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.
Rockin' Into the Night
.38 Special Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh Yeah
Cruising down the motorway
Got my girl by my side
We're both a little anxious
Ooo, we got love on our mind
Waiting, anticipating
Well I swear we were doing eighty
When we saw those motel lights
And we were rockin' into the night
Rockin' into the night
Ooo hoo, rockin'
Rockin' into the night
Rockin' into the night
Out on the back street
Taking love where I can
I found a sweet madonna
Ooo, with a bible in her hand
She's waiting, anticipating
Well, for someone to save her soul
Well, I ain't no new messiah
But I'm close enough for rock and roll
And we were rockin' into the night
Rockin' into the night
Ooo hoo, rockin'
Rockin' into the night
Rockin' into the night
And I'm slowin' down, and she's pullin' in
Waiting, anticipating
For the fireworks in the night
Well, I swear we were doing eighty
When we saw those motel lights
We were Rockin',
Rockin' into the night
Ooo yeah
Rockin', rockin' into the night
Rockin', rockin' into the night
Rockin', rockin' into the night
Rockin' into the night, rockin' into the night
Rockin' into the night, rockin' into the night
Rockin' into the night, rockin' into the night
Rockin' into the night, rockin' into the night
The song "Rockin' Into the Night" by .38 Special is an upbeat and energizing track that celebrates the freedom and adventure of youth. The opening lines describe a couple cruising down the motorway with love on their minds, eagerly anticipating the excitement of the night ahead. When they see the lights of a motel, they know that they have found a place to rock into the night. The chorus repeats this phrase, emphasizing the carefree and rebellious nature of their journey.
Later in the song, the singer describes a chance encounter with a woman who is looking for salvation. He's not there to save her soul, but he's happy to provide a little rock and roll. This verse adds an interesting layer of complexity to the song, as it suggests that the freedom and adventure of youth can coexist with more serious questions of faith and morality. But ultimately, the song celebrates the power of music to transport us beyond our everyday worries and into a world of pure joy and excitement.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh Rockin'
Expressing excitement about the upcoming experience of rock music
Oh Yeah
Emphasizing the approval and positive feelings about the night's events
Cruising down the motorway
Driving on a highway with a sense of freedom and adventure
Got my girl by my side
Sharing the adventure with a partner, feeling connected and in love
We're both a little anxious
Feeling nervous in anticipation of the excitement to come
Ooo, we got love on our mind
Thinking about each other and the intimacy they will share later on
Waiting, anticipating
Eagerly looking forward to the fireworks show and the night's events
For the fireworks in the night
Looking forward to the exciting and colorful display
Well I swear we were doing eighty
Driving the car very fast and feeling the excitement of speed
When we saw those motel lights
Spotting the motel and recognizing its potential for a memorable experience
And we were rockin' into the night
Enjoying the music and letting go of inhibitions
Out on the back street
Exploring parts of the town not usually visited or off the beaten path
Taking love where I can
Finding romance and passion wherever life takes them
I found a sweet madonna
Meeting a beautiful and desirable woman
Ooo, with a bible in her hand
Observing that the woman is religious, but still open to love and adventure
She's waiting, anticipating
Wanting to be saved, but not sure how or by whom
Well, for someone to save her soul
Looking for someone to give her a sense of direction or purpose
Well, I ain't no new messiah
Acknowledging that he cannot change the world but can offer an enjoyable escape from reality
But I'm close enough for rock and roll
Believing that his music and presence can offer a transformative experience
And I'm slowin' down, and she's pullin' in
Approaching the motel and preparing for the upcoming romantic interlude
Rockin', rockin' into the night
Continuing to enjoy the music and excitement of the night
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ROBERT SMITH, FRANK SULLIVAN, JIM PETERIK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@smokinjz
Oh Rockin'
Oh Yeah
Cruising down the motorway
Got my girl by my side
We're both a little anxious
Ooo, we got love on our mind
Waiting, anticipating
For the fireworks in the night
Well I swear we were doing eighty
When we saw those motel lights
And we were rockin' into the night
Rockin' into the night
Ooo hoo, rockin'
Rockin' into the night
Rockin' into the night
Out on the back street
Taking love where I can
I found a sweet madonna
Ooo, with a bible in her hand
She's waiting, anticipating
Well, for someone to save her soul
Well, I ain't no new messiah
But I'm close enough for rock and roll
And we were rockin' into the night
Rockin' into the night
Ooo hoo, rockin'
Rockin' into the night
Rockin' into the night
And I'm slowin' down, and she's pullin' in
Waiting, anticipating
For the fireworks in the night
Well, I swear we were doing eighty
When we saw those motel lights
We were Rockin',
Rockin' into the night
Ooo yeah
Rockin', rockin' into the night
Rockin', rockin' into the night
Rockin', rockin' into the night
Rockin' into the night, rockin' into the night
Rockin' into the night, rockin' into the night
Rockin' into the night, rockin' into the night
Rockin' into the night, rockin' into the night
@gunnersellman5625
I’m 22 years old and 38. Special is one of my favorite bands from this era
@stevenfultz731
Hell yeah babba
@stevenbrundick6737
Your parents did a good job
@collegefootballfan7909
@Steven Brundick That's right I am 21 and this stuff kicks ass.
@morgansharadin8106
You need some Cinderella in you're life to some some hair on them balls
@maurinethelizard6085
@Carter NaegerLOL I WAS THINKING THE SAME THING!!
@omfg51
I saw these guys at the western idaho fair and they came onto the stage unannounced and just busted out this song. it was the most epic show entrance ive ever seen.
@kylestark9289
thats fucking awesome!
@victoruribe2465
.38 Special was an underrated band that became big.
@southernsweetness
My dad was a rocker. He played the guitar and was damn good, too! So thanks to him all this good music is running through my veins since birth. Nothing like that good ol' rock n roll!