Play That Funky Music was written by Rob Parissi and recorded by the band Wild Cherry. The song was inspired by a suggestion to play funk music for the predominantly black audience at a bar where the band was playing. Originally a rock band, Wild Cherry turned this style into a funk rock anthem, reflecting the change in the musical scene in the mid-70s.
Key: E
E9
Hey once I was a boogie singer playin' in a rock and roll band I never had no problems burning down them one night stands
E9
And everything around me got to stop to feelin' so low And I decided quickly yes I did to disco down and check out the show
E9
Yeah they was dancin' and singin' and movin' to the groovin'
E9
And just when it hit me somebody turned around and shouted
G9
Play that funky music white boy play that funky music right
A#7
Play that funky music white boy
Em
D
Bm
A7
D
E9
Lay down a boogie and play that funky music till you die
E9
I tried to understand this I thought that they were out of their minds How could I be so foolish how could I to not see I was the one behind
E9
So still I kept on fighting well losing every step of the way I said I must go back there I got to go back and check to see if things still the same
E9
Yeah they was dancin' and singin' and movin' to the groovin'
E9
And just when it hit me somebody turned around and shouted
G9
Play that funky music white boy play that funky music right
A#7
Play that funky music white boy
Em
D
Bm
A7
D
E9
Lay down a boogie and play that funky music till you die
E9
E9
Now first it wasn't easy changin' rock and roll and minds And things were getting shaky I thought I'd have to leave it behind
E9
But now its so much better it's so much better I'm funking out in every way But I'll never lose that feelin' no I won't of how I learned my lesson that day
E9
Yeah they was dancin' and singin' and movin' to the groovin'
E9
And just when it hit me somebody turned around and shouted
G9
Play that funky music white boy play that funky music right
A#7
Play that funky music white boy
Em
D
Bm
A7
D
E9
Lay down a boogie and play that funky music till you die
E9
'Til you die Oh' till you die
G9
They shouted play that funky music (Play that funky music)
G9
Play that funky music (You Gotta keep on playin' funky music)
G9
Play that funky music (Come and take you higher, ya)
A9
Play that funky music white boy Play that funky music right, yeah
A9
Play that funky music white boy Play that funky music right
A9
Play that funky music white boy Play that funky music right