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 Can Really Do It
Rick Springfield Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You Can Really Do It if you try
You Can Really Do It if you try
If you'll just let your mind take over
I, I, I believe in you, you know there's nothing you can't do
Sun, sun, sun will shine on, shine on through
The moment that you realize it's true, Oh yes it is
You Can Really Do It if you tryYou Can Really Do It if you try
You Can Really Do It if you try
If you'll just let your mind take over
Dream, dream, dream, no time to dream away
Cause you've got better things to do
High, high time to get yourself together
''cause I know you can make it, if you try, oh yes you can
You Can Really Do It if you try
You Can Really Do It if you try
You Can Really Do It if you try
If you'll just let your mind take over
High, high time to get yourself together
''cause I know you can make it if you try, oh yes you can
You Can Really Do It if you try
You Can Really Do It if you try
You Can Really Do It if you try
You Can Really Do It if you try
You Can Really Do It if you try
You Can Really Do It if you try
If you'll just let your mind take over
The song "You Can Really Do It" by Rick Springfield is an uplifting and motivational track that encourages listeners to believe in themselves and their abilities. The repeated phrase "You can really do it if you try" serves as the central message of the song. The lyrics emphasize the power of the mind and the importance of optimism and determination. The lines "If you'll just let your mind take over" and "Dream, dream, dream, no time to dream away" suggest that achieving success requires a positive and proactive mindset.
The song urges individuals to channel their energy and time toward productive activities and pursuits, as exemplified in the lines "Cause you've got better things to do" and "High, high time to get yourself together." The inclusion of phrases like "Sun, sun, sun will shine on through" and "I believe in you" further reinforce the song's positive message and intention of bolstering listeners' self-confidence.
Overall, "You Can Really Do It" is a motivational track that encourages listeners to pursue their passions and believe in themselves, even when faced with obstacles or setbacks.
Line by Line Meaning
You Can Really Do It if you try
Believe in yourself and make an effort to achieve your goals.
If you'll just let your mind take over
Use your mental power to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
I, I, I believe in you, you know there's nothing you can't do
The singer has faith in the listener's ability to succeed, and encourages them to believe in themselves too.
Sun, sun, sun will shine on, shine on through
Success and happiness will come to those who keep trying and persevering.
The moment that you realize it's true, Oh yes it is
When you believe in yourself and your potential, success becomes more attainable.
Dream, dream, dream, no time to dream away
Dreams are important, but it's also important to take action towards making them a reality.
Cause you've got better things to do
Don't waste your time and potential on unproductive activities.
High, high time to get yourself together
It's important to focus, stay organized, and take action towards achieving your goals.
''cause I know you can make it, if you try, oh yes you can
The singer reiterates his confidence in the listener's ability to succeed.
You Can Really Do It if you try
Success is within your reach if you make an effort and believe in yourself.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: RICK SPRINGFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind