Atlanta Rhythm Section, sometimes abbreviated ARS, is an American rock band… Read Full Bio ↴Atlanta Rhythm Section, sometimes abbreviated ARS, is an American rock band from the South The band unofficially formed in 1970 as former members of the Candymen and the Classics IV became the session band for the newly opened Studio One in Doraville, Georgia, near Atlanta. After playing on other artists' recordings, they decided to become a true band in their own right. The members of the original band were Rodney Justo (singer), Barry Bailey (guitarist), Paul Goddard (bassist), Dean Daughtry (keyboardist) and Robert Nix (drummer). Justo left the band after the first album and was replaced by Ronnie Hammond. Buddy Buie, the band's manager and producer, is listed first on almost all of the songwriting credits of the band's songs.

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."

Evileen
Atlanta Rhythm Section Lyrics

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I got a wicked woman, I call her Evileen
She is a witch, a bit of a bitch
She's a necessary evil
But she's got what I need, Evileen

Sometimes her love's a nightmare
Sometimes it's obscene
She makes me fuss, she makes me cuss

But I love that very, very, picky and contrary

Evileen, Evileen, she's a devil of a dream

She treats me like a devil
I treat her like a queen
Her loves so good it's scary
It's the best I've ever seen
Yes, I love that very, very, kinky and contrary

Evileen, Evileen, Evileen, Evileen
She's a devil of a dream

Evileen, Evileen, Evileen

Evil Evileen, Evileen
Evil Evileen, Evil Evileen

Overall Meaning

In Atlanta Rhythm Section's song "Evileen", the lyrics depict the complexity of the singer's relationship with his lover, Evileen. He calls her a witch and a bitch, yet acknowledges that she is a necessary evil in his life because of how good her love is. Sometimes their love feels like a nightmare and can be obscene, but he still loves her because of her picky and contrary nature. Despite how devilish Evileen can treat him at times, the singer treats her like a queen because her love is so good that it's scary, the best he's ever seen. The song describes the passionate and tumultuous nature of their love, where the couple seems to thrive on the dynamics of their relationship.

The lyrics of "Evileen" can be interpreted in different ways, but the underlying theme is that love can be both good and bad, and sometimes it's the contrast between those extremes that keeps the fire burning. The song's melody is catchy and upbeat, with a rock and roll vibe that matches the energy of the lyrics. The chorus repeats the name "Evileen" multiple times, emphasizing her importance and the hold she has over the singer.

Line by Line Meaning

I got a wicked woman, I call her Evileen
I have a woman who is malicious and untrustworthy. I give her the name Evileen.

She is a witch, a bit of a bitch
She has evil power and is hostile and rude.

She's a necessary evil
She is something unpleasant but essential.

But she's got what I need, Evileen
Despite her negative qualities, I require her company.

Sometimes her love's a nightmare
At times, the love she gives is terrifying.

Sometimes it's obscene
Occasionally it's offensive and repulsive.

She makes me fuss, she makes me cuss
She causes me to argue and use bad language.

But I love that very, very, picky and contrary
Nevertheless, I adore her high-maintenance and contradictory nature.

She treats me like a devil
She behaves as though I am evil or wicked.

I treat her like a queen
Despite that, I still treat her with the utmost respect and admiration.

Her loves so good it's scary
Her love is so exceptional it is frightening.