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.
If We Help One Another
Rick Springfield Lyrics
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If we help one another, na na na na ...
You know the path is never easy
No matter which one you might choose
But with you we can do it
Together we'll go through it.
If we help one another, na na na na ...
And if you need someone to lean on
Then you'll know just who to call
'Cause with you we can make it
Together we can take it.
If we help one another, na na na na ...
And if you need someone to lean on
Then you'll know just who to call
'Cause with you we can make it
Together we can take it.
If we help one another, na na na na ...
Na na na na ...
The lyrics of Rick Springfield's song "If We Help One Another" convey a message of hope, support, and unity. The singer acknowledges that life can be challenging, and the journey is never easy, but emphasizes that by helping each other, we can navigate through the obstacles and emerge stronger. The use of the repetition of "na na na na" creates a catchy and upbeat melody that resonates with the lyrics and brings a sense of optimism and comfort.
The first verse sets the tone by acknowledging the difficulty of life's journey and the importance of having someone beside you to share the road. The second verse emphasizes the importance of having someone to lean on and seek support when needed. The final verse serves as a reminder that we are not alone and we can conquer anything if we come together and help each other.
The song's message of solidarity and support is especially relevant today when so many people are struggling with various challenges. It reminds us that we all need each other and that by working together, we can overcome any obstacle.
Line by Line Meaning
You know the path is never easy
Life is full of challenges.
No matter which one you might choose
What path in life you choose, it will not be easy.
But with you we can do it
We need support from others to overcome challenges.
Together we'll go through it
We can overcome challenges by working together.
And if you need someone to lean on
We all need support from others at times.
Then you'll know just who to call
It's important to have a support system in place.
'Cause with you we can make it
Working together we can overcome challenges.
Together we can take it
With the support of others, we can overcome anything.
Na na na na ...
Refrain
Contributed by Caleb K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.