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.
You'd Better Think Twice
Rick Springfield Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But everyone is different in their own way
[Chorus]
You'd better think twice about it
You'd better think twice about it
You'd better think twice about it, about it
Mama spanks her baby; makes the baby cry
But baby is the apple of her eye
[Chorus]
Sometimes I get unhappy with the things you do
But don't think I don't love you, 'cause you know I do
[Chorus x 2]
About it
In Rick Springfield's song You'd Better Think Twice, the lyrics seem to explore the idea of judgement and acceptance. The opening line, "People may seem crazy, every single day," suggests that every individual may be perceived as "crazy" or different in some way, but ultimately that is what makes them unique. The chorus, "You'd better think twice about it," emphasizes the importance of not judging or immediately dismissing someone based on first impressions. It encourages the listener to take a step back and consider different perspectives before making judgments.
The second verse describes a mother disciplining her child, but then notes that the child is still the "apple of her eye." This further emphasizes the idea of looking beyond surface actions and seeing the deeper connections and love that exist between people. The final verse seems to address a personal relationship, acknowledging that there can be moments of unhappiness or disagreement, but that love still exists despite those feelings.
Overall, the song seems to be a message of acceptance and understanding, encouraging listeners to look beyond first impressions and judgements and instead see the unique qualities and love that exist within individuals and relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
People may seem crazy, every single day
People may act strangely and unpredictably, but that's just because everyone has their own unique personality.
But everyone is different in their own way
Each person has their own distinct traits and characteristics that make them who they are.
You'd better think twice about it
You should consider the consequences carefully before making a decision.
Mama spanks her baby; makes the baby cry
Sometimes parents discipline their children, even if it causes some temporary upset.
But baby is the apple of her eye
Despite the discipline, the child is still very loved and cherished by their parent.
Sometimes I get unhappy with the things you do
Occasionally, I might be unhappy about your actions or choices.
But don't think I don't love you, 'cause you know I do
However, even if I'm not always happy with you, it doesn't mean I don't genuinely love and care for you.
About it
This is just a repetition of the 'about it' from the chorus, emphasizing the importance of thinking carefully before acting.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: RICK SPRINGFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind