Lyrics
VERSE 1
(I was a) young low-ender not taking advice
(I had the) thump and the pop working real nice
(But) old Bobby Cee, he took me aside
(And said), ”Take care of business before you get wild”
Show up on time; stay in tune
Don’t be jumping into a solo too soon
Know the chords, but feel the groove
(And) always hit the downbeat ‘fore you start to move
CHORUS 1
(Cuz it’s) one on the one (that’s the foundation)
One on the one (of the rhythm nation)
One on the one (50-thousand-watt station)
I don’t care whatever else you do, son
Hit the root on the downbeat
(That’s the) one on the one (the one on the one)
VERSE 2
(The) root’s got the power, solid as stone
(And the) downbeat is yours, boy, yours alone
In the mix, you’re the glue
(When the) singer gets lost, she’s gonna be looking at you
There’s the guitar taking a break
(Stay) out of the way with the lines that you make
Sit on the high hat; sync with the kick
(And at the) end of a verse you’re gonna take a couple licks
CHORUS 2
(Cuz it’s the) one on the one (keep the people hopping)
One on the one (hell’s about a’poppin’)
One on the one (‘til they start a’droppin’)
I don’t care whatever else you do, son
Hit the root on the downbeat
(That’s the) one on the one (the one on the one)
VERSE 3
Stand in the back, wear a scowl
(It’s) going to get hot so you better bring a towel
If you want, you can do some slapping
(But) only when the song’s really making it happen
(Remember,) you’re the one who’s running the show
Locking in the beats with the melody notes
(And if) anybody says they can’t hear the bass in it
(STOP BASS ON A) Watch ‘em tripping out when you (WALK DOWN TO B) step out for a minute
CHORUS 3
(Cuz it’s the) one on the one (everybody’s jumping)
One on the one (fists’ll be a’pumping)
One on the one (now that’s really something)
I don’t care whatever else you do, son
Hit the root on the downbeat
(That’s the) one on the one (one on the one)
OUTRO