While ARS would never reach the commercial success of Lynyrd Skynyrd or the Marshall Tucker Band, the group had a strong following in the south and charted a number of hits such as "Imaginary Lover," "I'm Not Going to Let it Bother Me Tonight," "Champagne Jam," "So Into You," and a remake of a Classics IV hit, "Spooky."
The band also influenced a number of rock and country artists, notably Travis Tritt, who recorded a cover of the ARS songs, "Back Up Against the Wall" and "Homesick." The group Shudder to Think covered "So Into You."
Back up Against the Wall
Atlanta Rhythm Section Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Might not be your cup of tea, but I can guarantee you this
We'll have us a large time, a knock down, drag out ball
We'll have us a large, large time, you all
We played Macon, GA with Lynyrd Skynyrd, it was a rock 'n' roll hoedown
Van Zant let that Freebird fly, don't you know he wasn't foolin' around
We had us a large time, you shoulda heard those guitars squall
Well, I'm proud to be livin' in the USA, playin' for the ARS
Might not be your cup of tea, but I can guarantee you this
We'll have us a large time, a knock down, drag out ball
We'll have us a large, large time, you all
We played Macon, GA with Lynyrd Skynyrd, it was a rock 'n' roll hoedown
Van Zant let that Freebird fly, don't you know he wasn't foolin' around
We had us a large time, you shoulda heard those guitars squall
We had us a large, real large time, you all, sure had a ball
That's all
right now, mama, back up against the wall
The lyrics to Atlanta Rhythm Section's song "Back up Against the Wall" capture the energy and excitement of being a rock and roll musician in America in the 1970s. The singer expresses pride in being part of the ARS and playing music that might not be everyone's cup of tea, but that still guarantees a good time for all involved. The song describes a specific performance the band had in Macon, Georgia with Lynyrd Skynyrd, where they had a "knock down, drag out ball" and the guitars squalled. It's clear from the lyrics that the band takes pride in their musicianship and their ability to put on a great show.
There's also an underlying rebelliousness to the lyrics, with the repeated refrain of "back up against the wall." This phrase has been used in various contexts over the years - it can refer to feeling trapped or cornered, or it can be a call to action for someone who's feeling oppressed or hemmed in by society. By repeating the phrase in the chorus of the song, the band is suggesting that they're not going to be held back or constrained by anyone else's expectations or rules. They're going to do things their own way and have a good time doing it.
Overall, "Back up Against the Wall" is a song that celebrates the joy and freedom of rock and roll, while also hinting at some of the countercultural attitudes that were prevalent in the music scene at the time.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I'm proud to be livin' in the USA, playin' for the ARS
I am happy to be living in the United States and playing for Atlanta Rhythm Section.
Might not be your cup of tea, but I can guarantee you this
Our music may not be to everyone's liking, but I can promise you one thing.
We'll have us a large time, a knock down, drag out ball
We will have a great time and an energetic, exciting performance.
We'll have us a large, large time, you all
We will have a very enjoyable, fun-filled show that everyone can take part in.
We played Macon, GA with Lynyrd Skynyrd, it was a rock 'n' roll hoedown
We performed in Macon, Georgia with Lynyrd Skynyrd, and it was a lively rock and roll event.
Van Zant let that Freebird fly, don't you know he wasn't foolin' around
Lynyrd Skynyrd's lead singer Ronnie Van Zant played the guitar solo in 'Freebird' with real skill and passion.
We had us a large time, you shoulda heard those guitars squall
Our show was really exciting, and the sound of the guitars was amazing.
We had us a large, real large time, you all, sure had a ball
We had a really fun and enjoyable show, and everyone had a great time.
That's all
The song ends here.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BARRY RIDGEWAY BAILEY, BUDDY BUIE, ROBERT NIX
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Charles Chandler
I was dealin' up and down the highway, til they caught me with a heavy load
They sentenced me to hard labor, workin' on the side of the road
Now I don't deny I was guilty, and I know I broke the law
I was hungry and broke and couldn't see no hope, and my back was up against the wall..!..
Now I'm right outside of your window, honey open up and let me in
I broke out of jail this morning and I ain't never going back again
I just had to stop by for a minute, and I can't stay long at all
I got to run, you see, I'm under the gun and my back is up against the wall...
I was shackled to a three time loser, and man called Jefferson
One night we got to talkin' and I asked him what he'd done
He said a man fell over my razor, in the middle of a bar room brawl
Don't you see, it was him or me and my back was up against the wall...
Now I'm right outside of your window, honey open up and let me in
I broke out of jail this morning and I ain't never going back again
I just had to stop by for a minute, and I can't stay long at all
I got to run, you see, I'm under the gun and my back is up against the wall...etc...
...........:)O(:...........
Tom Carter
Love these guys and this is one their best ! They consistently put out fantastic catalog of music throughout their career and I'll match their musicianship against anyone ! ARS ARS ARS !
Scott Mcallister
The classic ARS! One of the great southern bands. So underrated and before their time in many ways.
Mickey McConnell
Amazing. Very underrated. I went to two of the Champagne Jams in Atlanta back in the 70's. Or did I just go once and was seeing double??? As tight on stage as they were in the studio. Thanks ARS for some good times and excellent music! RIP Ronnie and Paul.
bocron
RIP Ronnie Hammond, such an amazing voice and talent. You are missed.
Joan Ward
I have loved this band since the late 70's and still do. Never got to see them, though I did see lots of bands way back when. Still love good live music @ 63 years and still rock !!
Larry Brown
Simply one of the killer lyrics of all time. I love it "a man tripped over my razor, in the middle of a bar room brawl, can't you see, it was him or me and my back was up against the wall" - simply brilliant!
MrRoberthsweeny
Awesome,one of the great bands of the 70's. I was living in atlanta at the time,and remember this song and others,being played on the local fm stations.
j t
Remember 96rock WKLS FM Atlanta?
Caio One007
This band is a classic. Have too remember always their song is always in the memory of Southern Rock.
Harry Nowak
The whole band was super talented but I love that bass player! Man I think he used nylon strings???? Amazing talent he was!! I saw them live 3 times in the late 70's and he always played a great solo!