The “Mothership Connection” is the last song on The Mothership Connection album, and one of it’s most acclaimed songs. The song was the introduction of George Clinton’s androgynous alter ego, Star Child. It features legendary artists including Bootsy Collins, Eddie Hazel, Bernie Worrell, and Michael Hampton. The first layer of the song is played by Bernie Worrell on the synthesizer. The next layer of the song is a four on the floor beat played on the drums, which holds the steady beat of the entire song. The funk element of the song is heavily reliant on the horn section of the band and the strong bass chords played by Bootsy Collins. Also the layered vocals of multiple members is another key element to creating the funk sound in the song. The repetitive and simple lyrics were a core element of Funkadelic’s sound. By having a looping chords and progressions, with lyrics to match, it creates a psychedelic experience. We notice though, that there is hardly any, if any virtuosity expressed throughout the entire song. The only virtuoso styling in the song, is played on the bass and the synthesizer in the last 45 seconds of the song, where we hear very high pitched keys and more chord progressions on the bass.
The psychedelic element comes from the lead singers introduction to the song and the repeated lyric, “swing down, sweet chariot, stop and let me ride.” In almost all of Funkadelic’s songs, the usage of politically and culturally driven lyrics were used heavily. Psychedelic rock, always found a way of challenging norms and having a urge for rebellion. the introduction to the song states that the band has “returned to claim the pyramids, partying on the mothership.” A statement that challenges ideas about life on Earth and where we came from. This bold statement creates dialogue about the idea of black people being the first on the planet, and having created the worlds marvels such as The Pyramids of Giza.