“Get Down on It” is a quintessential hit from the American band Kool & the Gang, released in 1981 on their album *Something Special*. This infectious track has remained a classic dance anthem since its debut, earning a Gold certification from the RIAA and cementing its place in the annals of pop and R&B history.
The song is widely celebrated for its pulsating rhythms and vibrant energy, reflecting the band’s signature blend of funk and soul. Written by James Taylor, Ronald Bell, and Kool & the Gang, “Get Down on It” features an irresistibly catchy chorus that has been described as a “kinetic dancer” by Record World, with its “chant-like” hook proving to be remarkably contagious.
The track was released in various formats, including a French 12-inch single and multiple editions on De-Lite Records. The French 12-inch version includes both the original 6:07 track and the shorter 4:19 version, while other versions feature additional songs like “No Show” and “Steppin’ Out.” These different versions showcase the versatility and appeal of Kool & the Gang’s music during that era.
“Get Down on It” achieved significant chart success, breaking into the top 10 of the US Pop and R&B charts in early 1982. Its appeal extended internationally, reaching number three on the UK charts in December 1981. This was the band’s highest-charting hit in the UK at that time, where it remained on the charts for an impressive 12 weeks. Although it saw a brief re-entry into the UK charts a decade later, peaking at number 69, the song’s impact on dance music endures.
With its infectious groove and memorable chorus, “Get Down on It” remains a staple in dance music and a testament to Kool & the Gang’s enduring legacy.
Video
Lyrics
What you gonna do?
You wanna get down?
Tell me, what you gonna do?
Do you wanna get down?
What you gonna do?
You wanna get down?
What you gonna do?
You wanna get down? Tell me
Get down on it, get down on it
Get down on it, get down on it
Come on and
Get down on it, get down on it
Get down on it, get down on it
How you gonna do it
If you really don’t want to dance
By standing on the wall?
(Get your back up off the wall)
Tell me, how you gonna do it
If you really don’t wanna dance?
By standing on the wall?
(Get your back up off the wall)
‘Cause I heard all the people sayin’
Get down on it
Come on and get down on it
If you really want it
Get down on it
You gotta feel it
Get down on it, get down on it
Get down on it
Come on and get down on it
Baby, baby
Get down on it, get on it
Get down on it
I say people
What?
What you gonna do?
You’ve gotta get on the groove
If you want your body to move
Tell me, baby, how you gonna do it
If you really don’t want to dance
By standing on the wall?
(Get your back up off the wall)
Tell me, how you gonna do it
If you really won’t take a chance
By standing on the wall?
(Get your back up off the wall)
‘Cause I heard all the people sayin’
Get down on it, get down on it
Get down on it, get down on it
When you’re dancin’
Get down on it, get down on it
Get down on it, get down on it
Sha daba daba daba do
What you gonna do? Uh
Do you want to get down? Ah
What you gonna do? Uh, ah
Get your back up off the wall
Dance, come on
Get your back up off the wall
Dance, come on
Get down on it
Come on and get down on it
If you really want it
Get down on it
You gotta feel it
Get down on it, get down on it
Get down on it (Get down on it)
Come on and get down on it
Baby, baby
Get down on it (Get down on it)
Get on it
Get down on it
How you gonna do it
If you really don’t want to dance
By standing on the wall?
(Get your back up off the wall)
Tell me, baby, how you gonna do it
If you really won’t take a chance
By standing on the wall?
(Get your back up off the wall)
Listen, baby
You know it, when you’re dancing yeah
You show it, when you move, move, move
You know it, when you’re dancin’ yeah
You show it, as you move across the floor
Get down on it
Come on and get down on it
If you really want it
Get down on it
You gotta feel it
Get down on it, get down on it
Get down on it
Come on and
Get down on it
Baby, baby
Get down on it
Get on it
Get down on it
Sha daba daba daba do
What you gonna do? Uh
Do you want to get down? Ah
What you gonna do? Uh, ah
Get your back up off the wall
Dance, come on
Get your back up off the wall
Dance, come on
Get down on it
Come on and get down on it
If you really want it
Get down on it
You gotta feel it
Get down on it, get down on it
Get down on it
Come on and
Get down on it, get down on it
Get down on it
While you’re dancin’
Get down on it, get down on it
Get down on it (Get down on it)
Get down on it, woah-oh yeah
Get down on it (Get down on it)
You move me baby, when you move
Get down on it (Get down on it)
Get down on it
Get down on it (Get down on it)
Get down on it
Get your back up off the wall
Get down on it (Get down on it)
Get down on it
