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
Runnin' Shoes
The Fabulous Thunderbirds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Meet me at the bottom, bring me my running shoes
Meet me at the bottom, bring me my running shoes
I gotta get out the window
I gotta get out the window
Got no time to lose.
ya!
Don't tell nobody, when you see me passing by
she got a bad old man
she got a bad old man
I'm to young to die
Don't tell nobody when you see me passing by
don't tell nobody when you see me passing by
she got a bad old man
she got a bad old man
I'm to young to die
I'm to young to die>
The lyrics of "Runnin' Shoes" by The Fabulous Thunderbirds are a cry for help from a man who wants to escape from a situation. The repetition of the line "meet me at the bottom, bring me my running shoes" implies that the singer is ready to run away from whatever is troubling him. He repeats that he needs to get out the window and has no time to lose, emphasizing the urgency of his situation.
The lines "don't tell nobody, when you see me passing by" reinforce the idea that the singer is trying to escape from someone or something. He is afraid of being caught, and perhaps he is in danger. The phrase "she got a bad old man" suggests that the singer is with a woman whose partner is violent or dangerous. The lyrics also suggest that the singer is young and not ready to face the consequences of his actions, as he repeats "I'm too young to die".
In summary, "Runnin' Shoes" is a song about a protagonist who is trying to escape from a situation that is dangerous or troubling, who is afraid of being caught or facing consequences, and who seeks urgency, emphasizing how important it is for him to run away.
Line by Line Meaning
Ya,-- ya, -- ya, -- ya, wehoo!
Expressing enthusiasm and excitement for what's to come.
Meet me at the bottom, bring me my running shoes
Meet me at the lowest point of our journey and bring me the shoes necessary to run away as fast as possible.
I gotta get out the window
I must leave this place immediately and in a hurry, even if it means escaping through the window.
Got no time to lose. ya!
I cannot waste any time, I must leave now and run as fast as I can while letting out a rallying cry.
Don't tell nobody, when you see me passing by
Keep my departure a secret to avoid being caught or held back.
she got a bad old man
The person the singer is trying to run away from has a violent or dangerous partner.
I'm to young to die
The singer is too young to risk their life in this situation and must flee to ensure their safety.
Contributed by Maria Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.