Imitation #2

Kelvin Then                                                                                                                9/11/12

                                             James Brown: I Feel Good (1965)

            In what may be known to many as his greatest hit ever, the late “Godfather of Soul” James Brown talks about feeling good when he is around his lover. He repeats the lines, “I feel nice, like sugar and spice,” to emphasize his emotion toward the girl he is with. This song was written in the midst of Civil Rights Movement of the 60’s and shows how even through all of the protesting that was going on, the “Godfather” found a way to remain both happy, and exciting to watch with his amazing funk music and soulfulness.

            The song is a confessional because he is depicting his feelings about that girl to the audience, something that most people tend to keep private. The song does not rhyme the whole way through but it does have some parts where it has end rhyme every other line. The song incorporates, arguably, one of the most well-known simile’s in music with “I feel nice, like sugar and spice.” The tone of this song is a very happy and cheerful one, it seems as though Brown is excited to share his feelings with his audience. It also has some repetition such as “I feel good” which portray his emotion even more. The upbeat tempo and jazz like influence of the instruments also give the song a great rhythm, which is fun to listen to. This song is an amazing song, maybe even the greatest funk song ever.

When I hold you in my arms
I know that I can't do no wrong
And when I hold you in my arms
My love can't do me no harm
And I feel nice, like sugar and spice
I feel nice, like sugar and spice
So nice, so nice, well I got you
Wo! I feel good, I knew that I wouldn't of

More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/j/james_brown/#share