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.
Firestarter
.38 Special Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Runnin' your mouth, there ain't no doubt, thought you were pretty tough
I remember all your dirty ways you know my daddy didn't raise a fool
With friends like these I don't need no enemies, what's a man to do?
With a firestarter, you got trouble in sight
A firestarter, someday you're gonna see the light
You got no heart, you live your life never treated nobody right
I remember people like you even back in school
Stirrin' up trouble, got your mind in the gutter, thought you were pretty cool
I remember what my daddy said, said two-faced ain't the way
I can't see for the life of me how you're standin' here today
With a firestarter, you got trouble in sight
A firestarter, some day you're gonna see the light
You got no heart, you live your life never treated nobody right
Firestarter, tell me, who you gonna burn tonight?
You know I've seen plenty like you, trouble ain't enough
Runnin' your mouth, there ain't no doubt, thought you were pretty tough
I remember all your dirty ways you know daddy didn't raise a fool
With friends like these I don't need no enemies, what's a man to do?
With a firestarter, you got trouble in sight
A firestarter, some day you're gonna see the light
You ain't nothin' but a big time liar never treated nobody right
Firestarter, who the hell you gonna burn tonight
Firestarter, firestarter, firestarter
Firestarter, firestarter
The lyrics to .38 Special's "Firestarter" are about someone who is causing trouble and starting fires wherever they go. The song is addressed to the firestarter, with the singer pointing out all of the ways in which they have caused trouble in the past. The firestarter is described as someone who talks a big game but doesn't always follow through on their promises, and who has a history of lying and treating people poorly. Despite this, the singer acknowledges that the firestarter is still able to wield a certain amount of power and influence over others.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of loyalty and friendship. The singer seems to be saying that they no longer want to associate with the firestarter or their "dirty ways," and that they're better off without them. This is reflected in the line "With friends like these I don't need no enemies, what's a man to do?" which suggests that the singer sees the firestarter as someone who is not a true friend.
Overall, the lyrics to "Firestarter" are a warning to anyone who might cross paths with the titular character. The song serves as a reminder that actions have consequences, and that those who cause trouble and hurt others will eventually be held accountable.
Line by Line Meaning
You know I've seen plenty like you, trouble ain't enough
I have encountered many individuals like you and your disruptive behavior is not sufficient.
Runnin' your mouth, there ain't no doubt, thought you were pretty tough
You keep talking excessively, fully believing that this makes you strong.
I remember all your dirty ways you know my daddy didn't raise a fool
I recall all your immoral actions; you must have known that my father did not raise a gullible person.
With friends like these I don't need no enemies, what's a man to do?
When I have companions like you, I have no use for enemies. What should I do?
With a firestarter, you got trouble in sight
If you are the one who ignites situations, then you're always likely to encounter problems.
A firestarter, someday you're gonna see the light
One day, you will come to comprehend the consequences of your actions.
You got no heart, you live your life never treated nobody right
You have no compassion, and you've never treated people well.
Firestarter, tell me, who you gonna burn tonight?
Firestarter, I wonder, who are you going to harm this evening?
I remember people like you even back in school
People similar to you, I recall from my school days.
Stirrin' up trouble, got your mind in the gutter, thought you were pretty cool
You're always causing problems and your thoughts are impure, but you think that you're impressive.
I remember what my daddy said, said two-faced ain't the way
My father told me that being deceptive isn't the right way to go about things.
I can't see for the life of me how you're standin' here today
I genuinely don't understand how you are still present in society.
You ain't nothin' but a big time liar never treated nobody right
You're nothing but a compulsive liar who has never treated anyone decently.
Firestarter, who the hell you gonna burn tonight
Firestarter, who exactly are you going to hurt tonight?
Firestarter, firestarter, firestarter
Firestarter, Firestarter, Firestarter.
Firestarter, firestarter
Firestarter, Firestarter.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RICHARD DONALD BARNES, DONALD N. VAN ZANT, LARRY STEELE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind