Get Up I Feel Like Being a Sex Machine

James Brown's 'Get Up I Feel Like Being a Sex Machine' is a seminal funk anthem that encapsulates the raw energy and sexual bravado characteristic of Brown's music. The song's lyrics are relatively simple, with a repetitive structure that emphasizes rhythm and groove over complex storytelling. The phrase 'like a sex machine' serves as a metaphor for the unstoppable, mechanical rhythm of the music, as well as a boast about Brown's own sexual prowess and vitality. The song's call to 'get up' and 'stay on the scene' is an invitation to dance and embrace the liberating power of funk music.

The song's structure is built around a series of commands and affirmations, with Brown directing his band and the listener to engage with the music physically. The use of phrases like 'shake your arm, then use your form' and 'shake your money maker' are direct references to dance moves, encouraging listeners to become part of the music's infectious beat. The song's insistence on having 'the feeling sure as you're born' and getting 'the fever in a cold sweat' suggests a deep, primal connection to the music that is both innate and intensely physical.

Culturally, 'Sex Machine' is a product of its time, released in 1970 when funk was becoming a dominant force in African American music. The song's emphasis on rhythm and danceability, along with its sexually charged lyrics, reflect the social and cultural shifts of the era, including the sexual revolution and the rise of black pride. James Brown, often referred to as the 'Godfather of Soul,' was a pioneer in the development of funk music, and 'Sex Machine' stands as one of his most iconic tracks, influencing countless artists and shaping the sound of funk for generations to come.