Their style has mixed Texas blues with the harmonica-laced swamp blues sounds of the likes of Slim Harpo and Lazy Lester, both of whom the T-Birds have covered. Their third album, 1981's 'Butt Rockin'', took the band closer to classic rhythm and blues while featuring added piano and brass section sounds played by additional musicians. The band broke into the mainstream in 1986 with their album 'Tuff Enuff'. The single of the same name was featured in the Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster film 'Tough Guys' alongside their follow-up single, which they titled "Wrap It Up". A lively, powerful tune, "Tuff Enuff" has been played frequently over the years on many rock n roll stations. The band's music was also played in John Cusack's 1987 movie 'Hot Pursuit'.
The Fabulous Thunderbirds' next album, titled 'Hot Number', fell off the charts quickly and alienated many of the bands' long-time fans due to its slick, pop-oriented sound. The band then began a long series of line-up changes and obscure, yet somewhat improved, albums throughout the 90s. Drummer Mike Buck left the band in 1980, and guitarist Jimmie Vaughan left in 1990. More recently, the group has had line-up made up of original member Kim Wilson alongside guitarist/vocals Nick Curran, guitarist Kirk Flecther, Jimi Bott on drums, Ronnie James Weber on bass, and former Canned Heat member Gene Taylor on keyboards.
The official T-Birds website is at http://www.fabulousthunderbirds.com/
Alumni of the T-birds include:
Duke Robillard Fran Cristina Gene Taylor Jimi Bott Keith Ferguson Kid Bangham Kirk Fletcher Mike Buck Preston Hubbard Richard Innes Ronnie James Weber Steve Hodges Willie Campbell Kid Ramos Jimmie Vaughan Nick Curran Troy Gon
Can't Tear It Up Enuff
The Fabulous Thunderbirds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm in the mood to tear it up
I'm in my prime for tearing it up
I dig tearing up that stuff
I just can't tear it up enuff
Don't want no full time love
Baby let me be
To satisfy me
Don't want no hand-me-downs
Got the biz rags on my back
I don't need no used car
I got a brand new Cadillac
I'm dying to tear it up
I ain't lying, I'm gonna tear it up
I dig tearing up that stuff
I just can't tear it up enuff
I've got the finest weather
Living in this town
I'm sitting on top of the world
Nobody gonna get me down
I've got a diamond ring with
A gold bracelet to match
Baby, I got everything
With no strings attached
When it comes to having a party
I can't be beat
Baby, just stay out of my kitchen
If you can't stand the heat
You got to move, let's go
I ain't gonna wait for you
Got lots of places to go
And a whole lotta things to do
I'm in the mood to tear it up
I'm in my prime for tearing it up
I dig tearing up that stuff
I just can't tear it up enuff
The lyrics to The Fabulous Thunderbirds' song, "Can't Tear It Up Enuff," are about the singer's desire to live freely and have fun. The singer is in the mood to "tear it up," which likely means to party, have a good time, and enjoy life to the fullest. They emphasize their desire to live life on their own terms in the lines, "Don't want no full-time love/Baby let me be" and "Don't want no hand-me-downs/Got the biz rags on my back." The singer is proud of their accomplishments and possessions, boasting about their "brand new Cadillac" and "diamond ring with a gold bracelet to match." They are living their best life and nobody can bring them down.
The song has a fun-loving, carefree attitude, and celebrates the idea of enjoying life to the fullest. It is a classic example of the rock and blues genres that the Fabulous Thunderbirds are known for. The upbeat, guitar-driven music matches the lyrics' celebratory tone and encourages listeners to let loose and have a good time.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm in the mood to tear it up
I feel like partying hard and letting loose
I'm in my prime for tearing it up
I'm at my best for partying hard and enjoying myself
I dig tearing up that stuff
I love to party hard and have a good time
I just can't tear it up enuff
I can't get enough of partying hard and letting loose
Don't want no full time love
I'm not looking for a serious relationship
Baby let me be
I want to be free to party and have a good time
I need a whole lotta part time love
I want to have casual relationships that don't interfere with my party lifestyle
To satisfy me
So that I don't feel tied down or bored
Don't want no hand-me-downs
I don't want anything second-hand or used
Got the biz rags on my back
I'm wearing the finest clothes
I don't need no used car
I have a brand new car
I got a brand new Cadillac
I have a fancy new car
I'm dying to tear it up
I'm eager and excited to party hard
I ain't lying, I'm gonna tear it up
I'm not exaggerating, I really will party hard
I've got the finest weather
I'm living in a great place with nice weather
Living in this town
I'm happy where I am
I'm sitting on top of the world
I feel great and triumphant
Nobody gonna get me down
I won't let anything or anyone bring me down
I've got a diamond ring with A gold bracelet to match
I have expensive and fashionable jewelry
Baby, I got everything With no strings attached
I have a lot going for me without any obligations or commitments
When it comes to having a party I can't be beat
Nobody can party harder than me
Baby, just stay out of my kitchen If you can't stand the heat
Don't get in my way if you can't handle my wild partying
You got to move, let's go
Hurry up and come with me
I ain't gonna wait for you
I'm not going to waste time waiting around for anyone
Got lots of places to go And a whole lotta things to do
I have a busy schedule and a lot of activities planned
I'm in the mood to tear it up
I still feel like partying hard
I'm in my prime for tearing it up
I'm still at my best for partying hard and enjoying myself
I dig tearing up that stuff
I still love to party hard and have a good time
I just can't tear it up enuff
I still can't get enough of partying hard and letting loose
Contributed by Bentley B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.