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.
Bring It On
.38 Special Lyrics
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Why can't you ever see it my way?
See'mon baby, you know what I mean.
I been eleven years doin' long hard work
We're finally getting' what we deserve
I said, see'mon baby, I'm not to blame
I said a one night stand takes a certain kind of man
It's a hell of way, you learn to live for the day
If you choose it
That's why I say now
Take it from me, it's not like it seems
Someday I'll give ya all that you need
But a tense word, baby, you just gotta believe
I said a one night stand takes a certain kind of man
But we do it
You know I'm not much at home
We live that danger zone
But you knew it
That's why I say
Bring it on
Bring it on
I'll deal with trouble when I get home
Bring it on
Bring it on
I'd rather fight it than go it alone
The jealousy's got you too blind to see
It ain't fair what you're doin' to me
I say, see'mon baby, I'm tired of tryin' to please
Lonely nights and cocaine highs
If that don't getcha then you'll pay the price
See'mon baby, that's all a part of me
I say one night stands take a certain kind of man
But we do it
Lord, how we do it
I'm not much at home, we live that danger zone
That's why I say
Bring it on
Bring it on
I'll deal with trouble when I get home
Bring it on
Bring it on
I'd rather fight it than go it alone
Bring it on
Bring it on
I'll deal with trouble when I get home
Bring it on (Bring it on)
Bring it on
I'd rather fight it than go it alone
The song "Bring It On" by .38 Special addresses the difficulties of being in a committed relationship while also being on the road and pursuing a career as a musician. The opening lines suggest that the singer has been betrayed by their partner while they were away, presumably while touring or recording. He laments that his partner never sees things from his point of view, suggesting that they don't understand the demands of his lifestyle.
The song then goes on to discuss the challenges of living on the road, including one night stands and drug use. He admits that these things are a "part of" him, but that he still wants to be able to provide for his partner someday. He also acknowledges that his partner may be jealous and that their relationship is strained because of his choices.
However, despite all of these difficulties, the song ends on a defiant and determined note. The singer declares that he's ready to take on any challenge - "Bring it on" - even if that means dealing with trouble when he finally returns home. He'd rather fight through obstacles with his partner than go it alone, even if that means making tough sacrifices along the way.
Overall, "Bring It On" is an honest depiction of the struggles that many musicians face when trying to balance their love life with their career ambitions. The song acknowledges the difficult choices that must be made and the toll that these choices can take on relationships, while also emphasizing the strength and resilience required to make a commitment work in the face of such obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
I been betrayed, 'cause I've been away
I feel like others have let me down because I've been gone for a long time
Why can't you ever see it my way?
Why can't you understand my perspective?
See'mon baby, you know what I mean.
Come on, you know what I'm trying to say
I been eleven years doin' long hard work
I've been working hard for eleven years
We're finally getting' what we deserve
We're finally receiving the rewards we've earned
I said, see'mon baby, I'm not to blame
I'm not at fault for the situation we're in
A one night stand takes a certain kind of man, but we do it
Having a one night stand requires a specific type of person, and we fit that description
It's a hell of way, you learn to live for the day, if you choose it
Living day-to-day as if there's no tomorrow is a difficult way to live, but it's a choice we've made
That's why I say now, take it from me, it's not like it seems
I'm telling you that things aren't always what they appear to be
Someday I'll give ya all that you need, but a tense word, baby, you just gotta believe
One day I'll provide everything you need, but for now, you just have to trust me
You know I'm not much at home, we live that danger zone, but you knew it
I'm not home often because we live a risky lifestyle. You knew that when we started
Bring it on, bring it on, I'll deal with trouble when I get home
I'm ready to handle any problems that come up when I return home
I'd rather fight it than go it alone
I don't want to face challenges alone
The jealousy's got you too blind to see
Your jealousy is making it difficult for you to see things clearly
It ain't fair what you're doin' to me
What you're doing isn't fair to me
I say, see'mon baby, I'm tired of tryin' to please
I'm exhausted from trying to make you happy
Lonely nights and cocaine highs
I've been spending my nights alone and using cocaine to cope
If that don't getcha then you'll pay the price
If cocaine use doesn't catch up with me, something else will
See'mon baby, that's all a part of me
That's just part of who I am
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Unison Rights S.L.
Written by: DONALD N. VAN ZANT, JEFFREY S. CARLISI, LARRY STEELE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind