Souther was greatly influenced by Texan Roy Orbison. Following his move to Los Angeles in the late 1960s, he met a young guitarist from Detroit named Glenn Frey. They bonded over their Detroit roots and a common love of country and R&B music. In short order, they began working together while sharing a small apartment in Los Angeles' Echo Park area (their downstairs neighbor was Jackson Browne with whom both Souther and Frey would collaborate on numerous projects).
Shortly after meeting, Souther and Frey formed a folk duo called Longbranch Pennywhistle. Their lone album, released in 1970 on Jimmy Bowen's Amos Records, featured significant contributions from guitarists James Burton and Ry Cooder, fiddler Doug Kershaw, drummer Jim Gordon, pianist Larry Knechtel and bassist Joe Osborn.
After recording an eponymous solo album in 1972, persuaded by David Geffen, Souther formed the Souther Hillman Furay Band with Chris Hillman and Richie Furay. The group released two albums, but creative tensions and lack of record sales, not to mention Furay's discomfort at playing secular music after a conversion to Christianity, led to the band's demise.
Souther is probably best known for his well crafted songwriting abilities, especially in the field of country rock. He co-wrote some of the biggest hits for The Eagles, including "Best of My Love", "Victim of Love", "Heartache Tonight", and "New Kid in Town". In 2008 "The Eagles" charted with "How Long" which was on his "John David Souther" album in 1972 (but written by Jack Tempchin, who also wrote "Peaceful Easy Feeling"). Souther avoided the spotlight deciding to not be one of "The Eagles" when they first formed! Nevertheless, he joined The Eagles on numerous occasions live on stage. As such and because of his significant songwriting contributions, he became known as "the secret Eagle".
He also wrote songs for several of Linda Ronstadt's multi-platinum albums, including "Faithless Love" from "Heart Like a Wheel" album and "White Rythm and Blues" included in her "Living in the USA" album. Linda once said JD was the best songwriter in the world. He also recorded several notable duets with Ronstadt including "Sometimes You Can't Win" and "Prisoner in Disguise". He also wrote for Bonnie Raitt including "Home" on her album "Sweet Forgiveness."
His biggest hit as a solo artist was the 1979 Orbison-influenced song "You're Only Lonely" from the album of the same name which reached the top 10 of the Billboard Charts. A collaboration with James Taylor called "Her Town Too" from Taylor's "Dad Loves His Work" reached number 11 on the Billboard Pop Singles Chart.
He was a Contributor on the Roy Orbison and Friends, A Black and White Night 1987 concert and video, and sang The Platters' "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" in the 1989 movie Always!
Believe Me
J.D. Souther Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No I ain't J.I don't try to call back when you need me
You can't get me jealous with niggas that wish they could be me
Never do shit when they see me
I’m always chillin believe
Girl I ain't trippin just know is your loss if you leave me
No I ain't J.I don't try to call back when you need me
You can't get me jealous with niggas that wish they could be me
I’m always chillin believe me
Just don't get mad when you see me pull up with an ebony badder than Riri
Or a spanish bitch named Ariana with a culo grande like gigi
Big booty looking 3D
No flat backs no tv
Once you leave ain't no running back No AP no Stevie
You dont ever have to worry
Im living life in a hurry
Shit crazy i'm really on my way to thirty
Focused on chicken no curry
Gave you my heart you could bury it
I don't want it back I ain't using it
When I gave you my love you just ruined it
When I gave you my love you just ruined it
Just cause you’re gone dont mean im alone baby girl i'm in my zone
I could choose any bitch in my phone
Take her home have her cooking for me in a thong
I bet if I hit up your bestie to text me she’s going to ride along
Ever try to disrespect me and I bet i'll fuck her to one of my songs
Girl I ain't trippin just know is your loss if you leave me
No I ain't J.I don't try to call back when you need me (nah nah)
You can't get me jealous with niggas that wish they could be me
Never do shit when they see me
I’m always chillin believe me
Girl I ain't trippin just know its your loss if you leave me
No I ain't J.I don't try to call back when you need me nah nah
You can't get me jealous with niggas that wish they could be me
Never do shit when they see me
I’m always chillin believe me
Getting more bread than a deli
these niggas is scary they’re food for the belly
Tell your ex hmu when he ready
Pull up with his boy call me melly
Thats two niggas deady
Cut his face with a chete
Too big for a band aid no nelly
You can’t get me jelly
I told you I’ll always be good
Baby I hit it already
If I want ill hit it again and if I want im going to be your friend
But I cant have you fuck another man
Then its a dub got to understand
If you want we could make it work
And if you dont we could make it end
Either way i'm going to get it in
Girl you know i'm going to always win
Girl I ain't trippin just know is your loss if you leave me
No I ain't J.I don't try to call back when you need me
You can't get me jealous with niggas that wish they could be me
Never do shit when they see me
I’m always chillin believe me
Girl I ain't trippin just know its your loss if you leave me
No I ain't J.I don't try to call back when you need me nah nah
You can't get me jealous with niggas that wish they could be me
Never do shit when they see me
I’m always chillin believe me
The lyrics in J.D. Souther's song Believe Me depict a sense of desperation and frustration. The first verse urges the listener to dive in and try again, to count to ten without getting angry, to resist hypocrisy, and to face the truth even if it's difficult. The following verse talks about how things aren't always what they seem, and how some experiences are impossible to comprehend unless you've lived through them. The third verse mixes elements of street life and crime with the idea of a message written on a wall, suggesting that even in the most mundane places, there can be hidden truths waiting to be discovered.
The chorus repeats the phrase "Baby you better believe me" to underscore the feeling of urgency and the sense that the singer is being genuine. The tone of the song is somewhat melancholic but also carries a thread of hopefulness, as if the singer is trying to reach out to someone and convince them to see things differently. Overall, the lyrics invite introspection and encourage the listener to take a second look at their assumptions and beliefs.
Line by Line Meaning
Take a breath dive in
Take a moment to collect yourself and fully immerse in whatever comes next.
Deeper than the water that you been swimming in
Go beyond your normal boundaries and push the limits of your comfort zone.
Let's begin again
Starting fresh and with a new perspective can be necessary for growth and progress.
Fucking count to ten but no fumbling cussin'
Maintain composure and stay calm even in challenging situations.
Nother' brother walk the line fussing
Others may struggle with staying on track, but it's important to remain focused and committed.
Black and white photograph cuffing
The past can be restrictive, but sometimes it's important to remember where you came from.
Eight digit number button buzzing
Technology and the modern world can be overwhelming and consuming.
Standing in the buff squat cough nothing
Being vulnerable and exposed, but remaining strong and resilient.
Gibber jabber hushin robitussin
Sometimes it's best to quiet the noise and find peace amidst chaos.
Last chance Cigarette puff it
Taking a moment to indulge before a big change or decision.
Down to the Gallow but you bluffing
Presenting a facade of power even in moments of weakness and vulnerability.
Hung for GBH but seen the book coming
Acknowledging the consequences of actions and being aware of potential outcomes.
Duck it on the chance it meant something
Taking risks and chances in pursuit of something greater.
Shadow box brick wall busting
Struggling to overcome obstacles and barriers that stand in the way.
Eyes see the whole World crushing
The weight of the world can be overwhelming and stressful at times.
Time ticking I can feel the blood rushing
The pressure of time can be intense and provoke a sense of urgency.
Baby you better believe me
Asserting one's truth and validity, and expecting others to trust and believe them.
Cause when I be talking you know I ain't tryna deceive yeah
Communicating honestly and openly without any ulterior motives or deceitfulness.
You act like you know where I been but wouldn't believe if you seen it
Others may think they understand someone's experiences, but truly comprehending is difficult without having lived it oneself.
Don't act like we one in the same cause I don't know if I believe it
Even if others try to relate or empathize, everyone's experiences and realities are unique and cannot be fully replicated.
If I told you the shit that I'm seeing you I'm telling you couldn't perceive it
Some things are so personal and otherworldly that they simply cannot be fully understood or grasped by others.
Concrete chatter speaks in a different tongue among a heathen
The amount of meaningless small talk and chatter in the world can be alienating and frustrating.
If you write it on the wall guarantee you coming back to read it
Leaving a mark or legacy that will stand the test of time and remain impactful and meaningful indefinitely.
Graphite boomerang season
Actions and consequences often come back around in unexpected ways.
Stash right overhang keeping
Hiding and protecting one's most prized possessions and secrets.
Nothing but my word
The value of trust, honesty, and keeping one's promises.
Peep sneak dissing flipping on a bird
Gossip and talking behind people's backs is petty and unproductive.
For no reason
Occasionally there is no rhyme or reason to someone's actions or behaviors.
Tripping on a verb
Small mistakes or oversights can sometimes have significant consequences.
Coz you scheming
Being aware and suspicious of others who may be plotting or manipulating.
Cutting meek sheep turn eye shut bluffing
The importance of standing up to bullies and not being intimidated or manipulated.
Cupping over hand right cash
Protecting and holding on tight to one's resources and assets.
Leaking hoover dam tap tight
The pressure and value of preserving and managing resources wisely.
Coming back to read if you might
The possibility of revisiting past events and experiences in order to learn and grow from them.
Recall what you see
The importance of retaining and remembering the past in order to inform the future.
Teaching to a young dumb ignorant
The obligation and potential impact of educating and enlightening the next generation.
In a week chatter discreet
The value of keeping certain thoughts, opinions, or secrets to oneself in order to preserve relationships or avoid unnecessary conflict.
Please be kind if you choose to rewind
When looking back at the past, it's important to be gentle with oneself and not judge oneself too harshly.
And fuck a rhyme and let the tingle drip down to your spine
Sometimes it's important to let go of structure and rules and simply let oneself feel and react naturally.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Juan Diaz Rivera
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind