The band was originally formed in 1989 by leader Scott Morris. He and Kurt Sodergren are the two "original" members, with the rest of the band joining later on. The band concentrated on the swing of the 1940s and '50s, playing clubs and lounges in their early years.
The band launched two CDs, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Watchu' Want for Christmas? under their own label (Big Bad Records) before getting their big break when their songs "You & Me & The Bottle Makes Three Tonight (Baby)" and "Go Daddy-O" were featured in the 1996 comedy Swingers.
From there they were signed by Capitol Records. With Capitol the band released Americana Deluxe (also known as a second Big Bad Voodoo Daddy) and This Beautiful Life. The band has continued their tours, performances and album releases Save My Soul, Live, and Everything You Want For Christmas, with one high point being their appearance at the 1999 Super Bowl half-time show.
Over the last few years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has experienced great success playing on the Pops programs of American Symphony Orchestras and regular US tours.
Most recently, BBVD released a tribute album titled How Big Can You Get?: The Music of Cab Calloway. As part of the live concerts promoting this recent album, the band continues to perform new material, including the track "5-10-15 Times I Love You" which frontman Scotty Morris says will be recorded as part of a new album in early 2011.
Band Members:
* Scott Morris "Scotty" (vocals and guitar) - core member
* Kurt Sodergren (drums and percussion) - core member
* Dirk Shumaker (string bass) - core member
* Andrew Rowley "Andy" (baritone saxophone) - core member
* Glen Marehevka "The Kid" (trumpet) - core member
* Karl Hunter (saxophone and clarinet) - core member
* Joshua Levy "Josh" (piano) - core member
* Tony Bonsera (lead trumpet)
* Alex Henderson (trombone) (also part of The Brian Setzer Orchestra)
** Ron Blake (former lead trumpet) left Big Bad Voodoo Daddy to go on tour with Green Day.
What's Next
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And that's nothing new for me
Like the dead of the night When everything's all right
It's where I wanna be
You see the life I live is the life I choose
I follow no one's laws I follow no one's rules
But when it's heads I win and tales you loose
Strollin' in at dawn, wakin' up at noon
Is gonna catch up to me soon
But you can sleep when you're dead is what I said
Cause I'm jumpin' off the moon
Hold on, bear down, jump in and grin
Cause I'm comin' back your way
Get down, hold tight with all your might
Cause I'm comin' back to stay
What's next I think I'll hit the streets
What's next I think I'll have a drink
What's next I think I'll bet my luck
Luck's coming back my way
The lyrics of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's "What's Next" reflect the carefree attitude of the singer who has lived through ups and downs and chooses to live life on his own terms. He is undeterred by the challenges he has faced, and rather than worrying about the consequences of his lifestyle, he revels in the freedom of it all. For him, the dead of the night is the best time, as everything is all right then. He acknowledges that his way of life may catch up with him someday, but he doesn't care, as he believes he can sleep when he's dead.
The singer also acknowledges that his life is a game, but he's not going to play by anyone's rules. He doesn't care if he wins or loses, as it's not about the game he chooses to play. He concludes his musings by talking about the future and his plans to hit the streets, have a drink and bet on his luck. The overall theme of the lyrics is that life is short and should be lived on one's own terms regardless of what others think or say.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been up, I've been down
I've experienced both highs and lows in life.
I've been kicked to the ground
I've been knocked down and taken blows.
And that's nothing new for me
I'm used to overcoming obstacles and bouncing back.
Like the dead of the night
Similar to late hours when everything's calm.
When everything's all right
When life is going smoothly and without a hitch.
It's where I wanna be
I feel comfortable and secure in that environment.
You see the life I live is the life I choose
I am responsible for the decisions I make and the path I take in life.
I follow no one's laws I follow no one's rules
I don't conform to societal norms and expectations.
But when it's heads I win and tales you loose
Sometimes I come out on top and other times I don't.
It's not the game in which I choose
I don't have control over every aspect of life.
Strollin' in at dawn, wakin' up at noon
I keep unconventional hours and don't adhere to a strict schedule.
Is gonna catch up to me soon
I know that my lifestyle may have consequences in the future.
But you can sleep when you're dead is what I said
I prioritize living my life to the fullest over getting a lot of rest.
Cause I'm jumpin' off the moon
I'm taking risks and living boldly.
Hold on, bear down, jump in and grin
I encourage others to keep up with me and face challenges head-on.
Cause I'm comin' back your way
I'll always return to my roots and the things I love.
Get down, hold tight with all your might
Be prepared and don't give up when facing difficulties.
Cause I'm comin' back to stay
I won't be deterred from my goals and dreams.
What's next I think I'll hit the streets
I'm ready to explore and try new things.
What's next I think I'll have a drink
I'm going to enjoy life and indulge in the present moment.
What's next I think I'll bet my luck
I'm feeling lucky and optimistic about the future.
Luck's coming back my way
I believe good fortune is on the horizon for me.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: SCOTT MORRIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind