Today’s classic song of the day is a perfect example of the suave, sophisticated approach that defined dating in the mid-70s, “Float On” by the Floaters. Released in June of 1977, this track went all the way to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart.
“Float On” was written by lead Floater James Mitchell, along with Arnold Ingram and Marvin Willis. Mitchell said the song came to him in a dream—and it is kind of dreamy, isn’t it?
The song is very much of its time, with astrological signs and cloy personal ads and such. The song introduces each member of the group, along with their star sign and what they like in a lady:
- Ralph Mitchell is an Aquarius who likes a woman who likes her freedom and who can hold her own
- Charles Clark is a Libra who likes a woman that’s quiet and carries herself like Miss Universe
- Paul Mitchell is a Leo who likes all the women of the world because all women are flowers (if you understand what he’s sayin’)
- Larry Cunningham is a Cancer who likes a woman who loves everything and everybody because he loves everything and everybody
The rest of the lyrics are essentially the line “float, float on,” repeated ad infinitum. James Mitchell, who wrote the song, apparently wasn’t looking for a woman at the time.
The Floaters were a Detroit-based vocal group who evolved from another group, the Detroit Emeralds. They formed in 1976 and released four albums over a five-year period. “Float On” was their only hit, making them a true one-hit wonder.
And here’s your daily bonus video of the day, the four main Floaters (without James Mitchell), lip synching “Float On” on the Dutch television program TopPop. These are some smooth cats.
