He received the Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance for "Jessie's Girl", which proved to be a career breakout moment. He followed with four more top 10 U.S. rock hits: "I've Done Everything for You", "Don't Talk to Strangers", "Affair of the Heart", and "Love Somebody". His two U.S. top 10 albums are 1981's 'Working Class Dog' and 1982's 'Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet', releases featuring an energetic sound earning both commercial and critical successes. As an actor, he portrayed the popular Dr. Noah Drake on the daytime drama 'General Hospital' from 1981 to 1983, and he sprang back into the role during 2005 to 2008 and 2012, returning again in 2013 for the show's 50th anniversary with his son (and fellow actor) Liam Springthorpe.
Though having gigantic success in the early to mid-80s, Springfield felt totally exhausted with the pressures of stardom. He would end up devoting more time to his personal and family life, though still releasing albums through the late 80s and onward. In 2010, Springfield published his well-received autobiography, titled 'Late, Late at Night: A Memoir', which detailed these struggles.
Born Richard Lewis Springthorpe, later adopting "Rick Springfield" in his performing days, in South Wentworthville on 23 August 1949, he spent the early part of his life around the western suburbs of Sydney, Australia. The son of Eileen and Norman Springthorpe, the latter a Australian Army career officer, he also has an older brother, Mike Springthorpe. Due to his father's Army career, the Springthorpe family moved to London, England, where they lived between 1960 to 1962. The family moved back to Australia in June 1962, where they settled in the Melbourne suburb of Ormond.
Inspired by the 60s pop rock boom around him, the young Rick Springfield took naturally to singing and songwriting. However, commercial success would come in sudden bursts for him, with the performer facing bouts of 'teen idol' worship (even spending a time doing music for kids as a sort of cartoon Mister Rogers from 1973 to 1975, with those songs put into his 'Mission Magic!' album) that concealed his desire to be taken seriously as a musician. Fully embracing a power pop and new wave sound, as played by contemporaries such as Cheap Trick, The Cars, and others, finally helped him hit the big time in a dramatic way. As well, in October 1984, Springfield married his longtime girlfriend, Barbara Porter, in his family's church in Australia.
When being interviewed about his autobiography, Springfield admitted that he dated while married, and that it was a problem that he has overcome. He mentioned in particular dating Linda Blair, Demi Moore, Connie Hamzy, Morgana Welch, and Geraldine Edwards (the inspiration for Penny Lane in 'Almost Famous'). Though on top of the world for a time, things proved unstable and uncertain. In 1985, when his first son was born and after the release of his 'Tao' album, Springfield took a break from his musical career to spend more time with his family, as stated before. He also resolved to deal with the off-and-on depression that had affected him since his adolescence. Springfield had suffered much in the 70s due to both the serious illness of his father, who died on 24 April 1981, and difficulties dealing with people in the music industry.
Recently, a new feature documentary, titled 'An Affair of the Heart: The Journey of Rick Springfield and his Devoted Fans, was filmed in 2010. The movie started on the film festival circuit in the spring of 2012. The performer's latest work is 2015's 'Stripped Down', a combination of covers, new material, and re-recorded tracks from his past that has attracted some critical praise.
Catch Me If You Can
Rick Springfield Lyrics
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Jean, Jean, Jeanie, catch me if you can
Do ya, do ya really want to try, oh my...
Jean, Jean, Jeanie, catch me if you can
Jean, Jean, Jeanie, catch me if you can
Do ya, do ya really want to try, my, my, my...
You know I want to be with you, but magic words are all you say
Jean, Jean, Jeanie, catch me if you can
Jean, Jean, Jeanie, catch me if you can
Do ya, do ya really want to try, my, my...
Merlin's magic daughter, I know that's what you are
I'm playing magic games with you, Its easier to guide a star
Jean, Jean, Jeanie, catch me if you can
Jean, Jean, Jeanie, catch me if you can
Do ya, do ya really want to try, my...woo
Magic lady waiting, your palace walls are tall
I can wait forever, but I'm climbing up the palace wall
Jean, Jean, Jeanie, catch me if you can
Jean, Jean, Jeanie, catch me if you can
Do ya, do ya really want to try, oh, my, my, my, my...
Jean, Jean, Jeanie, catch me if you can
Jean, Jean, Jeanie, catch me if you can
Do ya, do ya really want to try, my...
The lyrics of Rick Springfield's "Catch Me If You Can" are about a man trying to win the heart of a seemingly unattainable woman. The repeated chorus of "Jeanie, catch me if you can" conveys the idea of the woman being the one in control of the situation, with the man playfully challenging her to try and get him. However, it becomes clear that the man is willing to do whatever it takes to win the woman over, despite her using "magic words" and playing "magic games." The imagery of a "sweet magician's daughter" and "Merlin's magic daughter" adds to the idea of the woman being enchanting and otherworldly. The line "It's easier to guide a star" suggests that the man finds it easier to navigate the unpredictability of the woman's emotions than it would be to control a star in the sky.
Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of flirtation and playfulness, but also a sense of desperation on the part of the man to win over the woman he desires. The use of fantasy imagery adds to the sense of the woman being unattainable, and the chorus of "Jeanie, catch me if you can" suggests a constant back-and-forth between the two characters.
Line by Line Meaning
Jean, Jean, Jeanie, catch me if you can
The singer is addressing a woman named Jeanie, and is challenging her to catch him if she can.
Do ya, do ya really want to try, oh my...
The singer is questioning whether Jeanie really wants to try and catch him.
Sweet magician's daughter, weaving spells my way
The singer describes Jeanie as the daughter of a magician, who uses her charming ways to attract him.
You know I want to be with you, but magic words are all you say
The artist admits his desire to be with Jeanie, but feels frustrated with her constant use of magic words and spells.
Merlin's magic daughter, I know that's what you are
The artist compares Jeanie to Merlin's daughter, suggesting that she has inherited her father's magical abilities.
I'm playing magic games with you, Its easier to guide a star
The singer admits to engaging in playful magic games with Jeanie, but acknowledges that it's easier to guide a star than to capture her heart.
Magic lady waiting, your palace walls are tall
The singer addresses Jeanie as a magical and powerful woman, who has secluded herself in a palace with high walls.
I can wait forever, but I'm climbing up the palace wall
The artist is willing to wait forever to be with Jeanie, and is willing to climb the palace walls to reach her.
Do ya, do ya really want to try, oh my, my, my, my...
The artist repeats his question to Jeanie, wondering if she truly wants to try and catch him.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: RICK SPRINGFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind