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."
Large Time
Atlanta Rhythm Section Lyrics
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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
The lyrics of Atlanta Rhythm Section's "Large Time" reflect the struggles of the modern world and the singer's attempt to compartmentalize and deal with it. The song is essentially about how difficult it is to cope with the daily news that seems to be filled with tragedy and injustice. The singer wonders about what he can do to rectify the situation and finds that it is simply too overwhelming to be dealt with.
The first verse talks about the daily blues and the world being one big tragedy. The lines "I wonder what I can do / About all the pain and injustice" emphasize the helplessness that many feel in the current world scenario. The second verse speaks of how life on the street is like a jungle, where survival is difficult, and the rats keep winning the rat race, implying that those who are ruthless and heartless often come out on top.
However, the chorus of the song tells us that the singer is not going to let it bother him tonight. He acknowledges the world is in an uproar, and that there seems to be no end in sight, but he refuses to let it get to him. The song ends with the lines "Tomorrow I might go as far as suicide / But I will not let it bother me tonight," suggesting that perhaps the singer may not have what it takes to deal with the problems of the world in the long term, but for now, he just wants to relax and forget about them.
Line by Line Meaning
I picked up the paper this morning
I read the news this morning
And read all the daily blues
And it was all bad news
The world is one big tragedy
The world has a lot of problems and sadness
I wonder what I can do
I wonder if there is anything I can do to help
About all the pain and injustice
About all the suffering and unfairness
About all of the sorrow
About all the sadness
We're living in a danger zone
The world is a dangerous place
The world could end tomorrow
The world might come to an end soon
But I'm not gonna let it bother me tonight
But I won't let this thought bother me tonight
Life on the street is a jungle
Life on the streets is tough and competitive
A struggle to keep up the pace
It's hard to keep up with everyone else
I just can't beat that old dog eat dog
It's hard to succeed when everyone else is competing with you
The rats keep winnin' the rat race
Other people keep doing will in the competition
The world is in an uproar and I see no end in sight
The world is in chaos and it doesn't seem like it will stop soon
Lord, Lord, Lord
Exclamation of frustration or sadness
We got nothing but trouble
We have a lot of problems
I've done all I can do today
I've already tried my best today
So bartender pour me a double, right now
I need a drink to help me forget about everything
No I'm not gonna let it bother me tonight
I won't let it get to me tonight
Tomorrow I might go as far as suicide
But I might give up completely tomorrow
But I will not let it bother me tonight
But I won't let it get to me tonight
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: BARRY RIDGEWAY BAILEY, BUDDY BUIE, ROBERT NIX
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bobjohnson62
One of the least recognized bands in music! Bravo!
@Aclimade
I repeat myself: How the hell did this not get on their Greatest Hits Album.
@paullepage9484
It is in my book
@paullepage9484
Not the original but very good version id pay to see them
@TheNaturalust
These guitarists suck compared to Barry Bailey. That guy was precise and soulful, these guys are missing important notes and they should know the song by now. Jeezus. They need me badly. 😂