After the guys worked on their sound for a while, inspired by gritty rock n roll, they finally recorded and released their first album, 1978's 'Molly Hatchet'. Then, in 1979, 'Flirtin' with Disaster' came out. The group's work earned them both critical praise and commerical success, the album hitting the #19 slot on the Billboard top 200 chart. Allmusic's Rob Theakston has spoken for many in writing that the "tour de force" of a record shows that " the band means business".
Yet the group's history would prove to be a rocky one. In 1980, Brown left the group to form The Danny Joe Brown Band (with future Molly Hatchet guitarist Bobby Ingram). He was replaced by vocalist Jimmy Farrar. After the release of Beatin' the Odds in 1980 and Take No Prisoners in 1981, Farrar left as well.
Brown rejoined the band in 1982 and Banner Thomas left and was replaced by Riff West. In 1983, a new album was released titled No Guts... No Glory. Steve Holland left and was replaced by keyboardist John Galvin.
In 1984 came the release of a new album The Deed Is Done. In 1985 Dave Hlubek left and he was replaced by Bobby Ingram. Then in 1985, the double live album Double Trouble Live was released.
The band continued to tour regularly, and then in 1989 the album Lightning Strikes Twice was released.
1990s
In 1991, the greatest hits collection Greatest Hits was released. Molly Hatchet was in ways similar to fellow Southern rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd in that it paired strong guitar work with a pounding boogie beat. When Brown left the band after Flirtin' with Disaster and was replaced by Farrar, the band's sound turned more to jamming and free form. When Brown returned in time for No Guts...No Glory, the original sound returned as well.
In 1996 due to a stroke and illness Brown had to leave the band, bringing in lead singer Phil McCormack to finish the album Devils Canyon in 1996.
At this point, the band consisted of members: vocalist Phil McCormack, guitarists Bobby Ingram and Bryan Bassett, keyboardist John Galvin, bassist Andy McKinney, and drummer Mac Crawford.
In 1998 Silent Reign Of Heroes was released. And in 1999 the band traveled coast to coast with Charlie Daniels and the Volunteer Jam.
2000s
In 2000, the album The Kingdom Of XII was released in Europe. The band went on tour to promote this album. It was released in the United States in 2001. Locked and Loaded (2003) and Warriors of the Rainbow Bridge (2005) followed. In January of 2005, Ingram invited Hlubek to rejoin Molly Hatchet and in doing so became the only current member who was a part of the original band.
On Thursday, March 10, 2005, after Brown was hospitalized for four weeks, he died less than an hour after returning to his home in Davie, Florida with his family and friends at his side, at the age of 53 from complications from pneumonia. He had previously left the group due to the suffering from a massive stroke in 1995 while driving to his brother's house. After a long battle with diabetes and the effects of the stroke, Brown was able to take the stage one last time at the Jammin' for DJB benefit concert in 1998 where with the help of his friends he ended the show with "Flirtin' with Disaster."
On Monday, June 19, 2006, founding guitarist Duane Roland died in St. Augustine, Florida at the age of 53. He had been playing with the band Gator Country, consisting of former members of Molly Hatchet, as late as May of 2006. His death was listed as being of "natural causes".
Bruce Crump (July 17, 1957 – March 16, 2015) was the original drummer from 1976 to 1983 (including their 1980 hit song "Flirtin' with Disaster" ) and 1984 to 1991. He also played as a member of Canadian band Streetheart in the early 1980s, and joined several of his former Molly Hatchet bandmates in the band Gator Country in the mid-2000s. At his death, Crump was in the Jacksonville, Florida-based band White Rhino and the newly reformed China Sky.
Bass guitarist Banner Thomas died of complications of pneumonia, at 63, on April 10, 2017.
Dave Hlubek died of a heart attack on September 3, 2017, at the age of 66.
Jimmy Farrar, who was frontman from 1980 to 1982, died of heart failure on October 29, 2018, at 67. Singer Phil McCormack died on April 26, 2019 at 58 (McCormack had been sidelined in early 2019, after suffering from health troubles that affected his voice andwas replaced by singer Jimmy Elkins, who continued on with Hatchet after McCormack's death).
Steve Holland, the last original member of Molly Hatchet, died on August 2, 2020.
Sharp Dressed Man
Molly Hatchet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I don't know where I am goin' to
Silk suit, black tie
I don't need a reason why
They come runnin' just as fast as they can
'Cause every girl crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man
Gold watch, diamond ring
Cufflinks, stick pin
When I step out I'm gonna do you in
They come runnin' just as fast as they can
'Cause every girl crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man
Top coat, top hat
Well, I don't worry 'cause my wallet's fat
Black shades, white gloves
Lookin' sharp and lookin' for love
They come runnin' just as fast as they can
'Cause every girl crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man
The lyrics to Molly Hatchet's song "Sharp Dressed Man" are about a man who is confident in his appearance and is aware of the attraction that comes from dressing well. The opening lines describe the man's attire: a clean shirt, new shoes, a silk suit, and a black tie. He does not know where he is going, but he knows that he looks good. The following lines talk about his accessories: a gold watch, diamond ring, cufflinks, and a stick pin. He is not missing anything and is ready to step out and make an impression.
The chorus repeats the idea that women are crazy about a sharp dressed man. The man's appearance alone is enough to attract them. The second verse describes the man's delight in his wealth - his top coat, top hat, and fat wallet. He is also looking for love, and his appearance is part of what he believes will attract it. The song's overall message is that dressing well is an essential part of getting attention and finding love.
Overall, "Sharp Dressed Man" is an ode to the power of fashion and style. It suggests that dressing well can be a confidence booster, a way to attract attention, and a means to find love. The song has an upbeat, energetic tone that matches its message, and its catchy chorus has become a classic.
Line by Line Meaning
Clean shirt, new shoes
I am dressed immaculately, wearing a clean shirt and new shoes.
And I don't know where I am goin' to
Despite my sharp dress, I am unsure of my destination.
Silk suit, black tie
I am dressed in the finest attire, wearing a suit made of silk and a black tie.
I don't need a reason why
I don't need a reason to dress this way, as it is indicative of my success.
They come runnin' just as fast as they can
Women are attracted to me and flock to me when they see me dressed in such high fashion.
'Cause every girl crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man
Women have a natural affinity for a well-dressed man.
Gold watch, diamond ring
In addition to my stylish clothing, I also wear expensive accessories such as a gold watch and diamond ring.
I ain't missin' not a single thing
I have everything I need to look and feel like a successful man.
Cufflinks, stick pin
My attention to detail is flawless, as I am wearing cufflinks and a stick pin to complete my look.
When I step out I'm gonna do you in
When I go out in public, I will impress everyone and turn heads with my fashionable appearance.
Top coat, top hat
My attire is so impressive that I even wear a top coat and top hat.
Well, I don't worry 'cause my wallet's fat
I am not concerned with spending money to achieve my charming appearance because I have a lot of money in savings.
Black shades, white gloves
For any additional flair, I wear black sunglasses and white gloves to complete my fashionable outfit.
Lookin' sharp and lookin' for love
I am dressed sharply and seeking love, as my impressive style is sure to attract the affections of any woman I desire.
They come runnin' just as fast as they can
Women become captivated with me as soon as they glimpse my impressive clothing and accessories.
'Cause every girl crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man
It is a known fact that women are attracted to well-dressed men.
Contributed by Evan Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.