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
Schoolgirl
Steve Forbert Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Show a little hospitality?
I'm a lonesome stranger in your college town baby
School girl won't you walk me round?
School girl with your fancy looks?
Hey baby let me tote your books
Won't you try a little love you can't go wrong, darlin'?
Yeah, it's a hey, hey
Hey yes and the sun is sinking down its a going away
It's a hey, hey
Alright, every nighttime is the right time to say okay
School girl let me help you please
Have you studied 'bout the birds and the bees?
You can write a little paper on the rites of spring, baby
School girl sha la la le, yeah
It's a hey hey
And now the sun is sinking down and its going away
It's a hey, hey
Yes and the night time is the right time to say okay
Ground me
School girl tell me what you say
Hey baby don't you turn away
Stop thinking over, honey, don't you want a romance?
School girl give me half a chance
One more time how 'bout a hey, hey
Hey yes and the sun is sinking down its a going away
It's a hey, hey
Every nighttime is the right time to say okay
Hey, school girl give me half a chance
Yes baby, alright
The lyrics of Steve Forbert's song "Schoolgirl" are about a lonely man who is asking a girl he sees on campus to talk to him, walk him around, and let him help her with her studies. Although the title of the song may suggest that it's about a high school girl, the lyrics indicate that it's about a college girl, as the man calls her "school girl" and mentions her being in a "college town."
The chorus of the song, which begins with "hey, hey" and repeats throughout the song, adds a playful element to the lyrics and gives the song a catchy, upbeat tune. The man is persistent in his pursuit of the girl, asking her to give him "half a chance" and not to "turn away."
The lyrics of "Schoolgirl" can be interpreted as a light-hearted, innocent attempt at romance, with the man showing an interest in the girl's studies and trying to woo her with flattery. However, in today's context, some may interpret the lyrics as objectifying and inappropriate, as the man is essentially hitting on a stranger he sees on campus without respecting her boundaries or consent.
Line by Line Meaning
School girl won't you talk to me?
As a lonely stranger in your college town, could you please show me some hospitality and engage in conversation with me?
Hey baby let me tote your books
Would you permit me to carry your books? I want to display my affection and admiration for you.
School girl let me walk you home
May I have the pleasure of escorting you to your place of residence?
School girl let me help you please, have you studied 'bout the birds and the bees?
I'm offering my help to you, and also inquiring if you have learned about reproduction in school.
You can write a little paper on the rites of spring, baby
Perhaps you could write about the traditional rituals and customs of spring, and I can assist you with that task.
School girl sha la la le, yeah
Just expressing my fondness for you, my dear school girl.
Stop thinking over, honey, don't you want a romance?
Please don't contemplate too much, my love. Could you not say yes to the idea of a romantic relationship with me?
School girl give me half a chance
Please bestow upon me the opportunity to prove my intentions and love for you.
Yes baby, alright
I hope you agree and accept my offer, my sweet school girl.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: STEVE FORBERT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Irish Rover
I love these peeks into Steve's vault of memories. Great song, great arrangement and great energy. Steve, you are the man!
Peter Wismans
Brings back very good memories from the early eighties. I was 13 at the time and still love this song..!
Thanks Stevie, for putting this special performance back on YT.
Don Lowe
Love this!!!
David Uttal
Wonderful. When you recorded the album version, did you use the accordion? I always thought that part was you playing hsrmonica.
Leslie Thorsen
Love it Love Stevie and love Ronnie!!!
jim catalfamo
Man I would love to have a cup of coffee with this dude.
Miss Goldie
In fb jail, so here, I can say "LORD YES"!!!!!!