Papa's Got A Brand New Bag – English Lyrics

• By: James Brown

Lyrics & Translation

James Brown's "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" is a foundational funk anthem that invites listeners to explore the language of rhythm. Its innovative emphasis "on the one" and percussive instrumentation offer a masterclass in groove and syncopation, making it a powerful and engaging song for understanding the evolution of modern popular music. By dissecting its rhythmic complexity and vibrant lyrical references to 1960s dance crazes, learners can gain insight into the cultural and musical shifts of the era while enjoying one of soul and funk's most iconic tracks.

[English]

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 ev'ry day and ev'ry night

The thing's like the Boomerang

Hey come on

Hey! Hey .come on

Hey! Hey he's pu tight out of sight

Come on. Hey! Hey

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
swing /swɪŋ/ B1	noun - a rhythmic, lively quality in music or movement. verb - to move or cause to move freely back and forth from a fixed point.
hip /hɪp/ B2	adjective - fashionably current or in the know.
breed /briːd/ B1	noun - a stock of animals or plants within a species having a distinctive appearance and typically having been developed by deliberate selection. verb - to cause to reproduce; propagate.
drag /dræɡ/ B2	noun - a boring or annoying person or thing.
bag /bæɡ/ A1	noun - a flexible container with an opening at the top, used for carrying things.
crazy /ˈkreɪzi/ B1	adjective - mentally deranged; eccentric.
scene /siːn/ A2	noun - the place where an incident in real life or fiction occurs or occurred.
fancy /ˈfænsi/ B2	adjective - elaborate in structure or decoration.
clean /kliːn/ A1	adjective - free from dirt, marks, or stains.
play /pleɪ/ A1	verb - engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose.
cheap /tʃiːp/ A2	adjective - low in price; worth more than its cost.
shy /ʃaɪ/ A2	adjective - being reserved or having or showing nervousness or timidity in the company of other people.
jump /dʒʌmp/ A1	verb - to push oneself off a surface and into the air by using the muscles in one's legs and feet.
tight /taɪt/ B1	adjective - firmly or closely fixed or fastened; not easily detached.
sight /saɪt/ A2	noun - the ability to see.
boomerang /ˈbuːməræŋ/ B2	noun - a curved flat piece of wood that can be thrown so that it returns to the thrower.