Can You Get to That? The Funkadelic Legacy

Parliament-Funkadelic, known as the P-Funk collective, revolutionized not only music but also popular culture. Their influence stretches across genres, spanning rock, hip hop, R&B, and electronic music. At the heart of this movement was the 1971 track "Can You Get to That?" from the album Maggot Brain. This song, though not as commercially recognized as some of their later hits, encapsulates the essence of their philosophy and innovation, mixing funk, soul, rock, and deep socio-political commentary in one explosive package.

The most striking aspect of "Can You Get to That?" is how it cuts across traditional genres and expectations. The song opens with a catchy guitar riff that feels more rooted in folk and rock than the expected funk, but the signature Funkadelic sound quickly follows, with infectious rhythms and harmonized vocals that pull listeners in. This blending of styles was not an accident; it was a deliberate effort by George Clinton and his collective to defy musical boundaries and reflect the diversity of their African-American experience.

The meaning behind the lyrics of "Can You Get to That?" is both philosophical and confrontational. At first glance, it might seem like a simple question of whether someone can reach a certain point or attain a level of understanding. But as the song progresses, it's clear that the "getting to" is about understanding life's deeper truths, its inequities, and the consequences of past actions. In the chorus, they sing: "I once had a life, or rather, life had me / I was one among many, or at least I seemed to be." These words speak to the struggles of disenfranchised communities and the idea of being controlled by systems larger than oneself, a theme that resonates even today.

The larger Parliament-Funkadelic collective was a musical ecosystem that encompassed various bands, including Parliament, Funkadelic, and side projects that featured artists from Bootsy Collins to Bernie Worrell. Each iteration brought something different to the table, but the common thread was the ability to create not just music but entire worlds. Funkadelic was more psychedelic and experimental, while Parliament leaned into more accessible funk sounds, but together they became the architects of P-Funk, a genre that transcended all labels.

The cultural impact of Parliament-Funkadelic cannot be overstated. "Can You Get to That?", though a lesser-known track in their discography, has been sampled countless times in hip-hop. For instance, Ice Cube's song "You Can’t Fade Me" uses this track to create a direct line between the struggles of the past and the challenges of modern life in the 1990s. The use of Funkadelic’s music in hip hop symbolizes not just admiration but a continuing conversation between artists across generations.

Another pivotal aspect of the P-Funk experience is their live performances, which were part concert, part theater, and part social commentary. When listening to tracks like "Can You Get to That?", one can almost imagine the elaborate stage shows, with Clinton appearing in wild costumes, space-themed sets, and funk-filled energy radiating from every performer. Their concerts were communal experiences, blurring the line between performer and audience in a way that few other acts have managed.

Funkadelic's "Maggot Brain" album, where "Can You Get to That?" is featured, is often considered one of the greatest albums of all time, not just for its innovation in music but also for its boldness in addressing the human condition. The album cover alone, depicting a woman’s head screaming as it emerges from the ground, is a visceral image that mirrors the emotional and sonic intensity within the tracks. "Can You Get to That?" serves as a reminder that while much of Funkadelic's work was experimental and avant-garde, it was always rooted in messages that spoke to the everyday experiences of people dealing with hardship, love, and life's many uncertainties.

The Influence of Funkadelic on Modern Music Fast forward to today, and you can trace the DNA of Funkadelic in everything from the alternative rock scene to contemporary R&B and hip hop. Artists like Childish Gambino, Kendrick Lamar, and OutKast have all acknowledged their debt to Parliament-Funkadelic. The fusion of funk and social consciousness, so vividly expressed in songs like "Can You Get to That?", has become a blueprint for many modern artists looking to push boundaries and make music that’s more than just entertainment—music that’s a call to action, a reflection of society, and a form of liberation.

In fact, Kendrick Lamar's album To Pimp a Butterfly, which is a fusion of jazz, funk, and hip hop, heavily draws from the P-Funk collective’s ethos. Like George Clinton before him, Lamar uses his platform not just to entertain but to educate and challenge. Kendrick's track "Wesley’s Theory" even features George Clinton, further cementing the link between the musical rebellions of the past and the present.

Breaking Down the Song Structure To dive deeper into the structure of "Can You Get to That?", one can notice that the song moves between different tempos and feels, almost mirroring the journey that the lyrics describe. The verses are laid-back, contemplative, with the band taking their time to build a groove. But once the chorus kicks in, the energy rises, creating an infectious, sing-along moment that invites listeners to join in not just musically, but emotionally. The back-and-forth between the restrained verses and explosive chorus reflects the tension between hope and frustration—a theme that permeates much of Parliament-Funkadelic’s work.

Lyrically, the song is filled with metaphors and allegories. The repeated question of whether you can "get to that" can be seen as a challenge to the listener. Can you truly understand the depths of what’s being said? Can you face the truths of the world, or are you content with just skimming the surface? This is classic Funkadelic—layered meanings wrapped in funky beats.

Below is a table that shows some of the key thematic elements in "Can You Get to That?" and how they relate to the broader context of Funkadelic's music:

Theme	Description	Relation to P-Funk
Struggle & Inequality	The lyrics talk about personal and societal struggles, touching on themes of disenfranchisement.	Common in P-Funk's exploration of race, class, and identity in America.
Musical Fusion	A mix of rock, funk, and soul, breaking genre boundaries.	Reflects the P-Funk ethos of not being confined by any one musical style.
Philosophical Inquiry	The question "Can you get to that?" challenges listeners to think deeper about their own lives.	George Clinton often used music to ask existential questions wrapped in funky beats.
Communal Experience	The call-and-response nature of the chorus creates a feeling of unity and shared experience.	P-Funk concerts were known for their participatory, inclusive atmosphere.

Why Parliament-Funkadelic Matters Today While the music industry has changed dramatically since the days of Parliament-Funkadelic, their influence continues to be felt. In today’s world, where genres are constantly blending and artists are increasingly using their platforms for activism, it’s clear that Funkadelic’s revolutionary spirit was ahead of its time. The boundary-pushing sounds of "Can You Get to That?" are a testament to the idea that music can be a vehicle for both personal expression and social change.

In an age where many artists are driven by commercial success, Funkadelic’s music serves as a reminder that true innovation often requires stepping outside of the box. Whether through their audacious performances, their fusion of genres, or their willingness to address tough societal issues, Parliament-Funkadelic set a standard that modern artists continue to chase.

"Can You Get to That?" may not have been the collective’s biggest hit, but its message resonates just as strongly today as it did in 1971. The song is an invitation—to dig deeper, to question more, and most importantly, to groove while doing it.