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.
Thank God for You
Sawyer Brown Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Girl don't you believe it's true
I know exactly how lucky I am
When I'm gettin' this close to you
It's high time I'm giving some praise
To those that got me where I am today
[Chorus]
Daddy for the whuppin'
The devil for the trouble that I get into
I got to give credit where credit is due
I thank the bank for the money
Thank God for you
A strong heart and a willing hand
That's the secret to my success
A good woman I try to be a good man
A good job, Lord I know I've been blessed
I'm just a part of a greater plan
It doesn't matter which part I am
[Chorus]
I gotta thank mama for the teachin'
Daddy for the preachin'
The devil for the trouble that I get into
I got to give credit where credit is due
I thank the bank for the money
Thank God for you
The lyrics of Sawyer Brown's song Thank God for You are about the singer recognizing his own success as being largely due to the influences in his life such as his parents, his struggles with the devil and ultimately finding the love of his life. The opening lyrics, "I've been called a self-made man, girl don't you believe it's true," suggest that there is more to his story than his own hard work and determination. He recognizes that he's lucky to have certain people and elements in his life that have shaped him into the person he is today.
In the chorus, Sawyer Brown highlights the influences in his life that have contributed to his success. He thanks his mama for her cooking and teaching, recognizing that she played a role in his upbringing and education. He thanks his daddy for the whuppin' and preaching, acknowledging that even though it may not have always been pleasant, it helped to shape him into the man he is today. He thanks the devil for the trouble he's gotten into, suggesting that struggle and adversity have helped him to grow and learn. Most importantly, he thanks God for his partner, recognizing that she completes his life and contributes to his happiness.
Overall, the lyrics of Thank God for You are a reminder that success in life is often a combination of luck, hard work, and the support of those around us. It's important to recognize and appreciate the people and elements in our lives that have contributed to our success, and to be grateful for the blessings that we've received.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I've been called a self-made man
I've been credited for my success, but there are others who have played a role
Girl don't you believe it's true
My success would not be possible without other people
I know exactly how lucky I am
I am fully aware of the opportunities and circumstances that have led to my success
When I'm gettin' this close to you
Being with you makes me realize how grateful I am for all the people who have helped me
It's high time I'm giving some praise
I should acknowledge and show appreciation for those who have contributed to my success
To those that got me where I am today
I owe my success to the people who have helped and supported me throughout my life
I gotta thank mama for the cookin'
My mom's home-cooked meals have provided me with nourishment and comfort
Daddy for the whuppin'
My dad's discipline and tough love have helped me develop character and resilience
The devil for the trouble that I get into
My mistakes and challenges have taught me valuable lessons and made me stronger
I got to give credit where credit is due
I need to recognize and acknowledge the people who have contributed to my success
I thank the bank for the money
My financial stability and resources have enabled me to pursue my goals and dreams
Thank God for you
I am grateful for the love, support, and guidance that you provide in my life
A strong heart and a willing hand
Having determination and a positive attitude are important for achieving success
That's the secret to my success
My outlook and attitude have helped me overcome challenges and achieve my goals
A good woman I try to be a good man
Being in a loving relationship inspires me to be the best version of myself
A good job, Lord I know I've been blessed
Having a fulfilling career and stable income is a privilege that I am thankful for
I'm just a part of a greater plan
I recognize that there is a higher power and purpose guiding my life
It doesn't matter which part I am
Every contribution, no matter how small, is important and valuable
I gotta thank mama for the teachin'
My mom's guidance and wisdom have helped me grow and learn
Daddy for the preachin'
My dad's values and beliefs have shaped my character and morals
Thank God for you
I am grateful for the love, support, and guidance that you provide in my life
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Beginner Music
Written by: Mac Mccanally, Mark Miller
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ian Michalski
When a self proclaimed dyed in the wool rocker comes back looking for a country song he heard on the radio with his grandparents 35 years ago because it's STILL in his head, you got yourself a good country song.
Aaron McClure
Probably closer to 25 years ago ;)
Becky Drogowski
90's country, THE BEST! Can't stand 99% of today's country! Loved this group. What a front man they have in Mark Miller!
Shawn Houck
Mark Miller cracks me up with his dancing. I luv it!
Shawn Houck
Excellent!@wesley8173
wesley8173
Shawn Houck Saw them at the Opry two years ago. He’s still dancing like this, I’m not even kidding. 😆
Nikster Goldie
Seeing SB live is on my bucket list. I loved them on Star Search and I love them now.
tjbigdog64
DAMN!!! I miss these guys! They had a hard hittin style and sound all their own!
Nymlith
This song never fails to remind me why I loved Sawyer Brown so much!
SharonisKaren
This brings back so many memories of my kids and I in the early to mid nineties! Country music was SO good back then.