Parliament, Mothership Connection (Star Child)

In the 186^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Mothership Connection” by Parliament.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 186^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Mothership Connection” performed by Parliament.

“Well, all right, Starchild / Citizens of the universe, recording angels / We have returned to claim the pyramids / Partying on the mothership / I am the mothership connection.”

Folks, there is only one George Clinton (b. 1941). He performs the spoken word vocals on the distinct, unforgettable, and influential funk classic from Parliament, “Mothership Connection (Star Child)”. “Mothership Connection (Star Child)” is the second track from the otherworldly funk collective’s 1975 album, fittingly titled Mothership Connection. “Star Child” clocks in over six minutes in duration – Clinton has lots to say! Clinton penned the gem with keyboardist Bernie Worrell (1944 – 2016), and legendary bassist, singer-songwriter Bootsy Collins (William Earl Collins, b. 1951). Clinton produced it. 

“Mothership Connection (Star Child)” is electrifying from the beginning. The groove is, dare I say, funked up! The rhythm section is locked in, firmly in the pocket.  The riffs are sickening.  The horn arrangement is striking, with superb articulation and bite.  Of course, George Clinton is a star, compelling with his personality-laden vocal performance, amplifying creative and conceptual lyrics.  “Put a glid in your stride and a dip in your hip / And come on up to the mothership,” Clinton asserts, and continues, “Loose booty, doin’ the bump / Hustle on over here.” Word. Beyond the spoken vocals, there are recurring, memorably sung ones, too, with tuneful melodies.  See the crème de la crème, the chorus:

“If you hear any noise

It’s just me and the boys

Hit me, you gotta hit the band.” 

There is a welcome change of pace at the 2:10 mark, aka the bridge. This includes a key change, vocal vamping, and an electrifying, active bass line. There is also a reference to a traditional African American spiritual: “Swing down, sweet chariot / Stop and let me ride.” After the three-minute mark, “Mothership Connection (Star Child)” returns to the familiar. By the end, the bridge, that sweet chariot, returns.  Even with the contrasts that appear throughout the track, one thing is constant: the funk is on 10! “Mothership Connection” was ahead of its time – an understatement.  Distinct and unusual, even listening to the song five decades later, it remains innovative.  George Clinton and Parliament truly put their foot into this one.