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.
WHY ARE YOU WAITING
Rick Springfield Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've tried turning back there's no point in that now
What should I say, what should I do?
Should I fix my hair, oh, why am I scared now?
Facing the world is so hard
Do you know what I mean?
People are so often hard
Why are you waiting?
Why are you waiting?
Why are you waiting?
What if I fail?
(You won't fail)
Why are you waiting?
What if I fail?
(You won't fail, you won't fail)
Look at me stand outside the door
Like a frightened child with a nervous smile see
What should I do, what should I say?
Should I speak at all, I am much too small now?
Facing the world is so hard
Do you know what I mean?
People are so often hard
And far too ready to say, hey, oh
Why are you waiting?
Why are you waiting?
Why are you waiting?
What if I fail?
(You won't fail)
Why are you waiting?
What if I fail?
(You won't fail)
Why are you waiting?
What if I fail?
(You won't fail, you won't fail, you won't fail)
The lyrics to Rick Springfield's song "Why Are You Waiting" are about the fear and uncertainty that comes with stepping out of one's comfort zone and taking risks. The singer is standing outside a door, unsure of what to do or say, and plagued by self-doubt. The repeated refrain of "Why are you waiting?" serves as a call to action, urging the singer to overcome their fears and take a chance.
The line "facing the world is so hard" captures the overwhelming feeling of anxiety that comes with putting oneself out there. The singer is acutely aware of the judgment and criticism that may come their way, and is hesitant to make themselves vulnerable. This sentiment is echoed in the second verse, where the singer likens themselves to a "frightened child" who is "much too small" to take on the challenges of the world.
Despite these fears, the song ultimately encourages the listener to take a leap of faith and pursue their dreams. The line "what if I fail?" is countered by the reassuring response of "you won't fail," emphasizing the importance of positive self-talk and having confidence in one's abilities.
Overall, "Why Are You Waiting" serves as a powerful anthem for anyone struggling with self-doubt and anxiety. The song reminds us that taking risks and pursuing our passions is never easy, but is ultimately necessary for personal growth and fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
What can I do, I'm at the door?
I have reached the point of no return. I cannot go back now and I don't know what to do.
I've tried turning back there's no point in that now
I have already come too far to turn back. Going back will not change anything.
What should I say, what should I do?
I am full of doubt and uncertainty; I don't know what to say or do.
Should I fix my hair, oh, why am I scared now?
I am feeling insecure and questioning myself. I am seeking comfort in little things like fixing my appearance, but I am still feeling afraid.
Facing the world is so hard
It is tough to deal with the challenges and obstacles of life.
Do you know what I mean?
Do you understand and relate to what I'm feeling and saying?
People are so often hard
People can be cruel and unforgiving in their judgments and criticism.
And far too ready to say, hey, oh
People can be quick to dismiss or belittle others' struggles and challenges.
Why are you waiting?
What is holding you back from taking action or making a change?
What if I fail?
I am afraid to fail and face the consequences.
(You won't fail)
You have the ability to do this; you will succeed.
What if I fail?
I am still worried that I will fail and looking for reassurance.
(You won't fail, you won't fail)
I am being comforted and reminded that I am capable and will succeed.
What if I fail?
I am still insecure and doubting myself.
(You won't fail, you won't fail, you won't fail)
I am being encouraged and motivated to overcome my fears and succeed.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind