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 to Paradise
.38 Special Lyrics
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This train is leavin' an it ain't comin' back
Don't need a ticket can't you understand
You're on your way to the promised land
It's overdue, but now the time is right, yeah
It's up to you, to make it real, so take me
Take me back to paradise, (paradise) oh, oh
Old Saint Peter at the pearly gate
Sayin', "Hurry up boy or you're gonna be late"
Take your mind off your worries for a moment or two
You gotta rock to the rhythm, it ain't hard to do
'Cause what you see, I know you're gonna like, yeah
It's up to you, to make it real, to take me
Take me back to paradise, (paradise) oh, oh
Take me back to paradise, (paradise) oh, yeah
Oh, when it's out of reach, it's just another beach
In another town
You get your feet back on the ground
You worked all your life, you ain't satisfied
With a thing you've found
When will you realize it'll come around?
Pack your bags baby, get your things
You'll never know what tomorrow brings
Mind your step and watch what you say
Before you know, you'll be on your way
It's overdue, but now the time is right, yeah
It's up to you, to make it real, so take me
Take me back to paradise, (paradise) uh huh
Take me back to paradise, (paradise) oh
Take me back to paradise, (paradise) oh
Won't you take me back to paradise, (paradise) oh
Yo! Take me back to paradise!
The song "Back to Paradise" by .38 Special talks about a journey towards a better future, where the troubles of the past are left behind. The lyrics encourage the listener to take action and leave their worries behind as they embark on a journey towards paradise. The song begins by asking the listener to grab their coat and hat and board a train leaving for the promised land. The sense of urgency is evident as the lyrics suggest that it's now or never.
The chorus of the song is a plea to be taken back to paradise. The idea of paradise is used as a metaphor for a place where one can find peace and happiness after struggling for a long time. The character of Old Saint Peter is introduced at the pearly gate as a warning to seize the opportunity before it's too late. The second verse tells us to forget our worries and just rock to the rhythm, as what lies ahead is something to be enjoyed.
The bridge tells us that when we're struggling, we might think that what we need is out of reach, just another beach in another town. However, the song suggests that if we keep our feet on the ground and keep searching, we'll find the paradise we're looking for. The song ends on a note of hope, with the chorus asking to be taken back to paradise, urging the listener to take action and leave their troubles behind.
Line by Line Meaning
Grab your coat honey, grab your hat
Get ready, we are leaving.
This train is leavin' an it ain't comin' back
The opportunity is here now, and it's time to take it.
Don't need a ticket can't you understand
You don't need anything special to take this journey.
You're on your way to the promised land
You're on your way to fulfillment and satisfaction.
It's overdue, but now the time is right, yeah
The moment has come for you to take action and make things happen.
It's up to you, to make it real, so take me
You have the power to turn your dreams into reality, so let's go.
Take me back to paradise, (paradise) oh, oh
Let's go back to a place where we are truly happy and at peace.
Old Saint Peter at the pearly gate
Picture the reward that awaits at the end of the journey.
Sayin', 'Hurry up boy or you're gonna be late'
Time is running out, and you need to act fast.
Take your mind off your worries for a moment or two
Focus on the journey and the positive things that lie ahead.
You gotta rock to the rhythm, it ain't hard to do
Enjoy the journey and have fun along the way.
'Cause what you see, I know you're gonna like, yeah
You'll love what lies ahead, just have faith.
Oh, when it's out of reach, it's just another beach
When you can't have something, it loses its value.
In another town
In a different context, the thing you want might no longer matter.
You get your feet back on the ground
Find your sense of balance and perspective.
You worked all your life, you ain't satisfied
Despite all your efforts, you haven't found happiness.
With a thing you've found
Even if you have something, you can still feel unfulfilled.
When will you realize it'll come around?
Keep looking for that thing that will make you happy, and eventually you'll find it.
Pack your bags baby, get your things
Get ready to leave and start a new journey.
You'll never know what tomorrow brings
The future is uncertain, so seize the opportunities you have now.
Mind your step and watch what you say
Be careful and mindful of your actions and words.
Before you know, you'll be on your way
The journey will start before you even realize it.
Won't you take me back to paradise, (paradise) oh
Let's go back to that place where we are truly happy and at peace.
Yo! Take me back to paradise!
Let's go to that place of ultimate fulfillment and satisfaction.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRYAN ADAMS, JAMES DOUGLAS VALLANCE, PAT GIRALDO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind