Earth, Wind & Fire ~ Getaway 1976 Funky Purrfection Version

The spirituality of EWF's music is quite apparent, the uplifting messages in their music were cloaked with inescapable musical hooks that helped to reinforce the message of positivity. Maurice decided to do a spiritual album after the successes of "Shining Star" and "Sing A Song" broke them commercially. "Spirit" was the name of their 1976 LP and one song was about transcendental meditation, which all of the group's members practised. "Getaway" was underpinned with the most energetic drumming yet from the band. It was recorded in April of 1976, produced by Maurice and longtime collaborator Charles Stepney. Maurice has the ultimate respect for the man's production skills, explaining that Stepney was instrumental in creating the sound of EWF during its formative years. The song was the first one they recorded with outside the band writers and it was a smash, peaking at #1 R&B for two weeks and then #12 pop in 1976. Stepney passed away on May 17, 1976 from a heart attack at the age of 45. White acknowledges that "Getaway" was one of several songs that would not have existed had it not been for Stepney's genius for arranging music.

LYRICS

"Getaway"

So you say you tried
But you just can't find the pleasure
People around you givin' you pressure
Try to resist all the hurt that's all
Around you
If you taste it, it will haunt you

So come, take me by the hand,
We'll leave this troubled land
I know we can,
I know we can,
I know we can,
I know we can
Getaway

Watch for the signs
That lead in the right direction
Not to heed them is a bad reflection
They'll show you the way
Into what you have been seeking
To ignore them you're only cheating

So come, take me by the hand,
We'll leave this troubled land
I know we can getaway
Getaway

Lay awake every night
Till the sun comes up in the morning
Nothing exciting, it all seems boring
Make up your mind which way to go about it
To your road, you just don't doubt it.

So come, take me by the hand,
We'll leave this troubled land
I know we can, I know we can, I know we can, I know we can
Getaway

[nightshiftgarage]

1977 I was at their concert in Portland, Oregon. They had The Emotions as the opening act. I was there on a blind date, my wife to be was also there with 2 friends. We hadn't met yet and wouldn't until 1979. We have been riding out every since.

[sabrinaphillips]

This is all Charles Stepney’s genius. He’s the sound behind all of this. RIP Maestro

[guyrivers]

45 years and Still sounds Awsome, 21 century CAN'T make this knid of funk .

[mikeysuzefour]

You can still hear Philip Bailey's awesome falsetto vocals throughout the song!

[jeffreychandler]

It was 1976, when I first listen to the 45 version. I remember this was being played, constantly in numerous venues. A pivotal time of reflection and deep thought. It was the "BICENTENNIAL" time when this was released. The album was called "SPIRIT".

[kevinmckenzie]

Earth, Wind & Fire has always been a one of a kind band. When an EW&F tune starts playing, you immediately know who it is. This tune is one of my personal favorites. Love it!!

[eduardorosario]

IT MUST BE REPEATED AND REITERATED - '' EARTH WIND & FIRE '' ARE [ STILL ] A GREAT BAND - THERE SOUNDS AND SONGS ARE ETERNAL - THANK YOU AND '' GOD BLESS TO ALL ''

[jesusesquivel.vargas]

One. Rutmo. Of. Music. Of. Tierra. Viento. Y. Fire. Forever. This. Music

[Vendzor]

Just when I thought today couldn't get any better, I see this pop up in my notifications

[mysticakhenaton]

Here's to the genius of Charles Stepney. and his student, Maurice White. Charles taught Reese A LOT about arranging music, and music production. taking EW&F sound to another level.

[sstrauch]

Listening to Earth, Wind and Fire today, this is good mood music

[patriciaforte]

Awesome song for starting a weekend getaway. Earth, Wind & Fire couldn’t been more right! This song is the perfect mind set.

[malyndacornell]

I remember when I was 14 years old, listening to this album over and over again. My brother is ten years older than me and turned me on to e.w.f. those were the days!

[cr]

Love Me Some Earth Wind And Fire, And They Are Fire 🔥

[terencem]

Are you kidding me?!! So freakin' good!!✌🎶🎶🎶

[fredericmartin]

Kiffe total; une telle énergie dans ce groupe je le ressens au plus profond de mes os; yeah Getaway !

[stuwest]

Timeless genius that was Maurice White. Saw them live at Bingley Hall UK and my girlfriend fainted!! 🤣

[styner]

Every Friday you start my weekend off right...thanks.

[somejackball]

been listening to them since 75! back in military school, us younger cadets have to have a barracks counselor, someone to kind of look out for us i guess.. anyway his name was Craig, cool black dude, and he turned me on to Soul Train and they often played EW&F.. and that basically got me hooked on Disco, and the Disco scene at the time.. at 16 i was getting into clubs with np, being 6ft tall already at that age, way i dressed (appropriate for those occasions 😁).. and of course the Disco clubs played Earth.. best times of my life the late 70s! ☮

[jackclark]

Remembering the first time I heard EWF songs , music on a cool summer night slipping on some Boone farm strawberry hill. Smoking on some Red Bud