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.
Throw Out the Line
.38 Special Lyrics
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I'm runnin' around in a circle
Never know where to stop
'Cause I'm lookin' for
A special kind of lady
Hopin' that she'll change my luck
I took a chance, asked you to dance
Wanted just to take you home
Throw out the line
And make a believer
Just give me the time
You know I won't leave ya
Someday you'll be mine
I can't give ya up
Throw out the line
Oh won't you throw out the line
So I, I make my move
I might break all the rules
The strategy's my only game
I can't fake it
My heart won't take it
I'm hopin' that you'll feel the same
Throw out the line
To make a believer
Just give me the time
You know I won't leave ya
Someday you'll be mine
I can't give you up
Throw out the line
Won't you throw out the line
The lyrics of ".38 Special's" song "Throw Out the Line" seem to center around the idea of finding a special kind of lady with whom the singer hopes to spend his life. He seems to be stuck in a never-ending loop of searching for someone, without knowing where to stop. The song talks about him taking chances and risks, and how he hopes his luck will change with the lady he's looking for. The lyrics have a romantic air about them, as the singer is hoping the lady will eventually belong to him. The chorus talks about him asking the lady to throw out the line, take a chance, and give him some time to prove that he is the one for her.
In the first verse, the writer is struggling to break out of a cycle of uncertainty and indecision when it comes to finding love. He wants to find something special, but doesn't know exactly what that is, which leaves him stuck in a circular pattern of searching. However, he's still hopeful that he'll eventually find that special person. The chorus talks about how the writer wants the lady to believe in him and give him the chance to prove himself to her. He wants to have more time to work things out between them and make a connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Whoa
Expressing surprise or excitement.
I'm runnin' around in a circle
I feel lost and don't know which way to go.
Never know where to stop
I don't know how to get out of this cycle.
'Cause I'm lookin' for
I'm searching for something.
A special kind of lady
The woman I'm looking for is unique and different.
Hopin' that she'll change my luck
I'm hoping that this woman will bring me good fortune.
I took a chance, asked you to dance
I made a bold move and asked you to dance.
Wanted just to take you home
I was hoping for some intimacy with you.
I'm holdin' steady, I know I'll be ready.
I'm staying focused and confident in my abilities.
Will you be comin' if I call?
Are you willing to take a chance on me?
Throw out the line
Take a risk and give me a chance.
And make a believer
Let me prove to you that I am worthy of your love.
Just give me the time
Let's take it slow and see where things go.
You know I won't leave ya
I'm committed to making this work.
Someday you'll be mine
I'm hoping that someday we'll be together.
I can't give ya up
I'm not willing to let you go.
Oh won't you throw out the line?
Please take a chance on me and see where this could go.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DONALD N. VAN ZANT, JEFFREY S. CARLISI, RICHARD DONALD BARNES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind