Chambers Brothers Uptown to Harlem

One mid 1960's afternoon, I was next door in my buddy Buck O'Baker's house, in the Baltimore suburbs, when we unexpectedly tuned the TV into a New York station. Freaky weather up north had allowed the TV to pull in that station the one evening. All I recall is the Chambers Brothers live doing "Time Has Come Today." I said," If I ever see an album by them, I'm getting it." Portions of that song are used in many films about the 60's. There is a long version and shorter single record released of it. 

The NYC live version we dug happened months ahead of any Baltimore record stores having the album, and even more time till the 45 rpm single was released, which eventually received radio play. I finally see the album, buy it, then find it a gold mine of solid Rhythm & Blues music. Which rarely ever has been heard by most people. Give yourself a listen to one of the most important songs of my life - it rocks my soul. It's about your "Harlem" - meaning anyplace you go to have a good time:

Yeah,

I’m going uptown to Harlem
Gonna let my hair down in Harlem
If a taxi won’t take me, I’ll catch a train
I’ll go underground, I’ll get there just the same

Cus I’m going uptown to Harlem
Gonna let my hair down in Harlem
125th street, now here I come, y’all
They’re ready for me ‘cus I’m coming for fun

I’m gonna eat me some-a-chicken, and some black-eyed peas
Somebody barbequed ribs and some collard greens

I’m gonna party for days in Harlem
Leave the downtown ways for Harlem

Cus I’m going uptown to Harlem
Gonna let my hair down in Harlem
If a taxi won’t take me, I’ll catch a train
I’ll go underground, I’ll get there just the same

I’m going make it to the Cave and the Shadow Park?
I’m to uptown faces and down to swat?
I’m gonna make it to the play, I’ll stand red-goosed too?
I’ll break jack the truce and wear a suit?

I’m going to have me a ball in Harlem
And that ain’t all in Harlem

I’m gonna eat some chitlin’s and some black-eyed peas
Somebody barbequed ribs and some collard greens

I said I’m going uptown to Harlem
Gonna let my hair down in Harlem (repeat a bunch of times)
(fade)