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.
Welcome to the Rodeo
Rick Springfield Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It ain't rock 'n' roll but I don't care, no, no, no, no
Look at me move I'm the king of the rodeo
Everybody, Welcome To The Rodeo, everybody, Welcome To The Rodeo
Come on now, and don't you stay up there, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
''cause you're my lady and it just ain't fair, no, no, no, no
Look at you move you're the queen of the rodeo
Everybody, Welcome To The Rodeo, everybody, Welcome To The Rodeo
Yeah yeah, yeah yeah, just sit back and watch the show
Everybody, Welcome To The Rodeo
Everybody, Welcome To The Rodeo, everybody, Welcome To The Rodeo
Yeah yeah, yeah yeah, just sit back and watch the show
Everybody, Welcome To The Rodeo
Yeah yeah, yeah yeah, Welcome To The Rodeo
Yeah yeah, yeah yeah, Welcome To The Rodeo
"Welcome To The Rodeo" by Rick Springfield is an upbeat tune with a distinct country-rock vibe. The opening lines of the song suggest a call to action, inviting someone to take their seat and enjoy the show. The singer is clearly excited to take center stage and show off his moves, asserting that he's the "king of the rodeo." The chorus emphasizes the communal nature of this event, inviting everyone to take part and enjoy the ride.
As the song progresses, we learn that the singer's lady is also present, and he implores her to come down from her seat and join the festivities. He deems her the "queen of the rodeo" and wants her by his side as they both revel in the energy of the event. This song is not just about one person showing off their skills but rather a celebration of the community coming together to feel alive and witness others in their element.
"Welcome To The Rodeo" is a song that encapsulates the spirit of Rick Springfield's music, which is all about sharing joy and good vibes with others. It's a catchy, fun tune that invites everyone to let their hair down, move their feet, and feel the rush of being in the moment.
Line by Line Meaning
Come on baby, get your seat up there, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I invite you to join me in this experience and take your seat, regardless of any discomfort or unease
It ain't rock 'n' roll but I don't care, no, no, no, no
This experience may not have the traditional charisma of rock and roll, but it still excites me and brings me joy
Look at me move I'm the king of the rodeo
I am in my element and confidently showcasing my abilities and prowess in this situation
Everybody, Welcome To The Rodeo, everybody, Welcome To The Rodeo
I am extending a welcoming invitation to everyone present to enjoy and partake in this experience
Come on now, and don't you stay up there, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Don't just observe from afar, participate and live in the moment with me
''cause you're my lady and it just ain't fair, no, no, no, no
Because I care about you and want you to share in this experience with me, it's not fair to keep you separated
Look at you move you're the queen of the rodeo
I see your confidence, beauty and grace as you join me in this experience, making you the perfect partner for this adventure
Yeah yeah, yeah yeah, just sit back and watch the show
Relax and take in the scene, enjoy the entertainment, and let me take the reins
Yeah yeah, yeah yeah, Welcome To The Rodeo
I once again welcome all of you to join me in this exciting adventure without reservation or fear
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: RICK SPRINGFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind