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Super Fly is a 1972 American crime drama film directed by Gordon Parks Jr. It tells the story of Youngblood Priest, a Harlem cocaine dealer who wants to quit the drug business for good. The movie chronicles his dangerous path to completing one more major deal.
Super Fly became a classic movie in the Blaxploitation genre with its compelling story and unvarnished depiction of metropolitan living. It is still regarded for its realistic portrayal of street life and survival's difficulties.
Curtis Mayfield is the genius behind the Super Fly movie soundtrack, which became just as well-known—if not more—than the film itself. The soundtrack remains a part of music history, even if socially minded songs tackling drug misuse and poverty have changed it. Let's start the journey by dissecting every song that made Super Fly unforgettable.
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Super Fly movie soundtracks
1) Little Child Runnin' Wild
The soundtrack kicks off with Little Child Runnin' Wild. With Mayfield reflecting on the hardships of a young person caught in a life of adversity, this opening tune sets the tone for the whole album.
The song captures Youngblood Priest's inner conflict in the movie and helps listeners relate to him. On the album, it stands out for its eerie tune and soulful vocals by Mayfield. It captures the major movie plot's desperation and yearning for independence.
2) Pusherman
Pusherman is one of the most famous tracks on the Super Fly movie soundtrack. Curtis Mayfield plays a drug dealer or pusher who justifies his position in society. The song reflects the blurred lines of morality, just as the movie shows Priest’s conflicting emotions about his lifestyle.
Pusherman has a funky rhythm and groove that make it unforgettable. It plays in the film's background, enhancing the gritty street scenes. The lyrics, full of slang and direct messages, elevate the tension.
3) Freddie’s Dead
Freddie’s Dead became a major hit from the Super Fly movie soundtrack. The song is about one of the characters in the movie, Fat Freddie, who meets a tragic end.
The track reached number four on the Pop charts and number two on the R&B charts. It stands out because of its deep message about street violence and its toll on human life. The chorus, Freddie's dead, that's what I said, echoes the theme of the inevitable consequences of a life of crime. The bassline and guitar riff give it a unique, haunting sound.
4) Junkie Chase (Instrumental)
Junkie Chase is an instrumental track that captures the energy of a chase scene. The fast-paced rhythm, accompanied by Mayfield’s arrangement, mirrors the chaos of addiction portrayed in the movie.
Even without lyrics, the track conveys the urgency and danger that the characters face. The placement of this track in the film’s action sequences is key to its intensity, adding suspense to the movie’s visual narrative.
5) Give Me Your Love (Love Song)
A love ballad, Give Me Your Love, opens one of the more delicate sequences in the film. Unlike the others, which concentrate on the hard facts of life, this song offers a vulnerable time.
This softer song captures the emotional depth underlying Priest's austere appearance. The smooth vocals and romantic tone add another layer to the film’s storytelling.
6) Eddie You Should Know Better
In Eddie You Should Know Better, Curtis Mayfield warns Priest’s partner, Eddie. The song addresses the consequences of greed and betrayal, themes central to the movie’s plot.
The song's slow, deliberate pace adds to its gravity. The track underlines the tension between Eddie and Priest, foreshadowing the climactic events in the film.
7) No Thing on Me (Cocaine Song)
No Thing on Me is another standout from the Super Fly movie soundtrack. Mayfield sings about rejecting the temptations of cocaine and the drug trade. This song directly reflects Priest’s desire to leave his dangerous lifestyle behind.
The lyrics emphasize the importance of staying strong and not falling into the trap of addiction or criminal life. It’s a powerful song that matches the film’s themes of self-determination and freedom.
8) Think (Instrumental)
Think is the second instrumental track on the album. Like Junkie Chase, it is used during tense moments in the film. The dynamic composition, with its tight percussion and brass, creates a dramatic atmosphere. Though it lacks lyrics, its placement in the movie adds to the story's emotional weight.
9) Superfly
The last song on the Super Fly movie soundtrack, and maybe the most famous, is Superfly. Among Curtis Mayfield's best-known creations, it became the film's theme song. The song perfectly embodies the core of the movie—Youngblood Priest's internal strife, will, and charm. Superfly is a timeless song since the strong lyrics and funky pulse appeal to listeners.
Songs that are not in the movie
Although the Super Fly movie soundtrack includes all these songs, not every track made it into the movie's final edit. A few songs, such Junkie Chase and Give Me Your Love, had fleeting cameos or instrumental performances. Still, the whole album presents the narrative of the movie in its own right, which makes it a singular experience even outside the theater.
Curtis Mayfield's Legacy
One cannot exaggerate Curtis Mayfield's contribution to the Super Fly movie soundtrack. Mayfield, one of the forerunners of socially aware music, utilized his stage to speak on poverty and drug misuse.
A revolutionary accomplishment, his Super Fly soundtrack set the benchmark for Blaxploitation soundtracks and shaped the next generations of artists. Mayfield's reputation as a music icon was solidified by his ability to create songs that spoke to the reality of urban America while producing indelible melodies.
The Super Fly movie soundtrack illustrates Curtis Mayfield's genius. Every song advances the movie's plot and provides a closer knowledge of its characters.
Whether it's the legendary Superfly or the eerie Freddie's Dead, Mayfield's work on this soundtrack is still a cultural benchmark. His music helped elevate Super Fly into a lasting cinematic experience.
