Earth, Wind & Fire ~ Getaway 1976 Funky Purrfection Version

The spirituality of EWF's music is quite apparent, the uplifting messages in their music were cloaked with inescapable musical hooks that helped to reinforce the message of positivity. Maurice decided to do a spiritual album after the successes of "Shining Star" and "Sing A Song" broke them commercially. "Spirit" was the name of their 1976 LP and one song was about transcendental meditation, which all of the group's members practised. "Getaway" was underpinned with the most energetic drumming yet from the band. It was recorded in April of 1976, produced by Maurice and longtime collaborator Charles Stepney. Maurice has the ultimate respect for the man's production skills, explaining that Stepney was instrumental in creating the sound of EWF during its formative years. The song was the first one they recorded with outside the band writers and it was a smash, peaking at #1 R&B for two weeks and then #12 pop in 1976. Stepney passed away on May 17, 1976 from a heart attack at the age of 45. White acknowledges that "Getaway" was one of several songs that would not have existed had it not been for Stepney's genius for arranging music.



LYRICS



"Getaway"

So you say you tried
But you just can't find the pleasure
People around you givin' you pressure
Try to resist all the hurt that's all
Around you
If you taste it, it will haunt you

So come, take me by the hand,
We'll leave this troubled land
I know we can,
I know we can,
I know we can,
I know we can
Getaway

Watch for the signs
That lead in the right direction
Not to heed them is a bad reflection
They'll show you the way
Into what you have been seeking
To ignore them you're only cheating

So come, take me by the hand,
We'll leave this troubled land
I know we can getaway
Getaway

Lay awake every night
Till the sun comes up in the morning
Nothing exciting, it all seems boring
Make up your mind which way to go about it
To your road, you just don't doubt it.

So come, take me by the hand,
We'll leave this troubled land
I know we can, I know we can, I know we can, I know we can
Getaway