The band signed with Capitol Records and scored a Top 20 hit with their first single, "Leona," in 1984. That success was quickly followed by their first #1 hit, "Step That Step". The band had their ups and downs on the charts throughout the 1980s. But radio success was not really Sawyer Brown's strong suit. It never was. Rather, they have been successful due to their live performances. Fans flock to the band's concerts year after year, whether the band performs in a stadium, state fair, or casino. The live shows, more than anything, sustained the band until 1989's remake of the George Jones hit "The Race Is On" put them back near the top of the charts.
In 1991, after the release of their album Buick, guitarist Bobby Randall left the group to remain close to his family and host a short-lived TV talent show, You Can Be A Star. Duncan Cameron, formerly of The Amazing Rhythm Aces, was chosen as his replacement just as Sawyer Brown was about to become country music's "it" band. The band then switched labels, moving to Curb Records and releasing the albums The Dirt Road, Cafe On The Corner, and Outskirts Of Town, which saw hit after hit for the band in the early to mid-'90s.
Sawyer Brown was all over country music radio and television for much of the decade. After 1999's Top 10 hit "Drive Me Wild," however, the country music industry seemed to forget about Sawyer Brown in favor of newer acts like Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, and Keith Urban.
The band was having ups and downs in the charts again – mostly downs. In 2003, they parted with Curb, their record label of eleven years, and signed with Lyric Street Records. They released one single, "I'll Be Around", and then left Lyric Street as well. In 2004, they re-signed with Curb, but Duncan Cameron decided to leave the group to pursue a life-long dream of flying for Southwest Airlines.
Guitarist Shayne Hill was added to the lineup as they prepared for the release of their 20th album, Mission Temple Fireworks Stand. While Sawyer Brown is still looking to reclaim the top of the charts, their live shows continue to keep the band going strong.
Betty's Bein' Bad
Sawyer Brown Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Betty and her boyfriend
They had a big fight
She found out
What everybody knew
Too many cooks spoil the stew
She don't care
What nobody thinks
'til the whole town stinks
[Chorus]
Betty's bein' bad
Betty's bein' bad
She's bein' bad bad bad
She's out bein' bad
Betty's out bein' bad tonight
Betty and her boyfriend
They had a big fight
She went home when she found out
Said, "Pack your bags
I want you out"
Her boyfriend thought
She was talking jive
'Til he saw her standing
With a .45
A .45's quicker than 409
Betty cleaned house
For the very last time
[Chorus]
Now if you go out
And you see Betty
Don't scream and shout
Unless you are ready
You are ready to rock
Ready to roll
'Til hell freezes over
And you catch a cold
Betty's not mad
She's just getting even
Betty's bein' bad
It's her way of leaving
The Sawyer Brown song "Betty's Bein' Bad" is a rollicking country tune about a woman named Betty who is tired of putting up with her cheating boyfriend's nonsense. After confronting him about his infidelity, Betty takes matters into her own hands and kicks him out of the house. She even shows him she means business by pulling out a gun. The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Betty's bein' bad" as a nod to the fact that Betty is breaking the rules and being rebellious.
The lyrics of "Betty's Bein' Bad" paint a vivid image of a woman who has had enough and is willing to take risks to start a new life. The song is full of country music tropes, from the .45 pistol to the simple yet catchy chorus that encourages the listener to sing along. Through Betty's story, Sawyer Brown captures the spirit of heartbreak, revenge, and the thrill of doing something a little bit naughty. While the song is not particularly profound, it's sure to get your toes tapping and put a smile on your face.
Line by Line Meaning
Betty's out bein' bad tonight
Tonight Betty is up to no good
Betty and her boyfriend
Betty is accompanied by her partner
They had a big fight
The couple had a significant dispute
She found out
Betty got to know something
What everybody knew
It was already common knowledge to everyone else
Too many cooks spoil the stew
An excessive amount of people involved can damage the outcome
She don't care
Betty is indifferent
What nobody thinks
She is not concerned with others' opinions
She's gonna be bad
Betty intends to act recklessly
'til the whole town stinks
Her actions will become known and the town will be aware of her misdeeds
Betty's bein' bad
The chorus reiterates that Betty is up to no good
She went home when she found out
Betty headed back home after learning something
Said, "Pack your bags, I want you out"
She asked him to leave and take his belongings
Her boyfriend thought she was talking jive
Betty's partner believed she was just bluffing
'Til he saw her standing with a .45
He realized she was serious when he saw her with a gun
A .45's quicker than 409
A .45 handgun can cause more damage than a cleaning product
Betty cleaned house for the very last time
Betty ended her relationship with her partner and kicked him out for good
Now if you go out and you see Betty
If you see Betty outside
Don't scream and shout
Don't yell excitedly
Unless you are ready
Unless you are prepared
You are ready to rock
You are willing to have a good time
Ready to roll
You are prepared to be adventurous
'Til hell freezes over
You are willing to do that indefinitely
And you catch a cold
You're willing to face the consequences of taking risks
Betty's not mad
Betty isn't angry
She's just getting even
She wants to take revenge
Betty's bein' bad
The song ends by reiterating that Betty is misbehaving
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MARSHALL CHAPMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jetta Krantz
Just saw them last night. It was the first date of their 2019 tour. They put on an excellent show. Mark can still dance!!
Henry Skedel
Wish I could see them, always loved them high energy
graysonbr
I totally dig Mark's wardrobe. The guy really has some great stage presence!
Priscilla Wilemon
My Grandpa Loved This Song In the Memory Of Him I Played This Over And Over Again He Loved Y'all 🕯️🕯️🕯️🌹🌹🌹🌹🕯️🕯️🕯️
Roger Conroy
I have seen many live performances in my 60 some odd years, George Jones, Oak Ridge, Conway, to mention a few, but the most entertaining was Sawyer Brown. That guy knows how to work a stage and he is non stop. Excellent Group.
LyssaAnn91
One of my favorite Sawyer Brown songs :)
Kevin Knight
Can,t help but wonder if betty,isBETTY BOOP?
Peggy Green
Mark Miller is awesome I have seen them in VA numerous times and they are the best especially love Mark Miller and his dancing
Flynt Platz
Great song by a great band. Hard to believe that they got they're big start on Star Search with Ed McMahon.
doughesson
They were one of the few acts who actually had success after their appearance.