Forbert signed a recording contract with Nemperor in 1978, and they released his debut album, Alive on Arrival, that same year. His song "Romeo's Tune", although "dedicated to the memory of Florence Ballard" on the sleeve of Forbert's second album Jackrabbit Slim (released in 1979), is not about Supremes singer Ballard who died in 1976. "Forbert admits that Ballard became a timely connection for "Romeo's Tune", written about a girl from Meridian. "That seemed like such bad news to me and such sad news. She wasn't really taken care of by the music business, which is not a new story". At around this time critics hailed Forbert as "The new Bob Dylan" because of a similar vocal timbre and thoughtful songwriting. The front cover of Jackrabbit Slim encourages such comparisons with its simplicity: a black and white photo of Steve Forbert playing a well-worn Martin acoustic guitar with a capo on it, his shirt tinted green. The record was recorded in Nashville and produced by John Simon who had worked with The Band.
After many successful years, Forbert sought out new inspiration and found it when he relocated to Nashville in 1985. Forbert's tribute to Jimmie Rodgers, Any Old Time, was nominated for a 2004 Grammy in the best traditional folk category. In 2006, he was inducted into the Mississippi Music Hall of Fame.
Recent albums include Strange Names & New Sensations (2007), The Place And The Time (2009), and Over With You (2012).
www.steveforbert.com
Complications
Steve Forbert Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Complications, complication going down
Complication in your life time
Complication all around, I say it so.
Complications, complications in the wind
Complication where you're bound for
You've been tryin' to do your job, tryin' to save a dollar
Tryin' to do the best that you can
Tryin' to pay the rent and keep your lights a-shining
Tryin' to be a simple kind of man.
Yes, indeed, but your problem is complications
Complications you to stay
Complications every night now
Complications everyday.
Tony plan a trip to Florida, gonna find this in the sun
.............................., went abroad and down
He was headed to the airport when the snow began to fall
It was days before he finally left the ground.
'Cause the complications
Complications in the air
Complications in the forecast, yes
Complication everywhere, everywhere now.
Judy finally got a vehicle, the auto of her dreams
Flashes supersonic road machine
Now she pulled into the pubs, but Ronnie bring her down to find out
Now she can't afford to take a gasoline.
Too bad but complications, complication all the time
Complications in your life time Judy
Complication's still your friend.
You'll be walking down the street, meet up with a friend
Young and seem to be a little mad at you
Yes, he takes you with a punch and leaves you on the ground there
Trying to figure it out, don't have a clue.
You just got complications
Complications knocks you down
Complications on the sidewalk bank
Complications on the ground, go ahead.
Just a complication, complication in the air
Complication in the forecast
Complication everywhere, everywhere.
Just complication, baby
Complication all the time
Complication in your footsteps
Complications in your mind.
The lyrics to Steve Forbert's song "Complications" speak about the various challenges and obstacles that one faces in life, which are referred to as "complications." The song talks about these complications in a matter-of-fact way, as if they are an inevitable part of life that we must all deal with. The verses give examples of different situations where complications can arise, such as trying to do a job, planning a trip, owning a car, or walking down the street. The chorus repeats the phrase “complications” over and over again, emphasizing the ubiquity of these challenges.
The lyrics suggest that these complications can be overwhelming and frustrating, as they can derail our plans and lead to unexpected consequences. Despite this, the chorus seems to suggest that we must accept these complications and move forward, as they are a part of life that we cannot avoid. The song takes on a somewhat melancholy tone, highlighting the difficulties that we all face, but also suggesting that we have the resilience to overcome these challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Complications, complication going down
There are numerous issues and challenges happening and going on around you.
Complication in your life time
Problems and complications existing within one's lifetime.
Complication all around, I say it so.
Problems and complications are present everywhere and surrounding us every day.
Complications, complications in the wind
There are issues and challenges that are unclear and unpredictable.
Complication where you're bound for
Problems and challenges exist wherever you may be heading to in life.
Complications we've been.
There has been a history of hardships, issues and challenges that we've encountered and gone through.
You've been tryin' to do your job, tryin' to save a dollar
You've been putting in the effort and trying your best to work hard and save money.
Tryin' to do the best that you can
Giving it your all and trying to do the best that you can in every situation.
Tryin' to pay the rent and keep your lights a-shining
Struggling to meet basic necessities like paying rent and keeping the lights on.
Tryin' to be a simple kind of man.
Trying to live life simply without too many complications and materialistic desires.
Yes, indeed, but your problem is complications
The issue is that there are too many challenges and hardships that need to be dealt with.
Complications you to stay
Challenges keeping you from progressing forward in life or moving on from a situation.
Complications every night now
Every night, there is a new challenge or problem that needs to be faced and dealt with.
Complications everyday.
Challenges and problems being faced in everyday situations and interactions.
Tony plan a trip to Florida, gonna find this in the sun
Tony has planned a trip to Florida to find some warmth and sun to escape from his problems.
.............................., went abroad and down
The lyrics here are unclear and cannot be assigned meaning.
He was headed to the airport when the snow began to fall
Tony's travel plans were hindered by weather conditions right before getting to the airport.
It was days before he finally left the ground.
It took multiple days and much effort before he was finally able to travel and leave his situation behind.
'Cause the complications
The cause of such hindrances and delays are due to the plethora of problems and challenges existing.
Complications in the air
Problems, challenges, and issues exist everywhere and are plaguing even the skies.
Complications in the forecast, yes
There are challenges and hardships that are predicted, expected, and anticipated in times ahead.
Complication everywhere, everywhere now.
Challenges, issues, and hardship are happening all around and everywhere now.
Judy finally got a vehicle, the auto of her dreams
Judy finally owns the car she has dreamt of having.
Flashes supersonic road machine
Her car is flashy and fast, reflecting her hard work and success in earning a pleasing car.
Now she pulled into the pubs, but Ronnie bring her down to find out
Though Judy was proud of her vehicle and went out, Ronnie tries to dampen her spirits and ruin her good time.
Now she can't afford to take a gasoline.
Her car, despite being a source of happiness, is now causing her financial issues to purchase gasoline for the supposed 'superior' vehicle.
Too bad but complications, complication all the time
Unfortunately, problems, issues and complications are constantly surrounding her despite her brief escape and accomplishment.
Complications in your life time Judy
Judy is not excluded from facing issues and problems, regardless of her earning of her dream car.
Complication's still your friend.
Problems and hardships will continue to follow Judy.
You'll be walking down the street, meet up with a friend
You will be walking and meet up with a friend during an activity in your daily life.
Young and seem to be a little mad at you
The friend seems to be young and upset at something you have done, shown through their mood and behavior towards you.
Yes, he takes you with a punch and leaves you on the ground there
The upset friend physically harms you with a punch and leaves you on the ground, causing you physical and emotional pain.
Trying to figure it out, don't have a clue.
You are left confused, trying to make sense of the situation and figuring out what went wrong.
Complications knocks you down
Problems and hardships come crashing down on you, causing you to stumble and fall.
Complications on the sidewalk bank
Challenges seem to be following and trapping you on all sides, including when you're walking on a sidewalk.
Complications on the ground, go ahead.
Challenges and problems exist from the ground beneath us even up to the skies, but we must continue to walk on and face them despite it all.
Just a complication, complication in the air
Problems and challenges exist even in the skies, surrounding and affecting us wherever we may be.
Complication in the forecast
Future troubles and hardships are predicted and anticipated, making it apparent that the road only gets harder from here.
Complication everywhere, everywhere.
Complications exist everywhere no matter where we go or what we do, and will continue to follow us all the way through our lifetime.
Just complication, baby
Life is filled and defined by numerous problems and challenges that we must work to overcome.
Complication all the time
Problems are constantly plaguing us in all areas of life.
Complication in your footsteps
Problems and challenges follow us no matter where we walk, and are defined by our own footsteps and actions.
Complications in your mind.
Challenges exist both in our physical world and also within our minds, affecting our thoughts and outlook on life.
Contributed by Hannah W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Rosanne Hurley
Have seen him play at least 6 times, and enjoyed every time! Have his vinyl and cds
Margaret Bicknell
Pops into my head uncounted times!!!
5757musicman
Love this song, so real.
joseph witkowski
Never will understand why he wasn't a huge success. Carved out a nice career but he deserved better.
Nancy Albino
Oh, how true!