Some songs never fade—they become part of our culture. “Come and Get Your Love” is one of those songs. Its catchy beat and joyful chorus still show up in movies, on the radio, and in retro playlists. But behind the good vibes is a story of strength and a band that broke the mold.
Redbone wasn’t just any rock band. Founded by Native American brothers Pat and Lolly Vegas, they pushed through barriers in a music industry that often ignored Indigenous artists. Their biggest hit wasn’t just popular—it was a celebration of joy, unity, and cultural pride.
The song first hit the charts in 1974 and climbed into the Top 5. Since then, it’s lived many lives—on dance floors, in film soundtracks, and as a favorite across generations. But what made “Come and Get Your Love” so lasting? Let’s take a look at the story behind the song.
Pat and Lolly Vegas, born Patrick and Candido Vazquez, grew up in California with a deep love for music. In the 1960s, they worked as songwriters and session musicians. At the time, they were told to change their names to make it in the business—so they became the Vegas brothers and worked mostly behind the scenes.
Onstage, they fit the era’s surf-rock style, hiding their Native heritage. But with Redbone, they stopped hiding and proudly embraced their roots. They mixed rock, funk, and Indigenous sounds into something all their own.
The name Redbone comes from Cajun slang for people of mixed heritage. By 1973, when they released the album Wovoka, all four band members had Native American ancestry. They even wore traditional clothing during performances, making a strong statement of identity.
Before “Come and Get Your Love,” Redbone had success with “The Witch Queen of New Orleans” in 1971. But “Come and Get Your Love,” written by Lolly (with help from Pat), would become their biggest hit. The album version had a slow intro, but the single was trimmed to highlight its upbeat rhythm. That move worked—the song became a smash hit and made Redbone the first Native American band to break into the U.S. pop Top 5.
But this isn’t just a love song. It’s more like a call to connect with something bigger. The lyrics don’t speak to one person—they invite everyone to open up to love, energy, and inspiration.
The singer comforts the listener, telling them there’s nothing wrong and to find strength from “the main vine”—a metaphor for something divine and life-giving. The message is about being yourself and finding harmony with the world.
Still, you don’t need to dig deep to enjoy it. The groove, the beat, the chorus—they’re all enough to make you sing along. And when the music fades, it’s worth remembering how Redbone turned a simple, feel-good tune into something truly timeless.
