About the song
“Funkytown” by Lipps Inc. is an iconic disco-funk track that has left an indelible mark on the music landscape since its release in March 1980. The song, crafted by American disco-funk group Lipps Inc. and produced by Steven Greenberg, quickly became a defining anthem of its era. It was the second single from their debut studio album, *Mouth to Mouth*, and it achieved commercial success almost immediately, topping charts across the globe and establishing itself as a staple of dance music.
With its infectious beat and memorable synth riff, “Funkytown” captured the essence of the disco movement while adding a fresh, electric twist. The song’s narrative revolves around a longing for a vibrant, energetic city—a sentiment expressed through the lyrics, “Gotta make a move to a town that’s right for me.” Lead vocalist Cynthia Johnson delivers this yearning with a blend of robotic, vocoderized vocals and soulful wails, creating a distinctive sound that helped propel the track to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for four consecutive weeks. This unique combination of elements made “Funkytown” a standout hit, and it has since been recognized as Lipps Inc.’s only Top 40 hit in the United States.
The track’s popularity was not confined to American shores. “Funkytown” dominated the charts in countries such as Australia, Canada, France, and Germany, selling over eight million copies worldwide. Its success was reflected in its certifications, first achieving Gold status by the RIAA and later being certified Platinum. The song’s influence extended beyond its initial release, with its legacy being celebrated in various forms, including music videos, remakes, and rankings in lists of the greatest dance songs of all time.
In the realm of music videos, “Funkytown” has been represented in a few different versions, including one featuring an unidentified dancer and another with Doris D, who fronted Lipps Inc. in Europe. Despite these visual representations, Cynthia Johnson herself was notably absent from the music video scene for this particular track.
The song’s enduring appeal is reflected in its frequent appearances on lists celebrating dance and pop music. In 1997, DJ John Acquaviva praised its remarkable bassline, and in 2009, VH1 recognized it as one of the top one-hit wonders of the 1980s. Additionally, it was ranked by Time Out in 2018 as one of the best party songs, further cementing its status as a timeless classic.
“Funkytown” represents a perfect fusion of catchy melodies, vibrant rhythms, and a sense of escapism that continues to resonate with audiences, making it a quintessential track in the history of dance music.
Video
Lyrics
Gotta make a move to a town that’s right for me
Town to keep me movin’
Keep me groovin’ with some energy
Well, I talk about it, talk about it
Talk about it, talk about it
Talk about, talk about
Talk about movin’
Gotta move on
Gotta move on
Gotta move on
Won’t you take me to
Funkytown?
Won’t you take me to
Funkytown?
Won’t you take me to
Funkytown?
Won’t you take me to
Funkytown?
Won’t you take me to
Funkytown?
Won’t you take me to
Funkytown?
Won’t you take me to
Funkytown?
Won’t you take me to
Funkytown?
Gotta make a move to a town that’s right for me
Town to keep me movin’
Keep me groovin’ with some energy
Well, I talk about it, talk about it
Talk about it, talk about it
Talk about, talk about
Talk about movin’
Gotta move on
Gotta move on
Gotta move on
Won’t you take me to
Funkytown?
Won’t you take me to
Funkytown?
Won’t you take me to
Funkytown?
Won’t you take me to
Funkytown?
Won’t you take me down
To Funkytown?
Won’t you take me down
To Funkytown?