Keep the faith saying/motif

[Greedy]

As much as I love Northern soul I personally hate the "Keep the faith" saying/motif..

Anyone else feel the same??

[Amsterdam Russ]

I should koko!

[Carty]

Yes .

[Greedy]

1 minute ago, Carty said:

Yes .

I've been into this music since 1977 when I was 12. I'm so glad I am not the only one who feels like this 

[Modularman]

 

Isn't Dave Godin responsible for that one too aswell as 'Northern Soul' - In Blues & Soul magazine didn't he always used to finish with "Keep the faith - right on now." ?

[Mike]

this post by mel brat back in 2007 maybe worth a repost?

Quote

 

Posted October 10, 2007 (edited)

Many African American secular phrases have their roots in the Christian (though not Catholic!) religion which they transferred to everyday usage. The fact that these expressions were very familiar to members of the black American community made it a natural occurance, just as Gospel music affected and influenced Soul music itself. The very term "Soul" music is the most obvious example in fact, with religious overtones originally.

In an article he wrote on Northern Soul in 'Voices From The Shadows' magazine, Godin himself noted how the terms that he had adopted directly from the Civil rights stuggle ("Right On!" etc.) went on to became popular on the Northern Scene and became somewhat diminished with overuse.

These expressions were not so much used in everyday conversation per.se. (I hear them used far more nowadays in fact!), but were simply another way the UK Soul scene - in the North primarily - adopted common links with what was then, a distant and somewhat "exotic" culture whose music they admired, while also forging an underground identity of it's own. Remember also that we were much closer to the idealistic 60s in 1971 than we are now, and the idea of universal "brotherhood" did not seem quite so distant!

It's perhaps worth remembering that Dave Godin's column in Blues & Soul magazine was the ONLY regular news that early rare soul fans had with what was happening on the wider scene prior to 1972 or thereabouts and was very influential as a consequence. His visits to the Wheel, Pendulum, Blackpool Mecca et.al. were faithfully reported along with the records played such as Sandi Sheldon, Jackie Lee, Bobby Hebb etc. He would regularly also print lists of "reader's faves" sounds which would include things like "The 81" and "In Orbit", and this may have been the first many younger fans had heard of these records' existence.

There were NO underground fanzines at that time (as far as I know), so Godin's fortnightly column was absolutely vital reading for "my generation". He offered much needed sympathy and support when the "rare soul" scene was under constant criticism by other Soul journalists (who sneered at it as unhealthy and elitist), or was being totally ignored by the prevailing rock music press. Consequently, the scene felt a little vunerable and under seige (as always!) and his column was one area where fans of rare soul felt completely at home. Godin never claimed to have "invented" Northern Soul as a genre, but through his column he enabled the concept and club playlists to reach a wider audience.

Incidently, I wonder how many of us had to sneakily look up the word "esoteric" in the dictionary, only to find that it perfectly described the rare soul scene as it was then? - and who could ever use the word now without evoking the memory of the late lamented Dave Godin?

RIP Dave.

Right on, Keep the Faith now.

Edited October 10, 2007 by mel brat

 

https://www.soul-source.co.uk/forums/topic/57820-coining-of-phrases-on-the-scene/?do=findComment&comment=596888

 

Edited July 27, 2021 by Mike

[Chalky]

I just think anyone using these today are just divs trying to look like cool northern soulies 

Does anyone seriously use these whilst they are out?

[Baz Atkinson]

I think it should be replaced with Keep Your Hair , seems age specific for so many soulies these day ? 

[El Corol]

6 hours ago, Chalky said:

I just think anyone using these today are just divs trying to look like cool northern soulies 

Does anyone seriously use these whilst they are out?

Does anyone seriously use the word “div” these days

Keep the faith

[Leicester Boy]

10 hours ago, Chalky said:

I just think anyone using these today are just divs trying to look like cool northern soulies 

Does anyone seriously use these whilst they are out?

I have never been anywhere where anybody has ever actually said ktf. 

[Tomangoes]

I guess there's no more SOUL FREAKS left anymore then....

I used to see a lot of 30inch waists and 40inch bottoms.....now I see exactly the opposite!

KTF does feature many times on here as members comment as an extension to their signing off....so its still alive and kicking.

Soul patches, tee shirts, and even tea mugs all still for sale incorporating the three little words.

Ed

[Leicester Boy]

17 minutes ago, Tomangoes said:

I guess there's no more SOUL FREAKS left anymore then....

I used to see a lot of 30inch waists and 40inch bottoms.....now I see exactly the opposite!

KTF does feature many times on here as members comment as an extension to their signing off....so its still alive and kicking.

Soul patches, tee shirts, and even tea mugs all still for sale incorporating the three little words.

Ed

Agree with all that just never actually hear it said.

[Mach]

5 hours ago, El Corol said:

Does anyone seriously use the word “div” these days

Keep the faith

That made me laugh, you never hear that saying anymore, used to be a common term for a wanna be pretend soulie, Div" Divvy" are they still about nowadays 

[Timbo58]

I think it depends who's saying it.

If it's someone who 'gets it' knows what they're talking about etc then it's twee but ok.

If it's a johnny come lately who doesn't know 'nowt about owt' then it's laughable crap.

As for 'div/divvy' yes, use that all the time and have since school in the 70's pretty much.

 

[Shinehead]

Seemed ok when Godin had his column but totally old hat now .

All types of Northern merchandise makes me squirm with the stupid slogans KTF , A Way Of Life etc.

 

[Stephen Houghton]

Like people coming to venues with bags and covered in badges ,nothing but deodorant in the bag.or a t shirt in the bag with numerous logos on ,stickers on the back of the car etc,etc,etc.whats all that about,and now even on the back of your caravan,and on your mobile scooter now too  bring it on 

Edited July 28, 2021 by Stephen Houghton

[Tomangoes]

1 hour ago, Shinehead said:

Seemed ok when Godin had his column but totally old hat now .

All types of Northern merchandise makes me squirm with the stupid slogans KTF , A Way Of Life etc.

 

It really is a way of life for loads of people under normal circumstances.

I know folks who bought motor homes so they could go away Friday to Sunday every possible weekend to venues and weekenders etc.

Its the whole hog, including the uniform.

I'm not knocking them, just pointing out the dedication if you like.

It was more about the music for me. Did Butlitz once, never again.

Ed

[Shinehead]

3 hours ago, Tomangoes said:

It really is a way of life for loads of people under normal circumstances.

I know folks who bought motor homes so they could go away Friday to Sunday every possible weekend to venues and weekenders etc.

Its the whole hog, including the uniform.

I'm not knocking them, just pointing out the dedication if you like.

It was more about the music for me. Did Butlitz once, never again.

Ed

I would imagine most people on here Soul is a way of life but I do not need car stickers and the like to affirm my affinity with the music , the badges thing was ok back in the day but to now see middle aged men and women sporting the like is a bit like the phenomenon of overweight and old football supporters wearing replica shirts .

Leave the merchandise to the youngsters who can carry it off without looking ridiculous 

Edited July 28, 2021 by Shinehead

[Tomangoes]

Ha ha...

If all goes well, I'm off to rife in a weeks time, and I will be sporting my xl Millers shirt several times during my stay.

I'll leave the dee da do t shirt at home. 

Ed

[Shinehead]

6 hours ago, Tomangoes said:

Ha ha...

If all goes well, I'm off to rife in a weeks time, and I will be sporting my xl Millers shirt several times during my stay.

I'll leave the dee da do t shirt at home. 

Ed

Good on ya Ed 

You will look no more ridiculous than some of the clowns who have pulled the shirt on for money at Millmoor , Don Valley and The New York Stadium over the years.

Edited July 28, 2021 by Shinehead

[Whiskyagogo]

I must be a div, still take a bag with badges on (not patches) because I still dance, unlike a lot "soulies"as old as me but fatter.

[Solidsoul]

For many Northern Soul has/is a bit of a lifelong religion, so we are keeping the faith!

I must admit I only say it as a bit of a tongue in the cheek joke, after a few pints.

Edited July 29, 2021 by D9 Ktf

[Petesi]

Oh dear,

I along with "others of my generation" got it tattooed on my arm for ten bob old money at gentle Johns on Waterloo Rd ( along with the panther, tiger etc) but 1973 was a bit of a weird year, the Torch had gone and we teenagers were a bit lost for a venue to express our admiration of the music, so it seemed the right thing to do. Of course all that soon changed but hey ho young and misguided, did I regret it ? Fck no......I still pound the floor and heading towards my mid 60 `s I still love it, its what keeps me going...not quite ready for the Derby and Joan yet. So I must be a real Div.    LoL.    

Edited July 29, 2021 by Petesi

[Chalky]

On 28/07/2021 at 02:55, El Corol said:

Does anyone seriously use the word “div” these days

Keep the faith

Plenty….its a great term I think and totally sums em up  

[Chalky]

What has dancing into your 60s got to do with the question that started this….quoting the daft terms we have picked up along the way?

[Stephen Houghton]

KTF

[Guest]

In the USA KTF refers to the line form the bible 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith' It's also used increasingly in the Black Lives Matter movement

So not Dave Godin I think but St Paul.

KTF - whatever it means to you.

 

 

[Petesi]

3 hours ago, Chalky said:

What has dancing into your 60s got to do with the question that started this….quoting the daft terms we have picked up along the way?

OH sorry forgot you like to question lots of light hearted commentaries,, so Absoloutely nothing.

  I can`t remember ever verbally using the phrase but it has become a mantra for many from my era so that`s fine by me. I don`t actually think many have or will use it in a conversation but maybe we  get a sense of nostalga and well being or belonging when we hear it? I guess.

 

Oh and when I was around 4 or 5, I also thought Santa was the best bloke ever!

Now i`m not so sure .

KTF.

Edited July 29, 2021 by Petesi

[Soul-slider]

Edited July 29, 2021 by Soul-slider

[Solidsoul]

5 hours ago, Chalky said:

What has dancing into your 60s got to do with the question that started this….quoting the daft terms we have picked up along the way?

Well if KTF is daft, maybe old men dancing on there own, to old love records is daft as well!?

Edited July 29, 2021 by D9 Ktf

[Kenb]

Before Andy Pebbles joined Piccadilly Radio (about 73/74)he was with Radio Manchester ( or Manchester Radio) and I’m sure he used the phrase (KTF) on more than one occasion on his Sunday show ( which was a Soul spot) on that station.

Edited July 29, 2021 by Kenb

[Midnight Drifter]

Although I'm not a big fan of mottoes myself I'd go with 'live and let live' in this case and others..

[Whiskyagogo]

1 hour ago, Midnight Drifter said:

Although I'm not a big fan of mottoes myself I'd go with 'live and let live' in this case and others..

Excactly its a shame the "Soul Police" think their opinion is the "only" opinion that matters

Right on & ktf

[Whiskyagogo]

12 hours ago, Soul-slider said:

Yes, got this ktf

[Tomangoes]

Surely KTF pales into insignificance compared to still using NS.

The kind of "soul" they like up North.

50 odd years on, and maybe time for a different collective description encapsulating the world appreciation of the music, or is that too complex?

Perhaps keeping the faith in the way of life affectionately known as Northern soul is as good a description as any, at the end of the day! 

Ed 

[Leicester Boy]

Always be northern soul to me.

[Amsterdam Russ]

3 hours ago, Tomangoes said:

Surely KTF pales into insignificance compared to still using NS.

The kind of "soul" they like up North.

 

Northern Soul might have started as "the kind of soul they like up north" but it's long been a genre in its own right, and one with a global reach. 

And when you're part of a special club, you've got to have secret phrases that are known only to initiates. They give you that much needed sense of belonging. Dib, dib dib, dob, dob, dob!

[Leicester Boy]

33 minutes ago, Amsterdam Russ said:

Northern Soul might have started as "the kind of soul they like up north" but it's long been a genre in its own right, and one with a global reach. 

And when you're part of a special club, you've got to have secret phrases that are known only to initiates. They give you that much needed sense of belonging. Dib, dib dib, dob, dob, dob!

A large banner at my local football club states then now and forever , pretty much sums up my view on the term northern soul. 

[Tomangoes]

Up to a half of NS is also "popcorn"

A good 25% is Motown.

Modern, R&B, blue eyed, etc.

Yes, let's keep it simple.

And finish with it will never be over for me!

I used to laugh at middle aged Teddy Boys and Girls, in their attire.

Must be plenty laughing at us now:)

Ed

[Mssoulie]

Never have laughed at what other people are or what they do. Part of the being into this Northern Soul thing has always been getting laughed at.

Early 80,s serving in Northern Ireland , what are you doing when you get home this weekend Hugh. I'm of dancing!!!!!

Not much taking of the piss. Couldn't care less then and even less so now.

Could of should of would of NO.

CAN ,DID, AND HAVE.

ktf. Keep on keeping on. Right on brother.keeping it real.

Hugh

 

[Leicester Boy]

Haven't worn baggies since i was 16 , only wear a vest in tenerife and much prefer lacoste to fred Perry but why grown men worry about what other men wear is something that never ceases to amaze me.

[Marty57]

Ktf means to me a protection of civil rights . I remember being shocked & moved to drop a few tears when Martin Luther king jnr was assassinated , I was appalled at Muhammad Ally's treatment , & disgusted at appartide.  I didn't understand what John Carlos & Tommie Smith were doing at Mexico.  But when I started reading blues & soul circa 71 & Dave Godin's column then the penny dropped,  the clenched fist , keep the faith , keep on keeping on ,right on brothers & sisters,  this was a message to soul artists , we love your music, your soul reachers our soul , carry on your struggle for equality.  AND WE WILL KEEP THE FAITH FOREVER .

[Mssoulie]

Perfect Martin.

Hugh

[Bruv]

I must admit I always sign off when texting friends into Northern with ktf..  

[Joesoap]

On 28/07/2021 at 00:12, Baz Atkinson said:

I think it should be replaced with Keep Your Hair , seems age specific for so many soulies these day ? 

..or 'keep your teeth' given some the... ahem...substances consumed over the years.

I never say 'northern soul' personally unless I'm taking to someone who knows what I'm talking about. If some div at work or something asks me what music I'm into, I often say, 'I'm not really into music' rather than get into it all.....

 

 

Edited July 30, 2021 by Joesoap

[Johnny Northern]

Really enjoyed reading the comments x KTF 

[Mach]

At the end of the day, dont think many Soulies will ever lose the faith, its been a lifelong association for me and many others, and always will be till the day i die.

[Chalky]

10 hours ago, Tomangoes said:

Up to a half of NS is also "popcorn"

A good 25% is Motown.

Modern, R&B, blue eyed, etc.

Yes, let's keep it simple.

And finish with it will never be over for me!

I used to laugh at middle aged Teddy Boys and Girls, in their attire.

Must be plenty laughing at us now:)

Ed

Just like there is no genre called Northern, there is no genre called popcorn, the are both scenes that pull from several genres.  

It could be that half of popcorn is Northern, they didn't find it all.  Have to agree though it is becoming a parody of the scene it once was, it not so much about the music anymore.  It seems to be more about the circus surrounding it and I'm not referring to the dress just the whole goings on on that side of the scene. But each to their own.

As for the sayings, I've never used them and none of my mates have, yes we had them on badges, patches, flyers etc but no one I know used to go round saying keep the faith when we left in the morning or keep on keeping on (koko).  I immediately think div when I see grown ups using all this nonsense.  You should read some of the nonsense from some on some of the Facebook groups, good comedy writes itself.

I get where the sayings originated and what they meant but the context in how they are used now are far removed from the civil rights of the 60s and 70s black America....I would guess some of those using them have no or little idea?

Edited July 30, 2021 by Chalky

[Marty57]

Personally i regard northern soul as a retro scene , a hip happening scene it ain't, stopped being that decades ago surely, just a way of having a laugh, I'm in my 65th year & I'm lucky enought to be fit & when I go out I celebrate that fact . Rare/deep soul now that's a different matter , Doris Duke 'I don't care anymore ' boy oh boy anyone that's ever had their heart broken try & keep it together whilst listening to that !

[Solidsoul]

It's just a bit of nostalgia for the people who were on the scene, at a time when putting it on venue adverts and badges was a new and fashionable thing.

Not meant to be taken too seriously!

 

 

Edited July 31, 2021 by D9 Ktf