Page type: lyric reference
Artist: James Brown
Canonical path: /james-brown/there-was-a-time
Related lyric paths: 6
Lyric guide
There Was a Time
Read There Was a Time lyrics by James Brown on LyroVerse, with linked artist context and related song paths.
person
Curated by Ethan Walker
LyroVerse team
Reference snapshot
The page facts to cite before the commentary
Use this page for the lyric text, linked artist context, and any LyroVerse editor's note attached to the song. Listener comments remain user-generated and should not be treated as the primary source.
Lyrics
There Was a Time
The lyric stays readable and compact here; the note and related paths sit nearby so you do not lose the song while looking for context.
There was a day, there was a time
When I used to play
There was a time when I used to play
But take me now, baby, don't worry about later
Teach the dance I used to do
They call it the Mashed Potato
There was a day, now dig this
There was a day, they call it the Jerk
Everybody relax and watch me work
In my hometown where I used to stay
The name of the place is Augusta, GA
Down there we have a good time
We don't talk
We all get together in time, for rhythm with you
So come and walk
There was a day that I used to do
The name of the dance
They call it Boogaloo
I may not do the dance as well as you
But baby, you can bet your bottom dollar
That you never hear me holler
I do the best that I can do
There was a time, sometimes I dance
Sometimes I dance, sometimes I clown
But you can bet you haven't seen nothing yet
Until you see me do the James Brown
Quick answers
What this page can answer fast
Who performs "There Was a Time"?
James Brown performs "There Was a Time", and this lyric page sits inside the James Brown catalog on LyroVerse.
Are there related songs to explore after "There Was a Time"?
Yes. The related section below points to Get On The Good Foot and Baby Cries Over The Ocean with a short reason for opening each page next.
Where can I find more songs by James Brown?
Use the artist link near the top of the page or the related paths section below to keep moving through James Brown's lyric pages.
Song Room
Open Song Room
Interpretations, questions, and corrections for this song
Interpretations, questions, memories, and correction notes live together here. The room stays noindex while the best insights are reviewed.
Listener comments
What people are saying
No listener comments on There Was a Time yet.
A strong comment here is specific: the phrase you keep hearing, the mood you come back for, or the reason this song stays in rotation.
Sign in to post the first listener note. Reporting stays open to everyone.