Time Is Tight

Last updated
"Time Is Tight"
Single by Booker T. & the M.G.'s
from the album Up Tight
B-side "Johnny, I Love You"
ReleasedFebruary 1969 (1969-02)
Genre Soul
Length3:14
Label Stax
0028
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Booker T. Jones
Booker T. & the M.G.'s singles chronology
"Hang 'Em High"
(1968)
"Time Is Tight"
(1969)
"Mrs. Robinson"
(1969)

"Time Is Tight" is an instrumental recorded by Booker T. & the M.G.'s for their soundtrack to the 1968 film UpTight .

Contents

Background

The group recorded two versions of the song – the shorter (3:14), slower version was released as a single in 1969, and became one of the biggest hits of the group's career, peaking in the US charts at #7 R&B and #6 Pop [1] and reaching number 1 in South Africa. The longer (4:55) version (which was included on the official soundtrack album) is played at a faster tempo than the single version, and features an extended introduction and an instrumental 'breakdown' section, neither of which was included in the single version.

Personnel

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (1969)Peak
position
Australia ( Go-Set ) [2] 15
Australia (Kent Music Report) [3] 10
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia) [4] 36
Canada Top Singles ( RPM ) [5] 8
Canada Adult Contemporary ( RPM ) [6] 24
Germany (Official German Charts) [7] 31
Ireland (IRMA) [8] 12
Netherlands (Single Top 100) [9] 7
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) [10] 7
South Africa (Springbok Radio) [11] 1
UK Singles (OCC) [12] 4
US Billboard Hot 100 [13] 6
US Adult Contemporary ( Billboard ) [14] 9
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [15] 7
US Cash Box Top 100 [16] 8

Year-end charts

Chart (1969)Position
Australia (Kent Music Report) [17] 56
South Africa (Springbok Radio) [18] 7
UK Singles (Official Charts Company) [19] 37
US Billboard Hot 100 [20] 63

Cover versions

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References

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  15. "Booker T. & the MG's Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
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