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
How Do You Spell Love?
The Fabulous Thunderbirds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
I got to tell you... how to spell love
Well a mans a pig in a womans eye... til payday
To hold on to love... he's gotta work his life away
A little bad luck it dont take much for the boss to make some money
Lookin for the woman you love shes out chasin money
How do you spell love...
M O N E Y
M O N E Y
Took you home last weekend... phone ringing off the wall
Get a visit from a lawyer... i think he dont work at all
You reach to hold the woman you loved so much yesterday
Cold as ice, you know why Friday doesnt pay
How do you spell love...
M O N E Y
How do you spell love...
M O N E Y
Ive seen it happen over and over, time and time again
I seen lovers against lovers, and friends against friends
So let this be a lesson... to whom it may concern
If you want to keep your woman.
Dont bother to work at all
How do you spell love.
M O N E Y
How do you spell love...
M O N E Y
FADE
The Fabulous Thunderbirds's song "How Do You Spell Love?" is a commentary on the complexities of relationships between men and women, and the role that money plays in those relationships. The lyrics suggest that men often feel like they are undervalued in the eyes of women, and that they must work hard to maintain their love. The references to payday and bosses making money highlight the idea that men often feel like they are working hard for their relationships, but that money is constantly slipping through their fingers. The song also touches on the idea that women are often not appreciated for the hard work they do, particularly when it comes to their careers. The line "Lookin for the woman you love shes out chasin money" suggests that men often see their female partners as being focused on making money, rather than on building a relationship.
The chorus of the song is particularly powerful, as it spells out the word "money" as a way of summarizing the message of the song. The repetition of the chorus and the simple spelling of the word help to drive home the idea that money is a central concern in relationships between men and women. The final verse of the song suggests that men may be tempted to give up on working hard for their relationships, but that this is not the solution to the problem. In the end, the song is a cautionary tale about the ways in which money can impact our relationships, and a reminder that we must remain committed to building and maintaining strong connections with those we love.
Writer(s): Marshall Boxley, Jerry Strickland, Bobby C. Patterson
Contributed by Sadie T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.