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.
Chain Lightnin'
.38 Special Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Child of the night, down and forlorn
Still I took you in, it's in the stars above
All girls are made the same, they all need a little love
And the magic of the moment
Exploded with desire
When the time is right, the sparks ignite
And set the night on fire
It's chain lightnin', too hot to fight
Hot on the heels of a Saturday night
Chain lightnin', out of control
Straight to the heart and down to your soul
Chain lightnin', heavens above
Another day older, still searching for love
Chain lightnin, too hot to fight
And it's hotter than hell, in the heavens tonight
I was livin' hard, I was feelin' down and lonely
When toward the boulevard, a limousine moved slowly
And I noticed in the back seat, a lady wrapped in fur
Her eyes burned through me, and mine stared back at her
And I recognized the moment
As I opened up her door
I knew I would regret it
I've been burned before
It's chain lightnin', too hot to fight
Hot on the heels of a Saturday night
Chain lightnin', out of control
Straight to the heart and down to your soul
Chain lightnin', heavens above
Another day older, still searching for love
Chain lightnin, too hot to fight
And it's hotter than hell, in the heavens tonight
And lord it's so hot when the chain reaction
Is set off with a kiss
And it's so tough when the satisfaction
Is greater than the risk
When you look in her eyes and you realize
This time you can't resist
It's chain lightnin'
And the magic of the moment
Exploded with desire
When the time is right the sparks ignite
And set the night on fire
It's chain lightnin', too hot to fight
Hot on the heels of a Saturday night
Chain lightnin', out of control
Straight to the heart and down to your soul
Chain lightnin', heavens above
Another day older, still searching for love
Chain lightnin, too hot to fight
And it's hotter than hell, in the heavens tonight
Chain lightnin'
The song 'Chain Lightnin'' by .38 Special is about the thrill and risk of falling in love. The first verse describes a moment when a girl showed up at the singer's door on a rainy night looking for love and comfort. Despite both of them being in a vulnerable state, they shared a moment of passion that set the night on fire. The chorus compares their love to a powerful natural force, Chain Lightnin', that cannot be tamed or fought. The second verse is about a chance encounter with a mysterious and alluring lady in a limousine that the singer knew he couldn't resist despite being burnt before. The last verse talks about how the energy and excitement of being in love can be so intense that it's like a chain reaction, and no matter how risky it may seem, the satisfaction of being with the one you love is worth it.
The lyrics of 'Chain Lightnin'' can be interpreted as a cautionary tale about the risks of giving in to your desires, even if it's just to feel alive for a moment. It warns the listener that love can be like a powerful force that is impossible to control once ignited. The song suggests that despite the dangers, people still search for love, and they are willing to take risks to experience it. Overall, 'Chain Lightnin'' is a classic rock song that talks about the exhilaration of falling in love and how it can change one's life forever.
Line by Line Meaning
On a rainy night, you showed up at my door
You came to my door during a dark time in my life
Child of the night, down and forlorn
You were lost and in need of guidance
Still I took you in, it's in the stars above
Despite the circumstances, it was meant to happen
All girls are made the same, they all need a little love
Everyone craves love and affection
And the magic of the moment
The power of the connection
Exploded with desire
Passionate emotions took over
When the time is right, the sparks ignite
The perfect timing can ignite a flame
And set the night on fire
Passion and energy filled the air
It's chain lightnin', too hot to fight
The intensity is too strong to resist
Hot on the heels of a Saturday night
Coming fast and strong after a lively night
Chain lightnin', out of control
The passion cannot be contained
Straight to the heart and down to your soul
Affects the deepest parts of your being
Chain lightnin', heavens above
Feels like it's coming from a divine force
Another day older, still searching for love
The search for love might seem endless
And it's hotter than hell, in the heavens tonight
Feels like a fiery celestial event
I was livin' hard, I was feelin' down and lonely
Life was tough and lonely before meeting you
When toward the boulevard, a limousine moved slowly
Sudden appearance of something luxurious and unexpected
And I noticed in the back seat, a lady wrapped in fur
The woman caught my attention with her extravagant appearance
Her eyes burned through me, and mine stared back at her
Intense eye contact between the two
And I recognized the moment
Realized the significance of the situation
As I opened up her door
Took a chance and made a move
I knew I would regret it
Felt like a risk and knew it could lead to heartbreak
And lord it's so hot when the chain reaction
The passion and excitement are overwhelming
Is set off with a kiss
It all starts with a simple and powerful act
And it's so tough when the satisfaction
It's difficult to resist the pleasure and fulfillment
Is greater than the risk
Even though it could lead to pain, the reward seems worth it
When you look in her eyes and you realize
Intense gaze between the two and the realization of their feelings
This time you can't resist
The temptation is too strong to ignore
And the magic of the moment
The power of the connection
Exploded with desire
Passionate emotions took over
When the time is right the sparks ignite
The perfect timing can ignite a flame
And set the night on fire
Passion and energy filled the air
Chain lightnin'
The intense passion that cannot be tamed
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JAMES M. PETERIK, DON BARNES, RONNIE VAN ZANT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jecv7253
On a rainy night, you showed up at my door
Child of the night, down and forlorn
Still I took you in, it's in the stars above
All girls are made the same, they all need a little love
And the magic of the moment
Exploded with desire
When the time is right, the sparks ignite
And set the night on fire
It's chain lightnin', too hot to fight
Hot on the heels of a Saturday night
Chain lightnin', out of control
Straight to the heart and down to your soul
Chain lightnin', heavens above
Another day older, still searching for love
Chain lightnin, too hot to fight
And it's hotter than hell, in the heavens tonight
I was livin' hard, I was feelin' down and lonely
When toward the boulevard, a limousine moved slowly
And I noticed in the back seat, a lady wrapped in fur
Her eyes burned through me, and mine stared back at her
And I recognized the moment
As I opened up her door
I knew I would regret it
I've been burned before
It's chain lightnin', too hot to fight
Hot on the heels of a Saturday night
Chain lightnin', out of control
Straight to the heart and down to your soul
Chain lightnin', heavens above
Another day older, still searching for love
Chain lightnin, too hot to fight
And it's hotter than hell, in the heavens tonight
And lord it's so hot when the chain reaction
Is set off with a kiss
And it's so tough when the satisfaction
Is greater than the risk
When you look in her eyes and you realize
This time you can't resist
It's chain lightnin'
And the magic of the moment
Exploded with desire
When the time is right the sparks ignite
And set the night on fire
It's chain lightnin', too hot to fight
Hot on the heels of a Saturday night
Chain lightnin', out of control
Straight to the heart and down to your soul
Chain lightnin', heavens above
Another day older, still searching for love
Chain lightnin, too hot to fight
And it's hotter than hell, in the heavens tonight
Chain lightnin'
@mjrfitz
Lost another great one yesterday. Larry Junstrom, bassist of .38 and one of the original founders of Lynyrd Skynyrd passed away. He will truly be missed by the many fans of these two great bands. I guess the good Lord needed a great bassist. May he rest in peace.
@timothymidgett9730
Larry "alpha male" Junstrom
@richb.4374
Larry was a personal friend of mine. I met him through his hobby which was amateur radio. I shared a lot of laughs and good conversations with him on the air over the years. Met him at a ham radio get together, great guy! I will miss him a lot, RIP Larry.
@mjrfitz
@@richb.4374 I did not know that about Larry. Nice bit of information, thank you.
@murderinc.hunting7686
The first time I saw .38 special he was on bass. I was a Skynyrd fanatic too so it was like seeing royalty for me. Between him and Don Barnes on the same stage it was overwhelming.
@franknewt2202
This getting old stuff sucks !! RIP Larry
@wildkrrd
I don’t listen to Chain Lightnin’ a lot but when I do, so does everyone in the neighborhood...
@markneubauer9522
Hell yes!
@russellbeckett1900
Buy some real speakers... 1500 watts
@rearspeaker6364
@@russellbeckett1900 15,000 watts...for starters.