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
Poor Boy
The Fabulous Thunderbirds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm a poor, poor boy
But that don't worry me
Everybody knows that the best things in life are free
Well I go out make a little money
Spend it fast as I can
I'm gonna go out and have a good time,
Raise some sand while I'm still a young man
I got all the girls I need
And a hotel over my head
One thing I know, baby, I got clean sheets on my bed
Well I ain't got no money
But, baby, I don't care
I'm gonna ride around this town in my new car lookin' like a millionaire
Yes, I said I'm a poor, poor boy
But that don't worry me
Everybody knows that the best things in life are free
The song "Poor Boy" by The Fabulous Thunderbirds is a lively expression of a carefree attitude towards life despite having minimal financial resources. In this song, the singer proudly declares himself as a "poor, poor boy" while emphasizing that he is not bothered by his lack of financial power. According to the singer, the best things in life come for free, and he seems to be enjoying life to the fullest.
The song has an upbeat and cheerful melody that matches the lyrics' carefree tone, with a guitar riff that stands out throughout the song. The singer tells us that he has everything he needs; all the girls he needs and a hotel over his head with clean sheets on his bed. Although he does not have much money, he uses what he has to live life to the fullest. His idea of having a good time is to make a little money and spend it as fast as he can while having a good time and raising some sand. He goes on to say that he rides around town in his new car, looking like a millionaire, even though he has no money.
Overall, the song "Poor Boy" is a celebration of life with different priorities. The singer may not have much to his name, but he does not let it define his happiness. He enjoys life, the women around him, and the freedom that comes with little liabilities.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a poor, poor boy
Despite my financial situation, I am content with my life.
But that don't worry me
My lack of wealth does not cause me any anxiety.
Everybody knows that the best things in life are free
I understand that the most valuable things in life are intangible and cannot be bought with money.
Well I go out make a little money
I earn some money when I go out.
Spend it fast as I can
I tend to spend my earnings rapidly.
I'm gonna go out and have a good time, Raise some sand while I'm still a young man
I plan to have fun and live life to the fullest while I am still young.
I got all the girls I need
I have enough female companionship to satisfy my desires.
And a hotel over my head
I have a place to stay, a roof over my head.
One thing I know, baby, I got clean sheets on my bed
I want my sleeping conditions to be hygienic and comfortable.
Well I ain't got no money
I lack monetary funds.
But, baby, I don't care
However, I am unconcerned about this fact.
I'm gonna ride around this town in my new car lookin' like a millionaire
I intend to flaunt my success by driving around in a luxurious vehicle, pretending to be rich.
Yes, I said I'm a poor, poor boy
I have reiterated my modest financial situation.
But that don't worry me
Nevertheless, I am not troubled by it.
Everybody knows that the best things in life are free
As previously mentioned, I am aware that the most important things in life are not material possessions.
Contributed by Benjamin I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.