The Best 'Get On Up' Quotes
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Get On Up brims with memorable quotes that capture the essence of James Brown's vibrant personality and turbulent life. Directed by Tate Taylor, this 2014 biographical musical stars Chadwick Boseman as the legendary singer, alongside a large ensemble cast including Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Dan Aykroyd, and Nelsan Ellis. The film's nonlinear narrative takes viewers through the highs and lows of Brown's journey, from his impoverished childhood to his rise as the Godfather of Soul.
Which lines from Get On Up stand out to you the most? Vote for those that best encapsulate the famous spirit of James Brown and the unforgettable moments from his life story.
- 1
Everybody Going to Know Your Name
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Aunt Honey: "You special. You mama's a no account fool, your daddy too, but you ain't going to be. You gonna be okay. One day, everybody going to know your name."
Aunt Honey speaks to a very young James Brown. As she predicts, despite his unfortunate childhood and family situation, he will be something special someday. - 2
People Better Be Ready
- Photo:
- Wikimedia Commons
- CC-BY
James Brown: "When I hit the stage, people better be ready, especially the white folk."
A lack of confidence is something James Brown never had. He wasn't worried that he wouldn't be welcomed, more of issued an order that people should be ready for what he was about to share with them. - Photo:
- 3
If It Sound Good and It Feel Good
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James Brown: "What's wrong, Maceo?"
James Brown receives some static from his bandmates regarding his choice of music. Maceo doesn't think his funk is musically sound, but James isn't interested in being restricted by any norms.
Maceo Parker: "We can't play that like you told us. It doesn't work musically."
James Brown: "Does it sound good?"
Everyone: "Yeah"
James Brown: "Does it feel good?"
Everyone: "Yeah"
James Brown: "If it sound good and it feel good, then it's musical." - 4
That Ain't Nobody's Mashed Potato
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James Brown: "What are you doing?"
When an executive attempts to dance the mashed potato, James is not shy about giving his opinion of the attempt. Needless to say, James does not approve.
Executive: "The mashed potato"
James Brown: "That ain't nobody's mashed potato!" - 5
I Want to Go to Vietnam
- Photo:
- Wikimedia Commons
- CC-BY
James Brown: "Mr. President, I want to go to Vietnam. We've got to bring the super heavy funk to the cats over there."
James Brown approaches the President to request a chance to visit troops in Vietnam. His trip there, however, is scarier than he anticipated.
…
James Brown: "Are they shooting at us? They trying to kill James Brown today. You want to go down in history as the man who killed the funk?" - Photo:
- 6
I Call It James Brown Music
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Reporter: "What exactly do you call your style of music?"
A reporter drills James Brown about his unique style of music. He tries to explain it but it doesn't seem like she understands one bit.
James Brown: "I call it James Brown music because it's so far ahead of its time." - 7
I Think We Got More Funk in the Trunk
- Photo:
- flickr
- CC0
James Brown: "Are we done, Mr. Byrd?"
James Brown and Bobby Byrd are more than just good friends, they are great partners. They are both insanely talented and can get each other excited to give amazing performances. You can't ask for a better pair than that.
Bobby Byrd: "I'm afraid not, Mr. Brown."
James Brown: "I say, are we done?"
Bobby Byrd: "I think we got more funk in the trunk." - Photo:
- 8
No One Else Helped Me
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Susie Brown: "My baby playing at the Apollo."
James' mother seeks him out after his career is well into it's success. She wants to reconnect with him, take some credit for him, but he is not interested in all that.
James Brown: "I ain't your baby, not then, not now. I look after James Brown. You want to know me, I'll tell you. My daddy in the army. My mamma left. No one else helped me. No one else." - 9
Only Thing That Keep Me Sane
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Parole Board Member: "So you want to be a singer?"
A stint in prison for robbery allows James to meet someone who will become a lifelong friend, Bobby Byrd, plus get in touch with music, something that he will soon forever change.
James Brown: "Oh, no, sir. What I really want to be, a mechanic."
…
Bobby Byrd: "You do music?"
James Brown: "Only thing that keep me sane in here" - 10
Right Now!
- Photo:
- flickr
- CC0
Bobby Byrd: "Look at these people, James. When is it going to be when we up there?"
James Brown was always determined and always eager to get his shot in the spotlight. That shot, as he has decided, is now.
James Brown: "Right now!"
Bobby Byrd: "What?" - Photo:
- 11
Work On a Little Harmony Together
- Photo:
- flickr
- CC0
Bobby Byrd: "He's a show-stopper. It's a miracle!"
James gets an indecent offer from his best friend's sister and together, they make some sweet music.
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Sarah Byrd: "Really? Maybe me and you could work on a little harmony together."
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Mrs. Byrd: "Sarah, get down here!"
Bobby Byrd: "She coming, mama. She coming." - Photo:
- 12
Entering a Game Here Where the Rules Are Already Set Up
- Photo:
- flickr
- CC0
Ben Bart: "You're entering a game here where the rules are already set up."
Ben Bart, chief of Universal Attractions Agency, talks to James as his new manager. Ben knows they are up against the odds to start but is willing to break some rules along the way to make history.
James Brown: "I'm just a street kid from Augusta, Georgia. Now, tell me what you see." - Photo:
