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."
You Ain
Atlanta Rhythm Section Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Follow that big demand
Take us to where we are goin'
Hurry it up if you can
How long
Have we been gone
2nd Verse
Ridin' up front with the driver
Keepin' each other awake
Laughin' and talkin' and thinkin'
Starin' off into space
Bridge
How many Holiday Inns
And overnight friends
But we keep on movin'
Searchin' for a ravel in the noose
Chorus
Carry me
Carry me
Silver eagle
Let me hear
Those mighty diesels drone
Fire it up
Let it whine
Follow the long white line
Silver eagle
(Carry) (Roll) on
(Roll on and on and on)
(Repeat Bridge)
(Chorus Out)
The song is about a group of travelers on a journey in their beloved Silver Eagle, a bus that takes them from place to place. The lyrics focus on the singer's experiences from their travels, reminiscing about the laughs and talks shared with those on board. The first two verses describe the passengers' anticipation to reach their destination, accompanied by the excitement of the ride. The bridge touches upon the fatigue and monotony of traveling, recounting various Holiday Inns and friendly faces that provide only temporary moments of comfort before they are back on the road again. The chorus serves as a recognition and gratitude towards the Silver Eagle for transporting them safely to their desired destinations.
On a historical note, the Silver Eagle was a well-known passenger bus back in the '70s and '80s used by musicians, travelers, and the likes. "Silver eagle" also references the eagle design found on the sides of the bus. The song is an ode to the fond memories and the journey that comes with traveling as a group.
Line by Line Meaning
Fire up the silver eagle
Start the engine of the Silver Eagle, our tour bus
Follow that big demand
Go wherever the fans take us
Take us to where we are goin'
Drive us to our destination
Hurry it up if you can
Please drive faster if possible
How long
Have we been gone
I wonder how many days we've been touring
Ridin' up front with the driver
Sitting next to the bus driver
Keepin' each other awake
Talking to each other to stay alert
Laughin' and talkin' and thinkin'
Having conversations and reflecting on things
Starin' off into space
Looking out the window and daydreaming
How many Holiday Inns
I wonder how many times we've stayed in Holiday Inn hotels
And overnight friends
And how many new friends we've made on the road
But we keep on movin'
Despite the long days and nights, we keep going
Searchin' for a ravel in the noose
Looking for an escape or a change from this demanding lifestyle
Carry me
Carry me
Silver eagle
Take me with you, Silver Eagle bus
Let me hear
Those mighty diesels drone
Let me enjoy the sound of the powerful bus engines
Fire it up
Let it whine
Start the bus engine and let it run at high speed
Follow the long white line
Stay on the road, following the highway
Silver eagle
(Carry) (Roll) on
Keep going, Silver Eagle bus
Lyrics © EUFAULA MUSIC, INC.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@1954tele
I've never seen a band (since the Beatles) to stretch out. Their talent allows them a limitless range, from S-Rock, A to Z Blues, and now Jazz. Sadly like so many other exceptional musicians, they will probably never get the exposure they so richly deserve. Shame, shame but the real losers are the music fans that will never benefit from their contributions to music. Happily, the fact that I get it is just cool beyond words....Thankyou, thankyou ARS for making my days a little more sunny!!!!
@Texama57
one of my favorite bands ever, they've stood me up 4 times though, got to the door 4 different times over 15 years or so and they were no shows each time. I did win a guitar at a Steppenwolf concert once, strangely enough it's signed by all the members except for Paul Goddard, I won the door prize at that show, couldn't believe it when the radio station called to tell me to come pick it up, didn't know about the autographs until I got there so that was a shock!
@johnallgood740
Great song!
@somedude2630
First grade Bluff City Elementary