James Brown – I Got You (I Feel Good)

About The Song

“I Got You (I Feel Good)” stands as a musical piece performed by the renowned American singer, James Brown. Originally captured for the album “Out of Sight” and subsequently unveiled in an alternative version as a standalone release in 1965, this track secured its place as Brown’s highest-charting song, representing one of his most widely recognized recordings. Notably, the 1965 rendition of the song received the esteemed honor of being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2013.

“I Got You (I Feel Good)” follows a twelve-bar blues structure, enriched with a brass-heavy instrumental arrangement reminiscent of Brown’s earlier hit, “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag.” Aligning with Brown’s evolving funk style, the composition places a distinct emphasis on “the one,” signifying the initial beat of each measure. The lyrics express Brown’s jubilation about the euphoria he experiences (“nice, like sugar and spice”) now that he is with his beloved, with his vocals accentuated by energetic screams and shouts. Noteworthy in the song is an alto sax solo skillfully performed by Maceo Parker.

The genesis of “I Got You (I Feel Good)” traces back to an earlier composition by James Brown, titled “I Found You,” featuring an almost identical melody and lyrics. Initially recorded by Brown’s backing vocalist Yvonne Fair, “I Found You” saw a release as a single (King 5594) in 1962 but met with limited success.

In 1964, Brown laid down an initial rendition of “I Got You (I Feel Good),” presenting a distinct arrangement characterized by a stuttering rhythm and a prominent baritone sax line. This rendition, titled “I Got You,” was included in the Smash Records album “Out of Sight” and featured in the 1965 film “Ski Party,” where Brown mimed his performance on June 30. Although initially slated for a single release, it was pulled back due to a legal injunction from King Records, amid a contractual dispute involving Brown.

In the year 1965, following a visit to Criteria Studios in Miami where he was notably impressed by the studio’s custom recording console, Syd Nathan, the owner of King Records, arranged a recording session for James Brown. During this session, Brown recorded the rendition of “I Got You (I Feel Good)” that was subsequently released by the label as a single. This version marked a significant step in Brown’s musical journey, capturing the essence of his distinctive sound.

The track made its debut on the Billboard charts on November 13, 1965, shortly after its October release, and by December 18, it had secured the impressive position of number three. Out of James Brown’s extensive catalog of 91 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, “I Got You (I Feel Good)” stands out as his highest-charting song. Dominating the Billboard Rhythm and Blues Singles chart, it held the top spot for six non-consecutive weeks, following the success of his preceding single, “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” which maintained the number-one position for eight weeks. Brown’s distinctive screams at the onset and conclusion of the song have been sampled in numerous hip-hop and dance tracks. Additionally, the song has been covered by various artists and has become a staple at sporting events. Notably, it is played at the Zentralstadion whenever RB Leipzig scores a goal.

Cash Box characterized the song as a “rhythmic, funky ode about a real lucky guy who wants nothing more than to be near his gal.”

In the year 2000, “I Got You (I Feel Good)” secured the 21st position on VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs in Rock and Roll and claimed the 75th spot on VH1’s 100 Greatest Dance Songs, a remarkable feat shared by only seven songs on both lists. Furthermore, in 2004, Rolling Stone magazine recognized its enduring impact by ranking “I Got You (I Feel Good)” at No. 78 on its prestigious list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

In 1965, James Brown, along with his vocal ensemble, the Famous Flames (comprising Bobby Byrd, Bobby Bennett, and Lloyd Stallworth), delivered a spirited performance of the song in a cameo appearance in the American International Pictures comedy film “Ski Party.”

Fast forward to 1996, the song found its place in an early test animation for the 2001 animated film “Shrek.”

Notably, in the 2004 film, Bill Murray took on the performance of the song in character as Garfield, marking a memorable conclusion to the film. The versatility and enduring appeal of “I Got You (I Feel Good)” are evident in its seamless integration into various cinematic moments over the years.

Video

Lyrics

Wo! I feel good, I knew that I would, now
I feel good, I knew that I would, now
So good, so good, I got you

Wo! I feel nice, like sugar and spice
I feel nice, like sugar and spice
So nice, so nice, I got you

[Sax, two licks to bridge]

When I hold you in my arms
I know that I can do no wrong
and when I hold you in my arms
My love won’t do you no harm

and I feel nice, like sugar and spice
I feel nice, like sugar and spice
So nice, so nice, I got you

[Sax, two licks to bridge]

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 would, now
I feel good, I knew that I would
So good, so good, ’cause I got you
So good, so good, ’cause I got you
So good, so good, ’cause I got you

[End lick]

[Short pause, drum cue]

Hey! Oh yeah-a…