The Fabulous Thunderbirds is a blues rock band that got started in 1974, th… Read Full Bio ↴The Fabulous Thunderbirds is a blues rock band that got started in 1974, the group being best known for the massive 1986 hit "Tuff Enuff". The band's original line-up included guitarist Jimmie Vaughan, the older brother of the influential blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan, and got popular in Texas' underground rock scene. After performing for several years in the Austin, Texas area, the guys earned a recording contract with Chrysalis Records and later signed to Arista. The first two albums, released in 1979 and 1980 (with Keith Ferguson on bass and Mike Buck on drums), did not initially sell well but are now regarded as classic blues rock recordings.

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

Rich Woman
The Fabulous Thunderbirds Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I got a woman
With plenty of money
She got the money
And I got the honey
I called my baby
Late last night
She told me, "Daddy
Everything went alright"

I don't have to worry
'Cause she's real fine
I know my baby
She's mine all mine
She give me a Cadillac
And diamond ring
She told me, "Daddy
Don't you worry about a thing"
She's all mine
And I'm so glad

She's the best woman
I ever had

Overall Meaning

The Fabulous Thunderbirds's hit song Rich Woman is about a man who is in a relationship with a wealthy woman. The lyrics are simple yet effective in conveying the idea that he doesn't have to worry about money because his partner has plenty of it. The first two lines, "I got a woman with plenty of money, she got the money and I got the honey", speak directly to the notion that he is in a relationship with a wealthy woman. He goes on to explain how she called him late at night to tell him that everything is alright, and he doesn't have to worry because she's "real fine" and all his.

The lyrics describe a relationship between a man and a woman, with the man being implicitly grateful for her financial resources. The song is melodic and upbeat, and the use of the word "daddy" adds an endearing quality to the overall tone. It seems to celebrate the joy that can be found in a romantic partner who can provide financial stability.

Line by Line Meaning

I got a woman
I am in a relationship with a woman

With plenty of money
She has a lot of money

She got the money
My partner has the financial means

And I got the honey
I provide the affection and intimacy

I called my baby
I contacted my partner

Late last night
During the late hours of the evening or early hours of morning

She told me, "Daddy
My partner addressed me with a loving or affectionate term

Everything went alright"
My partner experienced a successful or positive outcome

I don't have to worry
I do not experience anxiety or concern

'Cause she's real fine
My partner is physically attractive

I know my baby
I am familiar with my partner's personality or behavior