About the song
“Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” is a classic disco anthem from 1979, brought to life by the American R&B duo McFadden & Whitehead. Featured on their debut album, the track was both penned and produced by McFadden, Whitehead, and keyboardist Jerry Cohen. This song quickly became a powerful and memorable hit, resonating deeply with audiences through its infectious rhythm and uplifting message.
At its core, “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” is a celebration of triumph and resilience. The lyrics encapsulate the spirit of overcoming adversity, with the repeated mantra, “Ain’t no stoppin’ us now,” serving as a potent declaration of perseverance despite the obstacles faced. Though the song’s message is universally inspiring, it is often associated with the African American experience, earning it the informal title of “the new black national anthem,” a nod to its resonant themes of liberation and empowerment.
The song’s production story is as compelling as its message. Despite its apparent social commentary, McFadden & Whitehead revealed in interviews that the track was also a reflection of their frustration with their record label, Philadelphia International. The duo was embroiled in a dispute over royalties and creative freedom, and “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” emerged partly as a declaration of their independence from the label’s constraints. Even Kenny Gamble, one of the label’s founders, admitted to trying to persuade them to hand the song over to the O’Jays, believing it would fare better with established artists rather than with the duo as performers.
Musically, the track features a dynamic arrangement, including a memorable female chorus that reinforces the song’s infectious energy. The song also stands out with its distinctive electronic beeping feedback towards the end in its extended version, adding a unique touch to its disco flair.
Upon its release, “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” quickly climbed the charts, reigning for a week at number one on the R&B singles chart. It also enjoyed significant crossover success, peaking at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching number 10 on the disco charts. The song’s appeal was not limited to the U.S.; it also achieved a top 5 position in the UK and was certified double Platinum, selling 2 million copies.
In sum, “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” remains a quintessential disco hit, embodying both a spirit of defiance and a celebration of success. Its legacy endures as a powerful anthem of determination and triumph.
Video
Lyrics
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now
We’re on the move
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now
We’ve got the groove
There’s been so many things that’s held us down
But now it looks like things are finally comin’ around
I know we’ve got, a long long way to go
And where we’ll end up, I don’t know
But we won’t let nothin’ hold us back
We’re putting our selves together
We’re polishing up our act
If you felt we’ve been held down before
I know you’ll refuse to be held down anymore
Don’t you let nothing, nothing
Stand in your way
I want ya’ll to listen, listen
To every word I say, every word I say
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now (no-oh-oh)
We’re on the move (han)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now
We’ve got the groove (han)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now
We’re on the move (I know, I know)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now
We’ve got the groove (we got it)
I know you know someone that has a negative vibe
And if you’re trying to make it they only push you aside
They really don’t have, no where to go
Ask them where they’re going, they don’t know
But we won’t let nothin’ hold us back
We’re gonna put our selves together
We’re gonna polish up our act (woah)
And if you’ve ever been held down before
I know you’ll refuse to be held down anymore
Don’t you let nothing, nothing
Stand in your way
I want ya’ll to listen, listen
To every word I say, every word I say
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now (no, no, no)
We’re on the move (the movin’, the groovin’)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now (oh-oh-oh, the movin’)
We’ve got the groove (the groovin’, movin’, movin’, movin’, move)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now
We’re on the move
I know, we’ve got the groove
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now
We’ve got the groove (we’ve got the groove)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now
We’re on the move (I’m on the move, I really, really got that groove)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now (I know, I know)
We’ve got the groove (I’ll let you roam a little more)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now (no need in tryin’)
We’re on the move (’cause I ain’t buyin’)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now (no, no, don’t try to stop us, no, no, no)
We’ve got the groove (I’ve got to groove, got to groove, got to groove)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now (ah-ah)
We’re on the move (I really, really got that groove)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now (no need in denying, well)
We’ve got the groove (I ain’t lying, oh)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now (I know, I know)
We’re on the move (he-he, it’s been far too long, well, I know)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now (ain’t no stoppin’ us)
We’ve got the groove (we’ve got the groove, ain’t no stoppin’ us)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now (it’s been far too long y’all)
We’re on the move (we’re on the move, just doin’ me while I get in line)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now (yeah-eh, yeah-ayy)
We’ve got the groove (when even the negative people wait behind)
Don’t wanna stop (’cause there ain’t no)
Please don’t make me stop (please, please, please)
Don’t wanna stop
Please don’t make me stop (don’t make me stop, he)
Don’t wanna stop
Please don’t make me stop (see, I don’t know where we’re going)
Don’t wanna stop
Please don’t make me stop (or where, we’re going down, well)
Movin’ on (yeah)
I’m movin’ on (no, no)
I’m movin’ on (but see we’re gonna keep tryin’)
I’m movin’ on (we’re gonna keep tryin’)
I’m movin’ on (over and over)
No stoppin’us (I said it in)
No stoppin’us (no, seee ain’t no, no way, no way, huh)
We gonna put our show together
We will (gonna polish up our act)
Keep us there (see our time finally came around)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now (no-oh-oh)
We’re on the move (see, we’re on the move)
We’ve got the groove (we really, really got that grove)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now (?)
We’ve got the groove
We’re on the move
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now
We’re on the move (we’re on the move)
We’ve got the groove (we really, really got that grove)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now
We’ve got the groove
We’re on the move
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now
We’re on the move (’cause I’m on the move)
We’ve got the groove (ain’t no stoppin’ us)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now (you can’t stop me)
We’ve got the groove (you can’t stop me)
We’re on the move (we really, really got that grove)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now
We’re on the move
We’ve got the groove
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now