This Jacksonville four-piece is in demand everywhere they go, “We often have to turn down shows because we’re booked, sometimes we’re playing two shows a day.” says founding singer/ guitarist Tony Mikus. The band’s surging popularity comes from the buzz on their amazing live show, where the band whips the audience into a wild frenzy, laying down well-known hits like “That Girl’s a Freak” to “Wasted” and their anthematic theme song, “Party Like a Rock Star”
While reigning over the Florida club scene and playing all over the Southeast, these road warriors maintain a rabid cult following with bikers and gear heads alike from their many appearances at rallies like Sturgis and NASCAR and NHRA events all over the country. When they’re not headlining they are the go-to guys for arena acts like Buckcherry, Drowning Pool, Motorhead, Bret Michaels, Vince Neil, Charlie Daniels, 38 Special, Ted Nugent, Shooter Jennings and many, many more.
In between touring, the band has released two albums, 2009’s “Rock n’ Roll Machine” and the recently released “That Girl”. Demand was so high on the road, where both albums are well north of 30,000, that these CDs are now available digitally as well as at retail.
Now, with more offers than they can handle, Big Engine is aiming to bring their hits to even bigger audiences. If there’s a big crowd having a big party, chances are you’ll hear Big Engine.
Tony Mikus - Lead Vocals, Guitar
Hans Oellerich - Guitar, Backing Vocals
Ryan Wilcox - Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
Benny Puckett - Drums, Backing Vocals
I'm Ready
Big Engine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, way too long
I'm tired of gettin' down to the same old sound of the same song
Yeah, the same old song
Pushin' everything to the limit
Yeah, I know what I want and I know how to get it
Full speed ahead and I'm taking control
I'm ready so let's go
Take your best shot
Take your best shot
Because I'm Ready
Yeah, I'm Ready
So let's go
I've been givin' into fears and grindin' my gears for too long
Yeah, too many years
Hidin' underground just waitin' to be found now I'm head strong
Provin' everybody wrong
The past is gone and we can't relive it
I've had all I can take now I'm ready to give it
I've been waitin' so long
Bring it on
I'm ready so let's go
Full speed ahead and I'm taking control
I'm ready so let's go
I'm bringin all that I got and I want you to know
That I'm ready
Yeah, I'm ready
So let's go
The opening lines of Big Engine's "I'm Ready" express a feeling of discontent and weariness that comes from having spent too many years in the same place, listening to the same sounds, and going through repetitive routines. The singer is fed up with leading a monotonous lifestyle and craves an escape from it all. He's determined to break out of this cycle and is prepared to seize every opportunity that presents itself, pushing himself to the limit in order to achieve his goals. The chorus is an anthem of his newfound confidence, as he asserts that he's ready for whatever challenges come his way and is prepared to take control of his life.
Throughout the song, there's a sense of defiance and rebellion against the past – the lyric "The past is gone and we can't relive it" suggests that the singer is determined to move forward, leave behind everything that's been holding him back, and prove those who doubted him wrong. The words "Take your best shot" indicate that he's not afraid of failure or criticism and is willing to take risks and endure setbacks in order to reach his destination.
Overall, "I'm Ready" is a declaration of independence, strength, and ambition that inspires listeners to take charge of their lives and pursue their dreams with conviction and perseverance.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been kickin' it around in this same old town for too long
I have been living in the same town for an extended period of time, and it's starting to feel monotonous and tiresome.
I'm tired of gettin' down to the same old sound of the same song
I am exhausted from constantly listening to the same music and dealing with a lack of variety in my surroundings.
Pushin' everything to the limit
I am determined to push myself to the brink of my capabilities.
I'm ready so let's go
I am prepared for whatever lies ahead and eager to take action.
Full speed ahead and I'm taking control
I am charging ahead at full throttle and seizing control of my life.
Take your best shot
I am daring others to give it their all and test me, confident in my ability to handle whatever comes my way.
I've been givin' into fears and grindin' my gears for too long
I have allowed my fears to control me and have been stuck in a mental rut for far too long.
Hidin' underground just waitin' to be found now I'm head strong
I used to be timid and avoidant, but now I am strong-willed and ready to assert myself.
The past is gone and we can't relive it
We cannot change what has already happened, and dwelling on it will only hold us back.
I've been waitin' so long
I have been anticipating this moment for a long time.
I'm bringin all that I got and I want you to know
I am putting forth my best effort and want everyone to recognize my determination and hard work.
Contributed by Benjamin M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@kimk7063
I CANT STOP COMING BACK TO THIS SONG
@samtgill00
I love you guys 😊
@jfowelder
I remember running around with Tony when this song first came out....,both are still awesome, both are still the best......great video....play that funky music white boy!
@alexbennett3840
We heard this song playing while walking past Colonial Oak Music Park in St. Augustine on 11/9/23. It has become the anthem of our vacation here. “Here’s your bill”: “I ain’t got no money.” “Your rent is due”: “I ain’t got no money.” Even after seeing Blackberry Smoke live at the amphitheater tonight, this is all we keep singing. Surprised it’s not a bigger hit 🤘🏻
@rawrzokitty
I love singing this song to my mom and dad.
@markstevens2610
Fantastic Guys, cant wait to see you again
@kriscrider1372
My daughters fav song play CD in the truck. Love the video can't wait to see y'all biketoberfest.
@HARDROCKPASSIONvideo
simply awesome!
@marshahoone9900
Great video! Great band! Always a great show! \,,/!!!
@user-zf2in5mx5r
my new Anthem