The mini-album helped land the Satellites a recording contract with Elektra, which led to the release of their full-length, self-titled major-label debut a year later. It took a while for the album to pick up steam, but it eventually became a surprise platinum certified hit by the summer of 1987, due to the number five hit single "Keep Your Hands to Yourself," and another popular single/video, "Battleship Chains." Baird and the Satellites issued two more releases during the late '80s, 1988's Open all Night and 1989's In the Land of Salvation and Sin, but neither matched the success of their self-titled debut, and led to the group's split by the dawn of the '90s.
It didn't take long for Baird to regain his footing and begin a solo career, as evidenced by 1991's Love Songs for the Hearing Impaired (issued on Rick Rubin's Def American label). The album appeared to put Baird back on the right track commercially, as it spawned a popular single/video with "I Love You Period." But a long break ensued before the appearance of his sophomore solo effort, 1996's Buffalo Nickel, which sunk from sight shortly after release (the same year, the Georgia Satellites re-formed, but without Baird). He set his sights on producing and/or guesting on other artist's recordings, including Fred Haring's This Grand Parade, Will Hoge's Carousel, and Chris Knight's Pretty Good Guy. Baird, along with his group the Yayhoos (which formed in the midst of the unsuccessful Buffalo Nickel tour), released two albums: 2001's Fear Not the Obvious and 2006's Put the Hammer Down.
On My Way
Dan Baird Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I should′ve seen it coming
But I know now what's going down
I′m sure you've got your reasons
But I don't really need ′em
You′re just tired of having me around
One last request -- don't you waste my time
No need to break it gentle, we ain′t that sentimental
Keep it short and sweet and I won't drag my feet
I′ll just get up and on my way
Tell me -- are the words too hard to find?
Well, I know what's on your mind
Ain′t like we got a mystery
No need to carry on if it's already gone
I'll pack my bags and my dignity
One last request -- don′t you waste my time
No need to break it gentle, we ain′t that sentimental
You just say what you came to say
If you keep it short and sweet well I won't drag my feet
I′ll just get up, and on my way
I'll get on up baby, on my way
I′ll get on up baby, on my way
One last request -- don't you waste my time
No need to break it gentle, we ain′t that sentimental
You just say what you came to say
If you keep it short and sweet well I won't drag my feet
I'll just get up, and on my way
Get on up ... just say what you came to say
Get on up
Get on up now
I′ll get on up and on my way
I′ll get on up ... and I'll be on my way
I′ll get on up
I'll get on up now and on my way
The song "On My Way" by Dan Baird tells the story of a man who realizes that his relationship with his partner is coming to an end. He acknowledges that he should have seen it coming but it hit him without warning. The man understands that his partner has her reasons for wanting to end things, but he does not need to hear them because he already knows what is going on. He asks his partner to be direct and not to waste his time with too many words, promising that he will get up and leave without dragging his feet.
The language used in the song is straightforward and uncomplicated, reflecting the directness that the singer wants from his partner. He does not want her to sugarcoat the situation or to pretend that the relationship still has a chance. Instead, he accepts that it is time for them to part ways and is willing to move on. The song speaks to the experience of many who have been in a relationship that has run its course, and resonates with its listeners who may be grappling with similar feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
Well it hit me without warning
I didn't expect this, it came as a surprise.
I should′ve seen it coming
In hindsight, I realize there were warning signs I missed.
But I know now what's going down
I understand the situation and what needs to happen next.
I′m sure you've got your reasons
I don't understand why, but I know you have a good reason for this.
But I don't really need ′em
I don't need to know the reasons, just tell me what I need to do.
You′re just tired of having me around
I get it, you're over it and ready to move on.
One last request -- don't you waste my time
I don't have time for games or dragging things out.
No need to break it gentle, we ain′t that sentimental
Let's keep it simple and straightforward, no need for excessive emotions or drama.
You just say what you came to say
Be direct and clear about what needs to happen next.
Keep it short and sweet and I won't drag my feet
The quicker and easier you make this, the faster I can move on.
I′ll just get up and on my way
I'm ready to leave and move on from this situation.
Tell me -- are the words too hard to find?
I'm asking if you're struggling to express yourself or if you're holding something back.
Well, I know what's on your mind
I can tell that you're ready to end things and that's okay.
Ain′t like we got a mystery
This situation is pretty clear and straightforward, no need for confusion or speculation.
No need to carry on if it's already gone
If this is over, there's no point in dragging it out or trying to make it work.
I'll pack my bags and my dignity
I'm leaving with my self-respect intact and ready to move on.
Get on up ... just say what you came to say
I'm urging you to tell me what you need to so that we can both move on from this.
I′ll get on up baby, on my way
I'm leaving and nothing is going to hold me back.
Writer(s): Terry Anderson, Daniel J Baird
Contributed by Gabriella B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.