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."
Crazy
Atlanta Rhythm Section Lyrics
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It's over-arranged
But so untogether
Guess that's the way it goes
You powder your nose
And paste on your glitter
Crazy
But I just don't understand
Crazy
Crazy times make a crazy man
God, I hate to cuss, but damn
The cities are crammed
And we call it progress
Life is a freaker's bag
We're numbered and tagged
And lost in the process
Crazy
These are crazy
Crazy times
But I just don't understand
Crazy
Crazy times make a crazy man
Crazy
These are crazy, crazy, crazy
Crazy times
But I just don't understand
Crazy
Crazy times make a crazy man
Crazy
Oh, I just don't understand, no
Crazy
Crazy times make a crazy man, ooh
The lyrics to Atlanta Rhythm Section's song "Crazy" speak to the overwhelming and confusing nature of modern life. The opening lines highlight the discordant and over-arranged nature of contemporary music, creating a sense of disorientation that reflects the broader societal confusion. The line "you powder your nose and paste on your glitter" speaks to the superficiality and artificiality of the modern world - people putting on a false face to conform to societal expectations.
The chorus repeats the titular refrain of "crazy," anchoring the song's preoccupation with the chaos and uncertainty of contemporary life. The second verse expands on this theme, lamenting the crowded and overpopulated nature of cities and characterizing it as questionable "progress." Life is characterized as a "freaker's bag," indicating a sense of unpredictability and chaos. The line "we're numbered and tagged and lost in the process" further highlights a sense of dehumanization.
Taken together, "Crazy" creates an image of the modern world as a confusing and disorienting place, characterized by superficiality, artificiality, and chaos. The song speaks to the sense of disconnection many people feel from their own lives and society as a whole.
Line by Line Meaning
Wow, isn't the music strange?
The music is peculiar and unpredictable.
It's over-arranged
The song has too many unnecessary arrangements.
But so untogether
Despite the over-arrangement, the song is out of sync.
Guess that's the way it goes
It's just the way things are.
You powder your nose
You're concerned about your fame and public image.
And paste on your glitter
You try to look your best to hide your flaws.
God, I hate to cuss, but damn
The situation frustrates and angers me.
The cities are crammed
Cities are overcrowded and congested.
And we call it progress
We consider this modernization.
Life is a freaker's bag
Life is unpredictable and chaotic.
We're numbered and tagged
We're labeled and tracked like objects.
And lost in the process
We're confused and overwhelmed by the world around us.
Crazy
These times are insane.
These are crazy times
The world is in turmoil and chaos.
But I just don't understand
The singer is confused and unable to comprehend the situation.
Crazy times make a crazy man
The chaotic world can drive a person insane.
Crazy
These times are insane.
These are crazy, crazy, crazy
The situation is repeatedly emphasized as intense.
Oh, I just don't understand, no
The singer reiterates their confusion.
Crazy times make a crazy man, ooh
The chaos can drive anyone to madness.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Willie Nelson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Donna Boyd
Saw them first time when they toured with this album, what a show!! Still one of my favorite Southern Rock bands. Those days are gone but thank God the music is still here
Rob Waxman
RIP JR Cobb. Thanks for all the great music you guys!
Tunes
Been following ARS since the beginning. Great music from a great group of wonderful people who happen to be fantastic musicians.
Ron Weber
These guys were SO good..I feel for anyone who didn't/doesn't know of them
Chuck Baranoski
Pretty prophetic lyrics. Change some words and message is still true today! These are crazy times!
Tracy Eaves
Geniuses - there music will live on
Tim Dahlager
From the embers of the Classics IV and the Candymen came Atlanta Rhythm Section. RIP Ronnie Hammond, JR Cobb, Robert Nix, and Paul Goddard. Only Dean Daughtry and Barry Bailey stand from the 1972-80 Glory years line-up. Crazy from 1975 is still one of my faves.