Uptight
The BB Band Lyrics

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Baby, everything is all right, uptight, out of sight
Baby, everything is all right, uptight, out of sight
I'm a poorman's son, from across the railroad tracks
The only shirt I own is hangin' on my back
But I'm the envy of every single guy
Since I'm the apple of my girl's eye
When we go out stepping on the town for a while
My money's low and my suit's out of style

But it's all right if my clothes aren't new
Out of sight because my heart is true
She says baby everything is alright, uptight, out of sight
Baby, everything is alright, uptight, clean out of sight
I'm a pearl of a girl, I guess that's what you might say
I guess her folks brought her up that way
The right side of the tracks, she was born and raised
In a great big old house, full of butlers and maids
No one is better than I, I know I'm just an average guy
No football hero or smooth Don Juan
Got empty pockets, you see I'm a poorman's son
She says give her the things that money can buy
But I'll never, never make my baby cry
And it's all right, what I can't do
Out of sight because my heart is true
She says baby ev'rything is alright, uptight, clean out of sight
Baby, everything is alright, uptight, clean out of sight
Baby, everything is alright, uptight, ah ah ah ah

Baby, everything is alright, uptight, clean out of sight
Baby, everything is alright, uptight, clean out of sight

Overall Meaning

The BB Band's song "Uptight" speaks of a couple who come from different backgrounds and how their love prevails despite their differences. The lyrics describe the man as a "poorman's son from across the railroad tracks" who does not have much in terms of material possessions. However, despite his financial status, the man is the "envy of every single guy" because he is the "apple of [his] girl's eye". The woman, on the other hand, comes from a wealthy background, having been "born and raised in a great big old house full of butlers and maids".

The song emphasizes that love is more important than material possessions. The man may not be able to provide his girlfriend with the things that money can buy but he promises to never make her cry, expressing his dedication to his girlfriend's happiness. The chorus of the song reiterates the message that everything is alright, uptight, out of sight, emphasizing the idea that the couple's love is strong enough to overlook their differences and challenges.

Overall, "Uptight" highlights the universality of love, transcending socioeconomic status, and background. The lyrics speak of the importance of a genuine connection between two people and how their love can withstand even the toughest of circumstances.

Line by Line Meaning

Baby, everything is all right, uptight, out of sight
Despite being a poor man's son from across the railroad tracks, I am content with everything, and it is all good between my girlfriend and me.

The only shirt I own is hangin' on my back
I am very poor and cannot afford any new clothes.

But I'm the envy of every single guy
I am admired by all the other guys because I have a girlfriend who adores me.

Since I'm the apple of my girl's eye
I am my girlfriend's favorite person in the world, and she loves me a lot.

But it's all right if my clothes aren't new
Even though I cannot afford new clothes, I am okay with that.

Out of sight because my heart is true
I am happy with myself and my relationship because I have a genuine heart and a true love for my girlfriend.

She says baby everything is alright, uptight, out of sight
My girlfriend reassures me that everything is okay between us and that we are happy together.

I'm a pearl of a girl, I guess that's what you might say
My girlfriend is beautiful and perfect, and that's how people often describe her.

The right side of the tracks, she was born and raised
My girlfriend was born into a wealthy family and had a privileged upbringing.

No one is better than I, I know I'm just an average guy
Even though I am just an average guy, I feel confident and content with myself because I have the love of a beautiful girl.

Got empty pockets, you see I'm a poorman's son
I am poor and do not have any money or material possessions.

She says give her the things that money can buy
My girlfriend wants me to provide her with gifts and luxuries that money can buy.

But I'll never, never make my baby cry
Even though I cannot give her material things, I will do everything in my power to keep her happy and never make her cry.

And it's all right, what I can't do
I am okay with not being able to provide my girlfriend with everything she wants.

Out of sight because my heart is true
As long as I have genuine love for my girlfriend, everything will be perfect between us.

Baby, everything is alright, uptight, clean out of sight
My girlfriend and I are happy and content with our relationship.

Baby, everything is alright, uptight, ah ah ah ah
My girlfriend and I are doing well, and everything is perfect between us.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Henry Cosby, Stevie Wonder, Sylvia Moy

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

@NYBrandywineTree

3y↑2

I was in the audience for this....I was the only one smiling more than the band! Killer cover. Couldn’t stop dancing with an ear to ear smile! Funky & soulful.

@DH-ij9pe

3y↑2

Susan and Derek are a once in a generation duo of talent.

@888DMAC

11y↑11

Thank God there's still bands like this still out there.

@AbbyNormal777

4y↑1

The horns remind me of Chicago.

@MeBo-kp2lp

It is chicago, where else would you go for a rock big band sound? But they know how to make it their own ✌️

@jeffreykoons2931

3y↑1

I could literally listen to Susan sing this song all day. In fact, I am. I'm on hour 4 now. Magnificent.

@johnpatricklayden

This is an old Stevie wonder song and the song , darling, be home soon, it was written by John sabatchion, he also wrote and sings the welcome back kotter theme song from the old tv show.

@StuWeissman

10y↑18

Great performance, thanks for posting. Just a note that "Uptight" was written by Stevie Wonder.

@johnpatricklayden

Susan and dereck trucks band are the best band out of the 2000s.

@bobthwarts4849

10y↑5

Probably one of the most awesome things ever. Somebody give me a tambourine

@glennkaupert

10y↑12

" perform the Temptations single "Uptight" - the song was co-written and popularized by Stevie Wonder

@jdb89142

11y↑1

My God Trucks is not of this world, takes playing to another level

@johnpatricklayden

Another thing, I went the first , two years of the gathering of the vibes in Bridgeport in the late 90d, Warren and gov mule played the first year and bob weir and rat dog played the second year, we we’re right up front near the stage. They had local bands playing the whole weekend both years.

@pedrohgromero1

10y↑6

Unbelievable, mind blowing, awesome! As always, you can't expect less than that from TTB! greetings from brazil

@soundchaser2061

5y↑1

Dear God, please make more Susans...THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@ADDAMB

10y↑3

.. Like I said so many times .. The Gathering was AWESOME .. The music was INSPIRATIONAL .. and the c h e m t r a i l s were KILLER ..

@555pontifex

9y↑7

That girl's got some pipes on her!

@RandyStrubleBackingTracks

11y↑3

This band jams!!! They even look a little weary eyed, but still kickin' ass!!!

@miriamgreen3973

I never understood the words before Thanks Susan! 🎵👍💗

@garylaubscher9914

8y↑3

gary laubscher, really good stuff I am 67 & this band has it all. Clapton & Duane are still my favs but maybe not for long!

@MeBo-kp2lp

Amazing how they approach the songwriter's soul for inspiration on every piece they cover. What did he/she meant with this song, I believe there is a lot of research behind every one of their cover songs

@sandraparker726

7y↑4

Groovy band!

@tredwmiche3442

6y↑2

Soul music is still alive and thiving.

@theillmc

11y↑1

That's why I asked. I'm a huge DT fan and haven't seen him with a pick since he was 10 or so, but I've never seen his right hand shaped like it is in this vid. Makes sense that it's a pick so he can get that bright attack on the verse rhythm guitar part.

@johnpatricklayden

The song , back where is started , I’s a great song too, it was written by Warren Haynes and derek trucks.

@johnhill9280

2y↑2

Excellent version of this song originally written and performed by the great Stevie Wonder (maybe the Temptations did a version, but Wonder had a huge hit with it).

@bub64882

10y↑2

@ Ryan Hostetter, yes, that's Oteil.

@TheSaleen786

10y

Two drummers is a good thing AKA Doobie Brothers...can't wait to see you guys at RED ROCKS, COLORADO july 25th 2014..

@joemcgraw5529

wow you guys sound so good come to fredericksburg va please

@joeshoe

11y↑2

Seriously...if this doesn't stir your soul you're dead....

@nashtndawg

10y↑3

Tyler Greenwell and J J Johnson have got that Butch & Jaimoe thing going!

@AtkaEve2

10y↑1

Actually, they have the Falcon and JJ thing going. ;)

@nashtndawg

9y↑1

AtkaEve2 LOL! Just reminded me of some old "Mountain Jam".... :)

@jag3217

Awesome

@mtboiatx6960

10y↑18

maaaaaan that was a neat bass solo. was that Oteil Burbridge?

@igmaribanez

bro watch richard bona on a bass / vocal solo https://youtu.be/eEksmwR2mRw?t=843

@NYBrandywineTree

Sure looks like oteil, was he barefoot?

@Gypz1000

11y

this is fucking GREAT -- thanks for posting.

@rebuttalc2075

3y↑1

I miss Vibes

@pce826

11y↑2

anybody else see the guy taking a pull on a joint at 3:23. grey shirt. holds it a good long while too....

@PhilipBurton-dn3ce

5y↑1

I know they have played at the byron bay blues fest (2000km from where i live) but when are they going to do the full australian tour, in my opinion they are the best at what they do on the planet at the moment, according to the "degrees of separation" theory can someone please tell someone that can tell someone else that we need them down under asap

@allanbriggs9007

I agree - I saw them at Byron Bay (2 days in a row). They are brilliant. Never played the same song twice. Good mix of songs and genres. Best concert I have seen.

@johnjohnson510

11y↑1

The song is by stevie wonder, not the temptations.

@joeshoe

11y

Go MO!

@jeffreykoons2931

What's the deal with the big area rug? I've been to several of their shows and haven't noticed it (one way or the other). Do they have it at all of their shows?

@mkayhol2495

'Uptight' was written by Stevie Wonder and Henry Cosby (not Temptations, though they performed it)

@AZRacer2000

11y

Derek IS using a pick for PART of the song, and it is to get a different SOUND than his fingers can make! I little sharper "attack" as it were, I believe...

@christopherorman5769

The description says this is the Temptation's single "Uptight." Really? I think the Supremes may have covered it with the Temptations, but this is a Stevie Wonder track through and through. Always has been.

@josephguertin311

11y

twas funkin nuts

@FriggnDiggn

11y↑1

6:45 Mike Stern

@carlperez2621

This chick can sing…

@kevinboone2178

9y↑1

F A N T A S T I C !! !!! !!!!

@nashtndawg

MORE COWBELL KEBBI!!!

@Mark-ky8zx

She’s like Bonnie Raitt + Chris Stapleton= Susan

@theillmc

11y

See my other comment, he's clearly using a pick for the intro riff and verse.

@miriamgreen3973

How about 25 or 6 to 4?

@theillmc

11y

Is Derek using a pick?

@theillmc

11y

I'm always right.

@feelinggrape

11y

nope he doesn't use a pick. said it himself in several Interviews. Google it!

@armandoraygoza4397

40w

wish camera was on bass player on this....sheesh

@mr.mister9953

Oteil !

@dorthyslotwinski2834

I ❤ JJ the drummer! He's soooooo SEXY! #RedheadTTBhead

@jimbob7559

Not their best, but still better than everybody else. Nuff said. Close the comment section down. lol

@dorthyslotwinski2834

4y↑1

#RedheadTTBhead

@feelinggrape

11y

oops you're right.guess the "chack" doesn't work as well with the fingers.

@kuwinsitall

10y↑8

good cover...but my god.....what a buzzkill to have a 30-foot separation from the crowd and the band.

@lufcbrice

6y↑2

kuwinsitall it’s because the stage is high... would you want to stare at a wall the whole concert?

@muntarone

11y

He's great, yeah, but I don't think you can infer it by whatching this video

@scouse2606

11y

Definitely using a pick mate....

@johnpatricklayden

This is an old Stevie wonder song.

@dunskie

11y↑1

Dynamite number for the band. The whole,"horns jazzy free for all", right after barely one verse, was lacking in conviction. They slowed the race car down too fast. Just IMO. It's called The Tighten Up. If you can do it now. Everybody sock it to it.

@greggabriel8756

Temptations? jesus...

@theillmc

11y

Except he's clearly using a pick for this song.

@michaelm.4290

3y↑1

Is this not beautiful. Are you not entertained?!

@davidredshaw448

This is a good band, an extension of Southern Rock for the modern age. But like so many American bands they didn't know when to stop. This is why Punk happened. A movement to stop overindulgence, long-winded guitar solos and strange jazzy noises that probably appealed to the musicians but left many in the audience thinking "give it a rest man, I've gotta get home to pay the baby sitter". If Tedeschi Trucks want to know how to tailor their gigs to take in jazz without boring their audience to sleepiness, have a look at Steely Dan's videos. They've got it down.

@troyboy249

Are you fucking kidding? If you don’t dig it, go elsewhere, simple as that. This isn’t jazz, not even close to it. Why would you bother commenting? Punk, for fuck’s sake, there is no connection to that music here whatsoever, there isn’t any reason to bring that into a discussion whatsoever.

@jakejohansen1889

@DavidRedshaw - take out your tampon & quit whining like the little beeatch everyone knows you are when reading your ignorant comments. You sound like a dumbass by criticizing the tightest touring band on the planet. Let's see your band tour the world to adoring audiences & packed houses. TTB always delivers the goods.

@davidredshaw448

@@jakejohansen1889 What an intelligent and articulate reply to my point. Are you a Trump voter by any chance?

@stephaniethomas9808

You're on crack dude...TTB is hands down the best band out there right now. I'll take long winded guitar solos, a phenomenal blues singer, the best slide guitarist ever

@keithmoon29

8y↑1

I love a good cover but not this one. They did not have a clue where it was headed and every additional minute, simply added to the eventual.... train-wreck! Susan's vocals are fantastic & her hubby Derrick, is widely considered the finest slide player going today, (with that said)....I'll gladly take 3 minutes of Stevie, over this great big mess! Sorry TTB, I know you are a great band, but this isn't 10 minutes I would choose, to show the world, what you can do! Remember folks,( before you blast me), you don't have to worship & praise every single second of an artist's career. In fact I bet if you asked the band what they think of this, they wouldn't have much good to say? All you have to do is look at every musician's body language & facial expressions to pick up on the band's vibe. Unfortunately, nobody looks all that excited, as the song, D R A G S ON!

@uberjam-sam8512

8y↑2

+keith moon calling it a "train wreck" and a "great big mess" (sic) is a bit over the top don't you think? I mean, to each his own, but still. The band was stilling gelling at this point (meaning there are better versions of this tune) but still, they sound pretty amazing to me. Otiel and drums are brilliant on this, and also not sure about what their body language is saying other than they look freakin' hot (temp).

@keithmoon29

8y↑1

+UberJam-Sam! Sorry Sam, it's how I feel about it. I'm not a mean or negative person and NO I might not word it this way, if Derrick & Susan happen to have me over for dinner. I'm very serious about my music and hate to see an all-time great covered unless it can compare to the original I have seen this band live a few times (opening up for Black Crowes) and I am fully aware, they are, loaded with talent. But like you said "To each his own!"....which is exactly what I say. Chances are, you & I agree on a lot more music than we'll ever dis-agree on? I guess this is one piece that finds us standing on opposite sides of the fence.

@Johself

8y↑3

Keith Moon, I think you should change your screen name to Pat Boone

@allanbriggs9007

8y↑1

Keith - I really like this. It's certainly not a mess. TBB do a lot of extended versions of songs to give the talent a chance to show their individual talents. I accept that this is a different version. Just on body vibes. It is consistently noted that Derek has little stage presence (true) however he is a great guitar player. I go to listen to the music. The two drummers are brilliant - they combine so well. Like Allman Bros and Grateful dead they are at their best jamming. I saw TBB live in Australia. Saw them twice and they didn't repeat a song. I think one of their attributes is their ability to be good at so many music genres.