A Funky and Gritty Ode to Life’s Bitter and Sweet Experiences, a Bold and Unapologetic Slice of Hard Rock.
For a generation of rock fans, Grand Funk Railroad was more than just a band; they were the sound of an era. With their raw, unapologetic brand of hard rock, they filled stadiums and arenas, creating a sonic landscape that was both primal and deeply soulful. While they are most often remembered for the triumphant, sing-along anthems like “We’re an American Band” and the powerful ballad “I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home),” a deeper look into their discography reveals a band with a much broader, more adventurous musical palette. Tucked away on their 1974 album, Shinin’ On, is a gem that perfectly encapsulates their unique blend of grit, funk, and hard-driving rhythm: “Black Licorice.” This track is a quintessential Grand Funk cut—a raucous, swaggering piece of music that didn’t seek chart glory but instead reveled in its own muscular, confident groove.
Upon its release, “Black Licorice” was not released as a single and therefore did not chart on its own. It existed as a key track on the album Shinin’ On, which was a commercial powerhouse, soaring to number five on the Billboard 200 album chart. The album itself was a testament to the band’s enduring popularity, and its lead single, the iconic cover of “The Loco-Motion,” became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. This success provided a perfect backdrop for a track like “Black Licorice” to find its audience, thriving in the album-oriented rock landscape of the mid-1970s. For many fans, the album tracks were just as important as the singles, and songs like this one were a vital part of the Grand Funk experience.
The story behind “Black Licorice” is rooted in the band’s creative process during a period of intense productivity. The lyrics, penned by drummer Don Brewer, offer a clever and funky metaphor for the dualities of life. Just as black licorice is an acquired taste—a polarizing flavor that is both sweet and bitter—life itself is a complex mix of good and bad, pleasure and pain. The song’s meaning is a celebration of this very duality, a kind of philosophical swagger that embraces both the highs and lows. The lyrics are simple yet effective, with lines like “Gotta take the sweet and bitter, ’cause it’s all the same” and the repeated, soulful cry of “Black licorice, black licorice.” It’s a track that feels less like a narrative and more like an emotion—a visceral, rocking embodiment of that feeling of rolling with the punches and enjoying the ride, no matter what it throws at you.
For older listeners who came of age with Grand Funk Railroad, “Black Licorice” is a vibrant, muscular memory. The song’s thick, driving bass line, provided by Mel Schacher, and the powerful, soulful vocals from Mark Farner transport you back to an era of bell-bottoms, muscle cars, and a distinct lack of irony. This wasn’t music meant to be dissected or analyzed; it was music meant to be felt in your bones and your soul. It’s a testament to the band’s raw, organic sound, a sound that stood in stark contrast to the glossier productions of the time. “Black Licorice” is a pure dose of that Grand Funk energy, a track that reminds us of a time when rock and roll was simple, honest, and gloriously loud. It’s a song for anyone who understands that the best things in life—like a great rock song or a complex flavor—are often a little bit of both bitter and sweet.