Steve Miller (born 5 October 1943) is a blues and rock and roll guitarist and performer. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin but attended high school in Dallas. While at St. Mark's School of Texas, he formed his first band, The Marksmen. Miller taught one of his classmates, Royce Boz Scaggs, a few guitar chords so that he could join the band; Scaggs became better known by his nickname, Boz. Miller attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison during the 1960s, where he formed The Ardells. Scaggs joined the Ardells the next year. Ben Sidran was added to the Ardells as a keyboardist the following year.
In 1968, Miller formed the Steve Miller Band, with Scaggs handling vocals, and released an album, Children of the Future, the first in a series of discs rooted solidly in the psychedelic blues style that dominated the San Francisco music scene at the time. Scaggs would leave the band after a couple of albums with vocal chores taken over by drummer Tim Davis; Miller himself would begin singing occasional lead on 1969's Brave New World. These albums performed respectably on the album charts but failed to yield a hit.
In the 1970's the band had some hits that became classics over the years - Jet Airliner, with some evocative lyrics that brought home the loss of life on the road; and The Joker which includes the famous line about the "pompatus of love", which is of course nonsense, but that didn't stop a lot of stoned folks from spending years talking amongst themselves.
Steve Miller's father was a wealthy doctor in Dallas, and friends with famous guitarist and guitar designer Les Paul. Les Paul gave Miller his first guitar lessons.
Longtime member Norton Buffalo (harmonica player) died from lung cancer on October 30, 2009.
John King (drummer during "The Joker" era) died after a short bout of kidney cancer on October 26, 2010.
Band-member James Cooke died from cancer on 16 May 2011.
Golden Opportunity
Steve Miller Band Lyrics
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Reading the writing on the wall
Just in time to chase your dream
You got a chance to make it
You got a chance to take it all
Don't let it slip through your fingers
Runnin', hide'n
Wastin' time
You been there before
Go, go
It's a golden opportunity
Go, go
It's a golden opportunity
Go, go
It's a golden opportunity
You got a hometown sweetheart
She's got love that won't stop
She's so satisfied to be right by your side
And if you both believe it
You know you can achieve it all
Don't let it slip through your fingers
Runnin', hide'n
Slippin', slide'n
Wastin' time
I've been there before
Go, go
It's a golden opportunity
Go, go
It's a golden opportunity
Go, go
It's a golden opportunity
Go, go
It's a golden opportunity
Go, go
It's a golden opportunity
Go, go
It's a golden opportunity
The lyrics to Steve Miller Band's song "Golden Opportunity" are centered around pursuing one's dreams with urgency and determination. The song begins by referencing the passing of time as the hands strike midnight, and encourages the listener to read the writing on the wall, suggesting that there are clues around us that can help us achieve what we want. The chorus repeats the phrase "golden opportunity," emphasizing that the moment to chase one's dreams is truly precious and not to be missed.
The second verse introduces a hometown sweetheart who is supportive of the singer's goals. While the lyrics mention the importance of believing in oneself and each other, the song ultimately emphasizes taking action to make dreams a reality. The lines "Runnin', hide'n / Slippin', slide'n / Wastin' time / You been there before" acknowledge the struggles and setbacks that may come with chasing ambitions, but ultimately, the song urges the listener to push through and seize the moment.
Overall, "Golden Opportunity" conveys a sense of urgency and the message that if one wants to achieve their dreams, they must act decisively and not let opportunities slip through their fingers.
Line by Line Meaning
Watching the hands strike midnight
Being aware of the passing of time and realizing that opportunities are time-sensitive.
Reading the writing on the wall
Understanding the signals and signs that indicate a significant change or event is near.
Just in time to chase your dream
Having the necessary time and resources to pursue one's aspirations.
You got a chance to make it
Having an opportunity to succeed and achieve one's goals.
You got a chance to take it all
Having the possibility to reach the pinnacle of success in one's field or life.
Don't let it slip through your fingers
Not missing the opportunity or squandering it due to lack of effort or consideration.
Runnin', hide'n
Trying to avoid potential obstacles or risks.
Slippin', slide'n
Barely maintaining control and struggling to stay on course.
Wastin' time
Not using one's time and efforts effectively or efficiently.
You been there before
Having experienced similar challenges or opportunities in the past.
Go, go
Encouraging oneself or others to take action and seize the available opportunities.
It's a golden opportunity
Stating that the current opportunity is highly valuable and rare.
You got a hometown sweetheart
Having a romantic partner who is supportive and encouraging.
She's got love that won't stop
Having someone who is committed and loyal to the relationship.
She's so satisfied to be right by your side
Being content with being part of one's life and journey towards achieving their goals.
And if you both believe it
Emphasizing the importance of mutual trust and faith in each other's abilities and aspirations.
You know you can achieve it all
Stating that having a supportive romantic partner can facilitate the realization of one's ambitions.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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