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.
Just Gotta Sing
Rick Springfield Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just gotta sing to take your mind off the worry
Just gotta sing to make the whole world ring
Just gotta sing to take your mind off the hurry
Oh, I tell you it's easy
Oh, so light and easy
If you're feeling lowOpen up the door
Just gotta sing to make the whole world ring
Just gotta sing to take your mind off the worry
Just gotta sing to make the whole world ring
Just gotta sing to take your mind off the hurry
Oh, you know all about it
Yeah, why do you doubt it?
If you're a little down
Open up the door
Oh, da, da, da, da
(Just gotta sing, whoa, just gotta sing, whoa)
Open up the door
Just gotta sing to make the whole world ring
Just gotta sing to take your mind off the worry
Just gotta sing to make the whole world ring
Just gotta sing to take your mind off the hurry
Da, da, da, da
(Just gotta sing, whoa, just gotta sing, whoa)
Rick Springfield's "Just Gotta Sing" is a song about the power of music and singing to bring joy and alleviate stress. The lyrics emphasize that singing is a simple and effective way to make the whole world ring and take the mind off the worry and hurry of daily life. The song encourages listeners to open up the door and let the music in, suggesting that singing is a way to lift one's spirits and connect with others.
The repetition of the phrase "just gotta sing" throughout the song reinforces the idea that singing is an easy and accessible way to improve one's mood and outlook. The use of the phrase "make the whole world ring" suggests that music has the power to create a positive ripple effect that can benefit not just the individual but the larger community. The upbeat melody and sing-along chorus further reinforce the message of the song that singing is a fun and enjoyable way to improve one's well-being.
Overall, "Just Gotta Sing" is an uplifting and positive song that celebrates the transformative power of music and encourages listeners to embrace the simple joy of singing.
Line by Line Meaning
Just gotta sing to make the whole world ring
Singing has the power to create a positive and uplifting atmosphere that resonates throughout the world.
Just gotta sing to take your mind off the worry
Singing can help distract from negative thoughts and relieve stress.
Just gotta sing to take your mind off the hurry
Singing can provide a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of life and ease the feeling of rushing around.
Oh, I tell you it's easy
The act of singing is not difficult and can be done by anyone.
Oh, so light and easy
Singing has an effortless quality that can make it a pleasure to participate in.
If you're feeling low
If you are experiencing sadness or depression.
Open up the door
Try to embrace singing as a way to cope and alleviate those negative feelings.
Oh, you know all about it
You are aware of the benefits that singing can provide.
Yeah, why do you doubt it?
There is no reason to question the healing power of singing.
If you're a little down
If you feel slightly sad or unsettled.
Da, da, da, da
A rhythmic utterance that emphasizes the positivity associated with singing and helps to uplift mood.
(Just gotta sing, whoa, just gotta sing, whoa)
A repetition that further emphasizes the message of the song that singing can provide comfort and joy.
Open up the door
Encouragement to access the benefits of singing and experience a more positive state of mind.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind