Steve Goodman (July 25, 1948 – September 20, 1984) was an American folk mu… Read Full Bio ↴Steve Goodman (July 25, 1948 – September 20, 1984) was an American folk music singer-songwriter from Chicago, Illinois. The writer of "City of New Orleans", made popular by Arlo Guthrie, Goodman won two Grammy Awards.

The Chicago-born singer-songwriter, was discovered by Kris Kristofferson. He collaborated with close friend John Prine throughout his career. His superb guitar ability (honed at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music) and creative songwriting ability led him to success in the 1970s folk scene. Often funny, sometimes heartbreaking, always unpredictable, Steve Goodman was the consummate performer whether in a small Chicago venue, Austin City Limits, or opening for Steve Martin (and often stealing the show!). Steve is probably best known for his song "City of New Orleans", which was later covered by Arlo Guthrie among others. He has also been covered by Jimmy Buffett and many others. Steve was the ultimate suffering Chicago Cub fan, writing the songs "Go, Cubs, Go" and the unfortunately very true "A Dying Cub Fans Last Request".

Steve's life was cut short in 1984 by leukemia, but fortunately an extensive catalog remains, including the recently released, "Live at the Earl" as well as the DVD "Steve Goodman Live at Austin City Limits and More."

So Fine
Steve Goodman Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

So fine, so fine, so fine, yeah
My baby's so doggone fine
Sends cold chills up and down my spine
Oh oh, yeah, so fine

She thrills me, she thrills me, she thrills me, yeah
My baby thrills me all the time
She sends cold chills up and down my spine

Whoa yeah, so fine

And I know that she loves me so
I know because my baby tells me so

So fine, so fine, so fine, yeah
My baby's so doggone fine
Sends cold chills up and down my spine
Whoa, yeah, so fine

And I know that she loves me so
And I know because my baby tells me so

So fine, so fine, so fine, yeah
My baby's so doggone fine
Sends cold chills up and down my spine

Oh yeah, so fine
Whoa, yeah, so fine

Overall Meaning

In Steve Goodman's "So Fine," the singer expresses his admiration and love for his partner who he sees as being incredibly attractive and thrilling. The words "so fine" are repeated multiple times throughout the song in order to emphasize just how amazing the singer's partner is. The singer notes that his partner sends "cold chills up and down" his spine, which suggests that his attraction to her is so strong that it is almost overwhelming. The repeated use of "whoa yeah" and "oh yeah" also convey a sense of excitement and passion for the singer's partner.

Although the song is relatively short and simple, it effectively conveys the intensity of the singer's feelings for his partner. The final line, "And I know that she loves me so / And I know because my baby tells me so," emphasizes the reciprocal aspect of their relationship and suggests that the singer feels secure in his partner's love for him.

Overall, "So Fine" is a straightforward but effective love song that emphasizes the intense physical and emotional attraction between two people.

Line by Line Meaning

So fine, so fine, so fine, yeah
My baby is truly amazing and top-notch

My baby's so doggone fine
My beloved is incredibly beautiful

Sends cold chills up and down my spine
I feel intense emotions and excitement whenever I am with her

Oh oh, yeah, so fine
I am totally dazzled by her beauty

She thrills me, she thrills me, she thrills me, yeah
My baby makes me happy and excited every time I see her

My baby thrills me all the time
She never ceases to excite and delight me

Whoa yeah, so fine
I am always stunned by her incredible beauty

And I know that she loves me so
I am sure of my beloved's love for me

I know because my baby tells me so
I am certain of her love because she says it openly to me

Oh yeah, so fine
I am always floored by how amazing she looks