, yeah, yeah
How can she lose with the stuff she use?
36-24-36, ow, what a winning hand
Chorus
'Cause she's a brick house
She's mighty mighty, a-just letting it all hang out
Ah, she's a brick house
Ow, like ladies stacked and that's a fact
Ain't holding nothing back
Oh, she's a brick house
Yeah, she's the one, the only one built like an Amazon
Verse 2
Mmm, the clothes she wear, her sexy ways
Make a old man wish for younger days, yeah, yeah
She knows she's built and knows how to please
Sure 'nough to knock a strong man to his knees
Chorus
'Cause she's a brick house
Yeah, she's mighty mighty, just letting it all hang out
A brick house
I like ladies stacked and that's a fact
Ain't holding nothing back, yow
Refrain
Shaka gah shaka now now
Shaka gah shaka dow now
Shaka gah shaka dow now
Shaka gah shaka gah gah gah
Shaka gah shaka dow now
Shaka gah shaka dow now
Shaka gah shaka dow now
Shaka gah shaka, ow!
Chorus
Brick house
Yeah, she's mighty mighty, a-just letting it all hang out
Ow, a brick house
Yeah, she's the one, the only one built like an Amazon, yeah
Refrain
Shaka gow shaka gow shaka now now
Shaka gow shaka gow shaka now now
Shaka gow shaka gow shaka now now
Shaka gow shaka gow shaka, shake it
Shaka gah shaka gah shaka now now
Shaka gah shaka gah shaka now now
Shaka gah shaka gah shaka now now
Shaka gah shaka gah gah, shake it
Outro
Ow, a brick house
Uh
Mmm, mmm, mmm
Chorus
Ow, she's a brick house
She's mighty mighty, just letting it all hang out
Ah, she's a brick house
I like ladies stacked and that's a fact
Ain't holding nothing back
Ow, she's a brick house
Well put together, everybody knows
This is how the story goes
Verse 1
She knows she's got everything
Mmm, that a woman needs to get a man, yeah, yeah
How can she lose with the stuff she use?
36-24-36, ow, what a winning hand
Chorus
'Cause she's a brick house
She's mighty mighty, a-just letting it all hang out
Ah, she's a brick house
Ow, like ladies stacked and that's a fact
Ain't holding nothing back
Oh, she's a brick house
Yeah, she's the one, the only one built like an Amazon
Verse 2
Mmm, the clothes she wear, her sexy ways
Make a old man wish for younger days, yeah, yeah
She knows she's built and knows how to please
Sure 'nough to knock a strong man to his knees
Chorus
'Cause she's a brick house
Yeah, she's mighty mighty, just letting it all hang out
A brick house
I like ladies stacked and that's a fact
Ain't holding nothing back, yow
Refrain
Shaka gah shaka now now
Shaka gah shaka dow now
Shaka gah shaka dow now
Shaka gah shaka gah gah gah
Shaka gah shaka dow now
Shaka gah shaka dow now
Shaka gah shaka dow now
Shaka gah shaka, ow!
Chorus
Brick house
Yeah, she's mighty mighty, a-just letting it all hang out
Ow, a brick house
Yeah, she's the one, the only one built like an Amazon, yeah
Refrain
Shaka gow shaka gow shaka now now
Shaka gow shaka gow shaka now now
Shaka gow shaka gow shaka now now
Shaka gow shaka gow shaka, shake it
Shaka gah shaka gah shaka now now
Shaka gah shaka gah shaka now now
Shaka gah shaka gah shaka now now
Shaka gah shaka gah gah, shake it
Outro
Ow, a brick house
Discography Commodores
Baby This Is Forever
Release: 2023-08-15
Label: WTM CLASSIC
1. Baby This Is Forever
2. Who’s Making Love
3. Love Canoe
4. (I Know) I’m Losing You
5. Cowboys To Girls
6. Rise Up
7. Come by Here
8. Sing A Simple Song
9. Keep on Dancing
Tracklist
Collapse
2. Who’s Making Love
3. Love Canoe
4. (I Know) I’m Losing You
5. Cowboys To Girls
6. Rise Up
7. Come by Here
8. Sing A Simple Song
9. Keep on Dancing
Rock Solid
Release: 1988-01-01
Label: WTM CLASSIC
1. Grrip
2. Bump The La La
3. Thank You
4. I’m Gonna Need Your Loving
5. Solitaire
6. Homeless
7. Miracle Man
8. Right Here N Now
9. Stretchhh
10. Ain’t Givin Up
11. So Nice
Tracklist
Collapse
2. Bump The La La
3. Thank You
4. I’m Gonna Need Your Loving
5. Solitaire
6. Homeless
7. Miracle Man
8. Right Here N Now
9. Stretchhh
10. Ain’t Givin Up
11. So Nice
United
Release: 1986-01-01
Label: Universal Records
l
1. Goin’ To The Bank
2. Take It From Me
3. United In Love
4. Can’t Dance All Night
5. You’re The Only Woman I Need
6. Land Of The Dreamer
7. Talk To Me
8. I Wanna Rock You
9. Let’s Apologize
10. Serious Love
Tracklist
Collapse
2. Take It From Me
3. United In Love
4. Can’t Dance All Night
5. You’re The Only Woman I Need
6. Land Of The Dreamer
7. Talk To Me
8. I Wanna Rock You
9. Let’s Apologize
10. Serious Love
Upcoming Events for Commodores
Commodores, The Pointer Sisters and The Spinners
Price Range: $65 – 135
Date: 2024-11-15
Location: Hard Rock Live
The Commodores, The Pointer Sisters and The Spinners
Price Range: $59 – 99
Date: 2024-10-05
Location: Choctaw Grand Theater
The Commodores, The Pointer Sisters and The Spinners
Price Range: $49.99 – 149.99
Date: 2024-11-30
Location: Star Of The Desert Arena at Primm Valley Resorts
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