“Come and Get Your Love” is an instantly recognizable tune that has graced airwaves and movie soundtracks for decades. Its infectious rhythm and empowering message make it a timeless classic, but many still wonder: who sang “Come and Get Your Love”? The answer lies with Redbone, a Native American rock band fronted by the Vegas brothers, Pat and Lolly. This song, released in 1974, became their biggest hit and an enduring anthem of self-affirmation and romantic invitation.
At its heart, “Come and Get Your Love” is a powerful message of acceptance and encouragement. Lolly Vegas, the lead vocalist on this track, directly addresses his girlfriend, dismissing any insecurities she might have about her appearance. The opening lines, “What’s the matter with your hair?”, immediately grab attention, only to be followed by a reassuring declaration that there is absolutely “nothing wrong” – not with her looks, her mind, or anything else about her. This positive affirmation is the core of the song’s appeal, resonating with listeners who appreciate its message of unconditional love and self-worth. It’s an empowering call to action, urging her – and by extension, anyone listening – to “come and get your love,” to embrace the affection and happiness they deserve.
The song’s structure is remarkably concise and repetitive, contributing significantly to its catchiness. The chorus, a simple yet potent “Come and get your love,” is repeated four times in a row, and a total of 29 times throughout the 3:30 runtime. This repetition, far from being monotonous, drills the affirmative message into the listener’s mind, making it nearly impossible to forget. The verses are equally compact, delivering the core message quickly and efficiently, ensuring that the focus remains squarely on the uplifting chorus. The bridge section further emphasizes this central theme with variations like “Come and get your love now,” before returning to the familiar and irresistible chorus for the outro. The addition of Lolly Vegas’s “La la la la…” vocalizations in the fade-out adds a playful and memorable touch, further enhancing the song’s sing-along quality.
Musically, “Come and Get Your Love” is a fascinating blend of genres that foreshadowed the disco era while retaining a distinct rock edge. One of the key elements that makes the song so unforgettable is its prominent call-and-response structure. The shouted “Hail!” that punctuates the song, particularly at the beginning, creates an immediate sense of engagement and participation, making it irresistible to sing along. Furthermore, the song’s beat, while pre-dating the disco explosion, lays the groundwork for the rhythmic foundations that would define that genre. Another distinctive sonic feature is the distorted guitar sound, a unique element achieved by Lolly Vegas playing his guitar through a Leslie organ speaker. This unconventional technique gave the guitar a swirling, almost psychedelic texture that set it apart from typical rock guitar tones of the era, adding another layer of intrigue to the song’s already captivating soundscape.
In conclusion, “Come and Get Your Love,” performed by Redbone and sung by Lolly Vegas, is more than just a catchy tune. It’s an empowering anthem built on a foundation of positive affirmation and irresistible musicality. Its repetitive chorus, call-and-response structure, and unique sonic elements have cemented its place as a beloved classic. So, the next time you find yourself humming “Come and get your love,” remember Redbone, the Native American band who delivered this timeless message of love and self-acceptance to the world.
