Among 38 Special's best-known songs are "Caught Up in You" (1982) and "If I'd Been the One" (1983), both of which hit #1 on Billboard magazine's album rock chart, as well as "Second Chance" (1989), a #1 hit on Billboard's adult contemporary chart. According to Songfacts, it was the biggest Adult Contemporary hit of 1989. Other popular singles include "Hold On Loosely" (1981), "Fantasy Girl" (1981), "Back Where You Belong" (1984), and "Somebody Like You" (1986). These and other tracks are often played on classic rock radio stations.
After achieving three platinum albums and one gold album in the 80s, their popularity waned over the 90s-- although their 1997 single "Fade to Blue" hit #37 on the mainstream rock chart. More recently, the group's music came back into prominence after being featured in the 2001 cult classic comedy film 'Super Troopers', with songs such as "Trooper With An Attitude". They continue to tour to audiences in the American south and beyond.
The current lineup is comprised of vocalist Donnie Van Zant, guitarists Don Barnes and Danny Chauncey, bassist Larry Junstrom, keyboardist Bobby Capps, and drummer Gary Moffatt. Recently, both Donnie Van Zant and little brother Johnnie (the current frontman of Lynyrd Skynyrd) have joined forces as Van Zant and have released an album with another in the works.
Back Alley Sally
.38 Special Lyrics
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When you gonna come my way?
It's over here, bouncin' baby
I been waitin' for you night and day
You got a crew all shook up
How long's it gonna take for you to give it up?
Back Alley Sally, I can play your game
I have never never met a woman
Awoman quite like you
You got, I swear you got those crazy eyes
Kind-a like to take a man by surprise
Back Alley Sally, I love to watch you move
Well I know you like to tease and show your stuff
Oo, baby, I'm callin' your bluff
Come a little closer, let's get on down
We'll drink my whiskey, tear up the town
Back Alley Sally, tell me what you want to do
I got to be back up
I got to leave here soon
You got, I swear you got those crazy eyes
Kind-a like to take a man by surprise
Back Alley Sally, I love to watch you move
Well I know you like to tease and show your stuff
Oo, baby, I'm callin' your bluff
Now don't think I'm just messin' around
You're the cream of the crop
You're my kind of gal
Back Alley Sally, is that the kind of game you play
I got to pay your price if I want you to stay
Back Alley Sally
I got to pay your price if I want you to stay
The song "Back Alley Sally" by .38 Special is a classic rock tune about a man trying to woo a woman named Sally who frequents the back alleys of the city. The lyrics emphasize the singer's desire for Sally's attention and his willingness to play her game to win her over. The chorus, "Back Alley Sally, when you gonna come my way?" repeats the singer's plea for Sally to give him a chance.
The lyrics also hint at Sally's wild nature and her ability to captivate men with her "crazy eyes." The singer notes that he's never met a woman like her before and admits to being a "crazy fool" for her. The second verse adds further detail about Sally's teasing behavior and the singer's temptation to fall under her spell. The final verse sees the singer making a last-ditch effort to keep Sally interested, though he's aware that he may have to pay a steep price to do so.
Overall, "Back Alley Sally" is a rock song with a classic theme of male desire and pursuit of an elusive woman. The lyrics are straightforward and catchy, with a memorable chorus and guitar riffs that drive the song forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Back Alley Sally
Addressing the woman at whom the song is directed
When you gonna come my way?
Asking when the woman will give the singer a chance
It's over here, bouncin' baby
Directing the woman towards where the singer is, emphasizing the energy of the location
I been waitin' for you night and day
Expressing the extent of the singer's anticipation for the woman
You got a crew all shook up
Acknowledging that the woman has an impact on those around her
How long's it gonna take for you to give it up?
Asking when the woman will let the singer in
Back Alley Sally, I can play your game
Asserting that the singer can match the woman's approach to relationships
I know I'm just a crazy fool
Acknowledging it may be foolish for the singer to pursue the woman
I have never never met a woman
Noting that the woman stands out among those the singer has met
Awoman quite like you
Emphasizing the woman's unique qualities
You got, I swear you got those crazy eyes
Describing the woman's intense gaze
Kind-a like to take a man by surprise
Suggesting the woman can be unpredictable
Back Alley Sally, I love to watch you move
Expressing the singer's admiration for the woman's physicality
Well I know you like to tease and show your stuff
Observing that the woman enjoys flaunting her attributes
Oo, baby, I'm callin' your bluff
Challenging the woman to follow through on her actions
Come a little closer, let's get on down
Inviting the woman to get closer and start a physical relationship
We'll drink my whiskey, tear up the town
Proposing a night of wild partying
Back Alley Sally, tell me what you want to do
Asking the woman to be clear about her intentions
I got to be back up
Acknowledging that the singer has to leave soon
Now don't think I'm just messin' around
Assuring the woman of the sincerity of the singer's intentions
You're the cream of the crop
Praising the woman as the best of the best
You're my kind of gal
Declaring that the woman is the singer's type
Back Alley Sally, is that the kind of game you play
Questioning whether the woman is deliberately leading the singer on
I got to pay your price if I want you to stay
Acknowledging that the singer may have to make concessions to win the woman over
Back Alley Sally
Addressing the woman again
I got to pay your price if I want you to stay
Repeating the idea that the singer may have to offer something to keep the woman around
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DONALD N. VAN ZANT, JEFFREY S. CARLISI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind