“For Once In My Life” is a classic song originally written by Ron Miller and Orlando Murden for Motown Records. It has been covered by numerous artists, with one of the most famous versions being by Stevie Wonder in 1968. However, James Brown, the legendary “Godfather of Soul,” also put his unique spin on this song.

James Brown’s Version

– Album: James Brown’s rendition of “For Once In My Life” appears on his album “**Soul On Top**,” released in 1970. This album is distinctive because it features Brown performing with the Louis Bellson Orchestra, showcasing a jazzier side of his musical talents.

– Style: Brown’s interpretation is infused with his signature energetic soul and funk style, diverging from the more traditional pop and jazz renditions of the song. He brings a raw, emotional intensity to the performance, making it uniquely his own.

– Arrangement: The arrangement features a full big band, providing a lush, rich background that complements Brown’s powerful vocals. The combination of soulful expression and big band jazz instrumentation makes this version stand out.

Significance

James Brown’s version of “For Once In My Life” is a testament to his versatility as an artist. While he’s primarily known for pioneering funk music and his dynamic performances, this song highlights his ability to interpret and transform a wide range of musical styles. His rendition is less commonly known than Stevie Wonder’s but is celebrated for its emotional depth and unique fusion of soul and jazz elements.

Overall, “For Once In My Life” as performed by James Brown is a cherished piece among fans and showcases another dimension of his vast musical repertoire.

James Brown – For Once In My Life

James Brown Lyrics

“For Once In My Life”

Hey-hey-hey-hey
For once in my life
I have someone who needs me
Someone I’ve needed so long
For once, unafraid
I can go where life leads me
Somehow I know I would be strong

For once I can touch what my heart
Used to dream of
Long before I knew
Someone warm like you
Would make my
Dream come true

And maybe
For once in my life
I won’t let sorrow hurt me
Not like it hurt me before

For once I have something
That won’t desert me
I’m not alone anymore, it won’t desert me
For once I can say
“This is mine, you can’t take it”
As long as I know I have love I can make it
For once in my life
I have someone who needs me, yeah!

For once in my life, someone needs me
Someone I’ve needed so long
For once, unafraid, I’m not scared
I can go where life leads me
‘Cause I know
I’ve got to be strong

For once I can touch
What my heart used to dream of, hah!
Long before I knew
Someone warm like you
Would make my dream come true

For once in my life, I won’t let sorrow hurt me
Not like it did before
For once I have something
I know won’t desert me
I’m not lonely anymore

For once I can say
“This is mine, you can’t take it”
As long as know
I have love, we can make it
For once in my life, I have someone, someone who needs me

It’s your thing
You got to have a thing
Everybody need a thing
Use your thing
And do your thing
You got to, you got to
Have a thing
Use your thing
Use your thing
You need your thing
You got to have a thing
Every, every
Every, every!
Ya-la-la-la-la-eee, yeah!
Ya-la-la-la-la-eee!
You got to have a thing, ow!
You got to have a thing, ow!
Yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah
Ai-ai-ai-ai-ai-ai-yeah!
Ai-ai-ai-ai-ai-ai-yeah!
Ai-ai-ai-ai-ai-ai-yeah!
Ai-ai-ai-ai-ai-ai-yeah!
You got to, you got to
You got to, you got to
Good God, you got to, you got to
You got to!
Ya-la-la-la-la-eee, yeah!
Ya-la-la-la-la-eee, yeah!
Yeah!
Yeah!
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

🎶 Experience James Brown’s Soulful Spin on a Classic! 🎶

Dive into the iconic world of the “Godfather of Soul” with James Brown’s electrifying rendition of “For Once In My Life.” Featured on OneCentMusic, this timeless performance from the album Soul On Top showcases Brown’s unparalleled energy and unique blend of soul and jazz. Feel the powerful emotions and vibrant big band arrangements as James Brown transforms this classic into a soulful masterpiece. Don’t miss out—tune in now and let the music move you!

🎤✨ Soul Music – OneCentMusic – James Brown – For Once In My Life