James Brown – Papa's Got A Brand New Bag

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Come here sister, Papa's in the swing
He ain't too hip, about that new breed babe
He ain't no drag
Papa's got a brand new bag

Come here mama, and dig this crazy scene
He's not too fancy, but his line is pretty clean
He ain't no drag.
Papa's got a brand new bag

He's doing the Jerk,
He's doing the Fly
Don't play him cheap 'cause you know he ain't shy
He's doing the Monkey, the Mashed Potatoes,
Jump back Jack, See you later alligator.

Come here sister
Papa's in the swing
He ain't too hip now
But I can dig that new breed babe;
He ain't no drag
He's got a brand new bag

Oh papa! He's doing the Jerk
Papa, he's doing the Jerk
He's doing the twist, just like this,
He's doing the Fly every day and every night
The thing's, like the Boomerang.
Hey, come on
Hey! Hey, come on
Hey! Hey, he's put tight, out of sight,
Come on. Hey! Hey!

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Lyrics submitted by fez

Track duration: 02:16

"Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" as written by Jevon Lendrick Hill, Theron Makiel Thomas, Timothy Jamahli Thomas

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, EMI Music Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics powered by LyricFind


Papa's Got A Brand New Bag song meanings
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7 Comments

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  • 0
    Song Meaning:This is not too much of a challenge. Meanings are often hidden, but James left us some clues. Consider James was on the streets of Alabama at an early age while his mom was upstairs turning tricks. Multiple families shared dwellings, so it was usual to see your inlaws and cousins on a daily basis, sharing meals and good times. So my synopsis is the song is about in-breeding. James was clever enough to give the song a double meaning so it wouldn't be right there in your face. He gives us a few clues with " that new BREED dance " and Papa's in the den ( or bed ), sometimes Papa's in the swing. Anyhow, just my thoughts and the beat goes on nonetheless! Been studying the tune and one day it hit me what it might be all about ...
    Flag nworbsemajon May 19, 2013   Link
    • 1 Reply
  • 0
    General Comment:No drug ref. The song is about a new life style that you like. :) Positive mesage.
    Flag FRYEGUYon April 04, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Actually I think Papa's Got A Brand New Bag in this case is about that man is having a new style. He has new moves, new looks, for example used to be ugly or or fashioned.
    The jerk, The fly, the mashed potatoes are dance moves and James Brown used to be somekind dance instructor.
    Of course it may include some drugs, but definetely sex..but it comes after the song, song is about getting the girl ;)
    Flag meekohon December 14, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:It's definatly about drugs. They come in bags. I believe, Heroine. I'm not quite sure, it seems as though he was high when he wrote these lyrics.
    Flag Gizzelon April 10, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:And sex
    Flag shazzzmon April 26, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Its about drugs
    Flag shazzzmon April 26, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Does anyone have any idea what he's talking about? What is the thing with the bag?
    Flag thordfosson April 26, 2006   Link

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