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.
Undercover Lover
.38 Special Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't you remember when you had your doubts
I fill your fantasy, I'm one and the same
I start your fire, just give me a reign
You're playin' the surface, babe I'm always on hand
To solve your problem, satisfy your demands
Chorus:
I'm your undercover lover, I'm a one night stand
[My crime teller, feel it, some are don't talk of] pity
I'm your undercover man, yes I am
It must've started back when I was a boy
I chase the women like a child others toys
I never dreamed to be playin' for fun
But you're my witness, I'm second to none
You might be thinkin', girl I'm blind to your needs
Each time you're with me, it's so easy to see
(chorus)
(Solo)
You know it's not the last time lady, or you'll be callin' again
I'll show you just what you've been missin'
Don't it feel good, ain't it nice to see me again, Lord to see me
again
(Solo)
(Undercover) I'm a one night stand
(Undercover lover) I ain't ever got your love in my hands
(Lover undercover) Give you all you could stand
Don't wish you'd try to run hard, I'm your undercover lover, yeah
The lyrics of ".38 Special's" song 'Undercover Lover' talk about a man who is always ready to fulfill the desires of his partner, even if it's just for one night. The song starts by indicating that the woman was hesitant and unsure but eventually found a way out to be with the man. The man fulfills her fantasies and starts her fire, always being available to cater to her needs. The chorus depicts the man as an undercover lover, a one-night stand that can make her feel complete. The man describes himself as someone who likes chasing women like a child with toys, but he never dreamed of playing. It indicates that the man is not committed and is only interested in casual encounters. However, he is confident that no one can match him.
As the song progresses, he tells her that she can call him again as she will always be missing something without him. The song takes the listener through the journey of a man who believes in fulfilling temporary needs and pleasures. It can be perceived as an ode to casual relationships and may also be viewed as a womanizing song. The theme is set to a typical rock and country rhythm, making it an excellent song for parties and getting together occasions.
Line by Line Meaning
It took some time before you find a way out
You were in a difficult situation and it took a while for you to escape from it.
Don't you remember when you had your doubts
You were uncertain about something in the past, do you recall?
I fill your fantasy, I'm one and the same
I make your desires a reality, there is no one else like me.
I start your fire, just give me a reign
I ignite your passion, let me take control.
You're playin' the surface, babe I'm always on hand
You're only scratching the surface, I am always available to show you more.
To solve your problem, satisfy your demands
I can fix your issues and fulfill all your requests.
I'm your undercover lover, I'm a one night stand
I am your secret affair, only meant for one night.
I'll take your stories, I'm a fit kind of man, yeah
Tell me your tales, I am the type of man who can handle it well.
[My crime teller, feel it, some are don't talk of] pity
I am the one who understands your secrets, some people don't like to speak of shameful events.
I'm your undercover man, yes I am
I am still your hidden lover, there is no doubt.
It must've started back when I was a boy
My interest in women must have began at a young age.
I chase the women like a child others toys
I have always been drawn to women, like a child to toys.
I never dreamed to be playin' for fun
I didn't imagine that pursuing women would become a game to me.
But you're my witness, I'm second to none
But you can attest, I am the best at what I do.
You might be thinkin', girl I'm blind to your needs
You may believe that I do not understand what you truly desire.
Each time you're with me, it's so easy to see
Yet, every time we are together, it is clear what you want.
You know it's not the last time lady, or you'll be callin' again
You are aware that this will not be the last time we meet, or you'll be longing for me again.
I'll show you just what you've been missin'
I will prove to you what you have been lacking in your life.
Don't it feel good, ain't it nice to see me again, Lord to see me again
Doesn't it feel great to see me again, it's sweet to see me again.
(Undercover) I'm a one night stand
As previously stated, I am still only meant for one night.
(Undercover lover) I ain't ever got your love in my hands
I do not have your love in my grasp, I cannot reciprocate your emotions.
(Lover undercover) Give you all you could stand
However, I can give you everything you can handle.
Don't wish you'd try to run hard, I'm your undercover lover, yeah
Don't try to escape me, because I am still your secret lover.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DONALD N. VAN ZANT, JEFFREY S. CARLISI, LARRY STEELE, RICHARD DONALD BARNES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind