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.
The Nebraska Song
Sawyer Brown Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I turned eighteen today
I'm college bound for Lincoln
Nebraska's where I'll stay
It's been my dream all my life
To play football on this field
And if I ever get the chance
I'll work hard I'll do my part
You won't hear me complain
I'll never go down easy
I swear I'll pull my weight
Hey there Mr. Osborne
I'll do anything to play
And it sure would be a honor sir
To call you coach someday
Here in the middle of the middle west
We ain't afraid to fight
Well I've looked to you sir
Now I'll look you in the eye
Well I hear something calling me
Like I've never heard before
It's a red and white freight train
And I want to get on board
I'll work hard I'll do my part
You won't hear me complain
I'll never go down easy
I swear I'll pull my weight
Hey there Mr. Osborne
I'll do anything to play
And it sure would be a honor sir
To call you coach someday
I came up from Goodland, Kansas
I turned eighteen today
I'm college bound for Lincoln
Nebraska's where I'll stay
The Nebraska Song by Sawyer Brown is a song about a young man who has just turned eighteen and is fulfilling his dream of playing football for the University of Nebraska, located in Lincoln. The singer sings about his determination and eagerness to work hard and make his mark on the team. He mentions his willingness to do anything to play, and even calls out Coach Tom Osborne in the hopes of catching his attention and earning a spot on the team.
The lyrics paint a picture of the middle west as a place where people are tough and unafraid to fight. The young man singing the song is a representation of that spirit, as he is determined to prove his worth and excel on the football field. The song captures the sense of excitement and possibility that comes with pursuing a dream and the fearlessness required to see it through. It's an inspirational and uplifting song that speaks to the spirit of perseverance and hard work that is required to achieve success.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I came up from Goodland, Kansas
I traveled from Goodland, Kansas to pursue my dream of playing football in Nebraska.
I turned eighteen today
Today is my eighteenth birthday, and I'm ready to start my journey towards my goal.
I'm college bound for Lincoln
I'm headed to the University of Nebraska in Lincoln for college.
Nebraska's where I'll stay
I plan to stay in Nebraska for as long as it takes to achieve my dreams.
It's been my dream all my life
Playing football in Nebraska has been my lifelong dream.
To play football on this field
I want to play football on the field in Nebraska and make my mark on the sport.
And if I ever get the chance
Given the opportunity, I will strive to achieve my goals and do my best.
I'll make you this deal
I promise to work hard and give my all to succeed in my endeavors.
I'll work hard I'll do my part
I am committed to working hard and doing everything in my power to succeed.
You won't hear me complain
I won't make excuses or complain when faced with challenges. I will persevere and overcome them.
I'll never go down easy
I will never give up or back down easily. I will fight until the end.
I swear I'll pull my weight
I promise to contribute, work hard, and do what it takes to succeed.
Hey there Mr. Osborne
Addressing the legendary coach, Tom Osborne, who coached the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team for many years.
I'll do anything to play
I am willing to give my all, make sacrifices, and do whatever it takes to play for his team.
And it sure would be an honor sir
It would be an immense privilege and honor to have you as my coach, sir.
Here in the middle of the middle west
Referring to the central region of the United States, located in the Midwest.
We ain't afraid to fight
People from this region are known to be tough, resilient, and not afraid to face challenges head-on.
Well I've looked to you sir
I have always admired and respected your coaching style and leadership, sir.
Now I'll look you in the eye
I am ready to take on any challenge and have the courage to face them with determination and a strong will.
Well I hear something calling me
I feel a strong, undeniable passion and drive that is pushing me towards my dream of playing football in Nebraska.
Like I've never heard before
This is a new level of motivation and inspiration that I have never experienced before.
It's a red and white freight train
This is a metaphorical representation of my passion, drive, and determination that is propelling me towards my goal.
And I want to get on board
I am ready to fully embrace and follow my passion to achieve my dreams.
Lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind