History
The band was formed in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1965 named simply "The Heywoods", not after anyone in the band or connected with it, but from the last name of a songwriter on a Rolling Stones album because they liked the sound of the name.
They were first discovered while touring with The Osmonds in the early 1970s and signed with Family Productions, releasing their first song in 1972, "Special Someone", but their big break came after moving to ABC Records and working with star producer Steve Barri in 1973. Beginning in 1974, the band released the songs "Billy Don't Be A Hero", "Who Do You Think You Are", "The Heartbreak Kid" and "Our Last Song Together".
Endgame
In 1975, they began migration to a 3rd, 4th and 5th label as the hits dried up by the end of the decade. By 1978, they were known as "The Bo Donaldson Band" and eventually split after trying Country music with no success in the 1980s. They reformed again in 1996 as a nostalgia act and still make appearances, most notably in the Barry Williams-hosted nostalgia show Original Idols Live.
Members
Robert Walter "Bo" Donaldson - Keyboards
Mike Gibbons - Lead Vocals & Trumpet
David Krock - Bass & background vocals
Rick Joswick - Lead singer and tambourine
Gary Coveyou - Saxophone, flute & Background Vocals
Baker Scott- Lead Guitarist
Richard Brunetti - Drums
Who Do You Think You Are
Bo Donaldson & The Heywoods Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm just a guy who only wants to try
To do what's right and never make you cry
But you're no good to me, and
Who do you think you are?
You try to push me a bit too far
And every day sees another scar
If you want me there, you gotta care
Who do you think you are, taking advantage of me this way?
Who do you think you are, hurting me more with everything you say?
It's not fair, you don't care
Who do you really think that you are?
Where are we?
We're at the crossroads and I just can't see
Which road to take to keep you here with me
The lights are down and baby,
Who do you think you are?
You try to push me a bit too far
And every day sees another scar
Tell me, who do you think you are?
If you want me there, you gotta care
Who do you think you are, taking advantage of me that way?
Who do you think you are, hurting me with everything you say?
It's not fair, you don't care
Who do you really think that you are?
Who am I?
I'm just a guy who only wants to try
To do what's right and never make you cry
But you're no good to me, and
Who do you think you are?
You try to push me a bit too far
And every day sees another scar
Tell me, who do you think you are?
Yeah, baby, who do you think you are?
You try to push me a bit too far
And every day sees another scar
Tell me, who do you think you are?
The lyrics of Bo Donaldson & The Heywoods's song "Who Do You Think You Are" touch upon the theme of a troubled relationship. The singer, who seems to be a male partner, acknowledges his good intentions, stating that he only wants to do what's right and not make his significant other cry. Yet, he's specifically addressing his partner as someone who doesn't appreciate him or care about his wellbeing. The chorus puts forward the question, "who do you think you are?" which is more of an expression of frustration and disappointment rather than an actual inquiry into his partner's self-identity. The repetition of this line accompanied by the images of scars and wounds gives the listener a sense of the singer's vulnerability and pain. The song suggests that the couple is at a cross-road and seems to be struggling with deciding whether or not they want to continue the relationship.
The verses and the chorus of "Who Do You Think You Are" work together to express the complexity of a relationship that is not working. The singer, who thinks of himself as a "guy who only wants to try," still has concerns and questions, asking "If you want me there, you gotta care." He is communicating that he wants to reciprocate and work towards a healthy relationship, but he cannot do it alone. This line puts the responsibility of the relationship on both parties, and it is not just his partner's attitude that has created this tension. The song ends with the repetition of the same chorus, and the singer seems to be questioning his partner's ability to care for him, as he asks, "who do you think you are?" one last time.
Line by Line Meaning
Who am I?
The singer wants to know more about their own identity.
I'm just a guy who only wants to try
The singer is a simple man who desires to do the best he can.
To do what's right and never make you cry
The singer's intention is to always act for the greater good and avoid causing emotional pain to others.
But you're no good to me, and
The artist has come to the realization that the person they are addressing in the song is not positive for their life.
Who do you think you are?
The artist wants to know why the other person behaves in a negative and hurtful manner.
You try to push me a bit too far
The singer feels like the other person is intentionally crossing boundaries and testing their limits.
And every day sees another scar
The actions of the other person are causing emotional pain and damage regularly to the singer.
Tell me, who do you think you are?
The artist is requesting an explanation for the other person's negative actions and attitude.
If you want me there, you gotta care
The artist's presence and involvement require genuine love and concern from the other person.
Who do you think you are, taking advantage of me this way?
The other person is exploiting the artist's kindness and vulnerable position for their benefit.
Who do you think you are, hurting me more with everything you say?
The other person's words are causing emotional pain and damage to the singer.
It's not fair, you don't care
The artist feels that the other person is acting in an unjust manner without any regard for their feelings or well-being.
Who do you really think that you are?
The singer is questioning the true nature and personality of the other person who is acting negatively towards them.
Where are we?
The singer is lost and unsure of the direction of their relationship with the other person.
We're at the crossroads and I just can't see
The singer and the other person have reached a critical point in their relationship, and the singer is unable to see a way forward.
Which road to take to keep you here with me
The artist's desire is to keep the other person in their life and move forward in a positive direction with them.
The lights are down and baby,
The situation is tense and uncertain.
Yeah, baby, who do you think you are?
The singer is exasperated and is repeating their earlier question, emphasizing the frustration and confusion they feel.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CATHY DENNIS, JON OSCAR LISNERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ronnieyoung544
Only people from my generation can know the feeling I feel when I hear this song. I was 15 when this song was popular. Phenomenal music, drop dead gorgeous girls, muscle cars. Thank God I was born in 1959 you couldn't pay me to switch my timeline for anything in the world.
@birdsfan57
You said it perfectly!
@paulwalker1443
Yes '59 baby here too. We were at the exact right age to enjoy this ear candy.
@duckboy5725
nobody wants to live in that century 😂😂😂
@albertgray1814
You'll get no argument from me, mate. I love this song too! 🙂
@ricogomez4020
You mean you wouldn't trade those years for lame music and movie remakes, tattooed girls and a phone to have 24/7 to talk?
@djdavemick
RIP lead singer Mike Gibbins. Passed away in 2016, so sad.
@birdsfan57
And Rick Joswick in 2015...RIP to both of those lovely, sweet, talented gentlemen...miss them AND the 70's...
@sandyhanson6082
Oh man I didn't know that!😢
@donbeggs7613
This is their very best song. Love it!