Machine -There But for the Grace of God Go I - Video Postproduced

Enhanced video and post produced with original audio adapted
Courtesy of Overland Ent
MACHINE recognition in 2011 for his song There But for the Grace of God Go I. A great success DISCO in the late 70s

[@JoeFerber]

One of the GREATEST disco songs of ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL time!!!

[@love4lust7301]

The best lyrics for any song I ever heard. The beat is ridiculous. Carlos and Carmen Vidal just had a child A lovely girl with a crooked smile Now they gotta split 'cause the Bronx ain't fit For a kid to grow up in Let's find a place they say, somewhere far away With no blacks, no Jews and no gays There but for the grace of God go I Papi and the family left the dirty streets To find a quiet place overseas And year after year the kid has to hear The do's, the don'ts and the dears And when she's ten years old she digs that Rock 'n' Roll But Papi bans it from the home There but for the grace of God go I Baby, she turns out to be a natural freak Gaining weight and losing sleep And when she's sweet sixteen, she packs her things and leaves With a man she met on the street Carmen starts to bawl, bangs her head to the wall Too much love is worse than none at all There but for the grace of God go I

[@nileamish2313]

Amazing how they can sing objectively about no blacks no Jews no gays this is a song sung by people with no bias at all just the grace God! Humanity could learn a thing or 3 here!

[@happyswim1836]

True. We still enjoyed the . music 🎶🕺💃🎵.

[@honeychurchgipsy6]

Because the song is about how her parents, who were racist bigots took their daughter away from the city that they saw as dangerous only for her life to go wrong anyway.

[@timdetmers3240]

Thank God I'm Jewish and I'm gay. A DOUBLE BLESSING. Thanks for this terrific song. Brings back happy memories.

[@jajo2244]

Wow

[@stevendrake9591]

I'm Black & gay

[@imaginativewriters-animate2163]

OMG. STILL THE BEST

[@KellySmith-gt5pi]

That female lead Singer is fantastic

[@stevierayskater]

i was a dj in the 80's and this song brought down the house. its still a classic

[@getreal3445]

There are songs that can never get old this is one of them

[@THEDISH54]

I had the privilege of singing this with my Aunt Clare the original vocalist with Machine and Jay.

[@big-baby-buddha]

Salute!

[@michaelsantos2913]

helo china doll did you ask your aunt was this a cool spiritual song

[@nathanielbrown7027]

China doll I would've loved to hear it👍

[@denisewhite11385]

Your lucky. This is the only song that you can actually feel the dance floor bouncing in the clubs. When the DJ played the song people made a mad dash to the dance floor.

[@davidgraham6195]

Nice lots of love 😎

[@denisewhite11385]

When they played this in the clubs you can actually feel the floor thumping.

[@williamtannock8620]

So very true Denise. We did have version in Scotland that changed the "offensive" lyrics to "where the happy people stay"

[@IsabelDiazJr]

Right....

[@IsabelDiazJr]

I was a senior in H.S. in Chicago when this song came out. Awesome Hustle Song but the lyrics just blew me and my friends away.....It was WAY before it's time. Fucking Awesome Song...

[@MrFlashcubes]

wow I still get chills everytime I hear this

[@Lisa-vq3ow]

Amazing song from the 70's. This song was featured in the movie Summer of Sam. Love it!

[@knuftobor]

I never get tired of this!!

[@fuxztx9720]

THIS SONG IS SAYING THE TRUTH ABOUT SOME PEOPLE IN THE WORLD TODAY TO ME ITS PURE GOLD THE MUSIC THE SINGING THE DANCING EXCELLENT

[@richardharris3423]

Great song! These singers are HOT!! This group has been underrated.

[@c.samuels87]

Intense message in this track.. One of the most compelling messages of its era.. A total beauty 🙂

[@Dinnerwiththeavilas]

I LOVE this song. I was born in 76. My mom and dad would play disco music often.

[@panamaslim595]

Disco national anthem

[@TheMarsgia]

wow. Imagine the lyrics hitting the charts today 2023. Woke would be all over

[@Jake-yz3qv]

What do you think this song is about?

[@bluefalcon6464]

Way to deliver a message. A lesson to be learned by all.

[@carly4560]

I got this tatted down my backbone😁

[@eagleplumber6279]

]]

[@melanier7309]

This came out when I attended 285 Meyer Levin JHS, many moons ago. I moved to Long Island two years later. It brings back a lot of memories.

[@nikineal69]

Long Island had the areas with no Blacks and no Jews: The Village of Garden City.

[@joejohnson6321]

The hottest club in the 80’s was a club name Fantasy’s and man they use to rock this song.

[@ronforsdyke3830]

Absolutely monster disco track, glad I bought the 12”

[@carlosrod3880]

Awesome jam what happened to the music today..so depressing..I want to go back to the 70's...so many great artists back then... today only a handful...peace..

[@slyslaughter5115]

Own corporate overloads want us depressed and foul.

[@klapsker714]

one of the most memorable tunes growing up in Brooklyn during the start of the disco craze.

[@ChachaChapati]

This has a distinct New York feel to it, even without the Bronx reference.

[@MusicLoverPearson]

WKTU

[@joseheredia2609]

Keith Lapsker I miss my newyork.great song and video

[@Ralphie_Boy]

*Da Bronx All The Way! LOL*

[@Jimbojub]

I thought this came out in 1980? I have it in an 80's playlist. Strange.

[@MartinReiss-fv6ov]

Very lively song with excellent rhythmn. A fabulous song to dance up a storm. The lady has a great singing voice and has very good dancing moves.

[@user-id6cs7ih3s]

Boston Boston on Landsdowne St 1980.......WOW!!! Would bring the house down!!!

[@angelaponte6020]

Love This Song...🥰

[@dc7137]

One of best Damn Disco Songs of all time-This band kicks ass, there is no color in killer music. Circus Disco LIves

[@jopephjohnson9000]

They use to play this song in my family's club in the 80's. l always like the beat and one night I paid attention to the lyrics. The gays loved this and would hit the dance floor when it came on.

[@avp0713]

Yep... As big as this song was, it was SUPER POPULAR at the gay joints.

[@mrsm222]

Iconic NYC disco anthem! And a timeless true story for so many. There are some lessons to be learned from those lyrics.

[@teenac718]

Best dance song ! The music , lyrics were so real. Thank you.

[@Freethought73]

Finally get to SEE how the people who performed this song actually look like!

[@Vdauntless30]

Yea..30 odd years later..guess it's better late than never

[@tonyruiz2390]

Right

[@HomeBuyersofOhio]

Same here...finally

[@nabajyotitalukdar6930]

It IS intense- words, voice and the music. Great piece of disco!

[@lineyhernandez5492]

Lol…. Same

[@slyslaughter5115]

One of the best dance singles ever.

[@craigathonian]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE ❣❣❣ this gem of a song. What a number of people forget about when this song was released was the fact it was literally band ! It only recieved air time when the club people made it a hit, of whom were mostly black and gay. That's the power of the people who loved to shake their BOOTY

[@elisafeliciano]

I was15 years old when this song came out in 1979. It was a monster hit back in the days and it is still a classic up to this date. Bring back memories.

[@ArtFreeman]

I was 14 at that time and roller skated to it every week and loved it

[@GeorgeJohnson-nw7dn]

I was 16 and it was something everyone wanted to know who sang it... it was hot!

[@mryellowcrown]

Los Angeles .....

[@joshuatall9952]

This song is underrated, it's one of the best disco cuts ever made thanx to brother Julio g for introducing me to it!!!

[@kathrynlayfield9599]

WHEN I SANG ALONG WITH THESE SONGS, I WAS SINCERE! MY HEART LOVES JESUS CHRIST WITH TRUTH AND REAL LOVE! I WOULD GIVE JESUS NO LESS, HE IS MY SAVIOUR AND HIS BLOOD COVERS MY SINS. ONE DAY IN HEAVEN, I WILL BOW AND PRAISE HIM!

[@MrAntiSellOut]

This song is song is still rockin' after 39 years despite the controversial part of this song

[@anthonybardarama]

Oh hell with the people who can't handle the controversial part of the song. It was great for the time and still works today, so sad for all the crybabies. They can still play the version that says "lets find a place to stay somewhere far away where only upper class people stay". I'll take the original. ;)

[@dirtyred1687]

Knew about this song for some time now what I never knew was that the song was out of New York. I never knew but what I did know that I love this song. I loved it then and I love it now but therefore the grace of God go I

[@sheldonhudson1461]

Maple park Chicago Illinois gratitude ❤✌️👏🏾💯

[@joelsanders6206]

Too much love is worse than none @ all!

[@MoneyBooBoo]

Who here 2020 still rocking out to this

[@slyslaughter5115]

This song slays still after so many decades. Darnell is a genie.

[@jobyoriginals61]

'There But for The Grace of God go I'...... Befitting for 2016!!!

[@cacevedo6522]

And 2020😘

[@mailman87120]

Summer of Sam brought me here. What a jamming song.

[@lockness1980]

This song is slamming!! One of my favorite tracks for life!!! Thank you for this wondreful video you made to go along with it. Whew!!!

[@gailgarza8033]

The very first time I heard this song in 1979 when it first came out, I couldn't decipher the words, but the song was THAT powerful, EVERYTHING else about it told me what I needed to know - and on a subconscious level, I knew EXACTLY what they were talking about. Hints of classism, racism, and misogyny. Hints of the repressed, oppressed, forbidden. I may not have had the words for it when I was in the 7th grade, but I knew the despair. Such repression and oppression have created the social rot that we are STILL experiencing now.

[@lyricandsound]

Amen, Hermana! You are exactly right: People who think this song is racist because of Carlo and Carmen's aversion to Blacks, Jews, and Gays haven't understood that colonized people (and minorities in this country) too often internalize prejudice but often visit the same on other people. So yeah, this song promotes *banishing* one's internalized bigotry, thereby avoiding damage to the next generation. What a spectacular song!

[@santacollins326]

my favorite year 1979 🤩💖🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@charliewilliamssucks890]

In NYC this song ruled the airwaves for almost one year; great band when performing live, they had it all but drugs took them down hard. Some nights it took them hours just to straighten out so they could take the stage. A crying shame. So much talent, so much energy live. But when they played …… magic.

[@RockWithYu]

Still amazed at the many different topics addressed by disco records. So much of this stuff went right over my prepubescent head back in the 70s. Every time I hear'Macho Man' I chuckle upon remembering its use during advertisements for the Steelers-Cowboys SuperBowl!

[@roxyslow]

One of my all time must haves! Love you Machine!

[@scottparham1452]

This song takes me back to Dingbats nightclub on the Northside of Chicago's loop. Mr. T was the bouncer there before gaining international fame from the A-Team.

[@mikewakeup7818]

Oh my god… I just discovered this song.. it is absolutely the best ever!!!!

[@rodolforamirez9800]

This song definetely brought the house down at the club...I do miss DJing

[@lisaraye3057]

Song is the best!! Memories

[@michaellonnee5824]

I was a dj at a club in st. Paul in 1979 when this song was released and it never failed to get everyone off thrir butts and dance. What a beat.

[@alphamale1228]

I TOLD MY KIDS TO PLAY THIS AT MY FUNERAL AND SEE IF I DON'T HOP OUT THAT BOX.

[@Young-if1jz]

I actually burst out laughing at this comment! 😂

[@tbee1575]

YEEEEES! YOU AND ME BOTH!! 😆😆

[@carly4560]

Got it tatted down my backbone😁

[@ISPLITATOMS]

Yes, me three!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@limahlrobinson9166]

Please don't hop out the BOX. GO TO THE MUSIC BOX circa 1984-89 CHICAGO HOUSE PARTY!!!!

[@markaguzmanartist630]

way back i met this buetiful porturican women that loved this song and she got me into it she loved it so much i end getting the cd for her , she was so obssesed with this song , i my self not only i was obsessed with her but the song to this song you can find it on the Kiss me guido movie sound , that sound also got alot of great tunes wow what memories great song it brought me flash backs 😁😂😂

[@aliciarojas651]

Wow…i love it! Great song 😊👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@limahlrobinson9166]

They do not give this song the credit it deserves. BUT IN CHICAGO THIS IS A HOUSE CLASSIC. PLAY IT AND THE WHOLE PARTY GOES UP.

[@rochellesmith3689]

I said that just the other day about this song house music.

[@dannymoulton4829]

August Darnell of the Savannah Band and Kid Creole, is a genius. Can you imagine the dance floor of a NY disco full of blacks, Jews and gays when this song came on?

[@DawnNY]

Yes, I was there.💃🏻 Days of Gold.

[@djkkdub]

In my top 10 of all time - and i have over 300,000 tracks :)

[@JOHNNYJAMS08]

Nice to finally add faces to their voices.

[@tonyceeone]

bensonhurst Brooklyn all day

[@dominic6283]

Good old days growing up in Bergen Beach Brooklyn.

[@moeanderson4773]

WOW!!! THIS SONG BROUGHT BACK AWESOME MEMORIES!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@brkitdwn]

I still love this song. It was played at some of the coolest parties and clubs. Hot cars, money, some of the best coke, sophisticated ladies and gents bringing it on.

[@wortiz33]

Chicago Rock's this jam as well!

[@yell0wberry]

I remember first hearing this song on disco 92 back in NYC. I believe Joe Causi introduced it to me, and it was played again later by Carlos DeJesus.

[@eddiebills6569]

machine featuring Jay stovall, legendary, epic.

[@daryellclaudecamacho7567]

Old School Disco New York Flair!

[@kensyskye8965]

One of the best songs ever! Timeless.............✊🏼🙏🏼💕🇬🇧

[@chulo1965]

A priceless classic - thank you Machine !

[@willievelez4092]

Wow how I dance to this song...but never really listen to the words to now

[@djstudiodenis]

i still listen to this song on my vinyl 12"

[@floydpattersonii4996]

Omg this song brings back so many memories. Extremely unique melody, arrangement the total feel.

[@philipragusa9775]

This song got everyone out on the floor

[@frankiebanta5040]

Brooklyn 86 street cruising, some good times

[@denisewhite4792]

Play this version on the radio and not the edited version and the watch just sit back and watch the left have a melt down.

[@willf.5608]

They Left will have a good laugh, appreciate the great keyboard work and then teach their friends on the Right how to clap on beat...🎼🎹🎼

[@joesena913]

Banging in 2023

[@patrickbrown232]

Makes me want to go to a club where they play Disco House Music in Chicago

[@GLAS63]

Great song.. Nice Job on the video too.. I've never seen a live performance of this song.. Thanks for the upload & Edit...

[@tatianadejanac8474]

2022 … just discovered this amaziiiing song….

[@Mbase-apollo]

it just doesn't get any better than this, period..

[@giulianoroma506]

Boston clubbing days. Loved those memories. Danced my ass of to this song

[@paulboley6671]

17 yrs old 1977 attending H.S of Art & Design....Where i "met my tribe" ...we would Dance to this song like our lives depended on it....

[@kevinclark8549]

Paul Boley did you know Lance Scurvin in Art and Design High School? He is a very good friend of my. He went there about the same time you went.

[@dundadawassullol811]

There but For the Grace. Of God.There go I.

[@alexc909cabrera8]

The get down def a good show but I remember watching this in the movie "summer of Sam" that's a good spike lee film with a good soundtrack

[@MrSetonBob]

Where have all the good sounds gone? Alternate lyrics but still dynamic.

[@katherinewilliams1875]

Bob Wagner I did see different lyrics in the last verse that kinda made more sense following the logic of the song

[@point2822]

KEVIN NANCE ON PIANO /ALL SYNTHS /MOOGBASS/ HAMMOND B3/ STUNNING PRELUDE PIANO TO THIS AMAZING SONG BEAUTIFUL /

[@willf.5608]

He KILLED it..🤘🏾🎹🤘🏾🎹🤘🏾

[@point2822]

@@willf.5608 KEVIN NANCE aka .33 rappin jammin the real made in usa hammond B3 THOSE SS20 trident missiles /those cruise missiles werent made for love /were made by man to rule over MEN LAND OF HUNGER /VISIONARY / BROOKLYN ASTUTE TO BE YOUNG GIFTED AND SOOOOOHMUCHMORE MUCH RESPECT .28 NYC from earon earth just like you peace

[@point2822]

@@willf.5608 .33 aka KEVIN NANCE /EARONS /BBQ BAND /VIDEO BABY BOARDWALK RECORDS/ LAND OF HUNGER / WRITTEN IN AMERICA /EARONS MTV 1984 INTERVIEW WITH NINA BLACKWOOD

[@georgetiedemann2719]

What a great song and brings back great memories. How could you not get up and dance.

[@djcmusic9692]

F!cking !ncredible song ,just plain awesome 👍

[@miluska3710]

Simplemente hermosa música y letra.

[@markdickenson5400]

Disco Pamalou in Valleyfield Quebec Canada 1979, going nuts on the speakers. we were out thurs, fri, saturday.

[@Mbase-apollo]

I just started my job in 1978 this was a big hit on the radio,

[@girardhull6781]

Pure Paradise Garage here.

[@jaymachinestovall4643]

The best from the best j.stovaletti machine

[@cimaniwilliams248]

They look Good. I'm a 1970's HouseHead. This takes me back to 9th grade. The truism and consciousness in this track! Whoa!