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
Stand Back
The Fabulous Thunderbirds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you want something bad enough
You got to stick to it.
Ain't nobody telling me that I can't do it.
Don't let no one tell you what you should be.
Nobody in this World can say no to me.
Stand back, I'm coming through.
Stand back, I know just what to do.
Stand back, Let me make my way.
Stand back, listen to what I say.
Steppin' up in life you got to help yourself.
That don't mean you have to step on no one else.
Go for it man you got nothing to lose.
But don't let nobody step on you.
Chorus
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/f/fabulous_thunderbirds/stand_back.html ]
I ain't gonna run and hide if you think I am.
You better step aside.
I ain't gonna turn the other cheek.
If you want the world you can't be meek.
You can't get by if you don't take a chance.
You got to pay the fiddler if you want to dance.
I learned my lesson a long time ago.
You got to keep pushin' if you want it to go.
Chorus
One of these days you got to speak your mind.
Even if they say that you're out of line.
One of these days you're gonna know the score.
I'm not telling you something you don't know.
Chorus
(I made my mind up to do it. There ain't nothing to it)
The Fabulous Thunderbirds' song "Stand Back" is an empowering rock tune that encourages listeners to pursue their goals and dreams with determination and confidence. The lyrics emphasize the importance of staying focused on one's goals and not letting naysayers or obstacles stand in the way of success. The verses suggest that making progress in life requires self-reliance and a willingness to take risks, but that it's equally important to treat others with kindness and respect. The chorus urges listeners to stand up for themselves and make their voices heard, declaring that nobody can prevent them from achieving their dreams.
Overall, "Stand Back" is a powerful anthem that encourages listeners to fight for what they want in life and to maintain a positive, determined attitude no matter what challenges they may face. Through its upbeat, guitar-driven sound and its empowering lyrics, this song inspires listeners to believe that they have the strength and confidence to overcome any obstacle and make their dreams a reality.
Line by Line Meaning
When you want something bad enough
You got to stick to it.
If you desire something badly, you need to pursue it relentlessly.
Ain't nobody telling me that I can't do it.
I am determined and nobody can discourage me or dictate what I can or can't achieve.
Don't let no one tell you what you should be.
You should never let anyone's opinion on what you should be influence what you aspire to be.
Nobody in this World can say no to me.
I am confident that nothing and nobody can hinder my progress towards achieving my goal.
Stand back, I'm coming through.
I'm making a bold entrance, and everyone needs to make way for me to achieve what I've set out to accomplish.
Stand back, I know just what to do.
I am confident in my abilities and know exactly how to achieve what I intend to accomplish.
Stand back, Let me make my way.
Everyone needs to give me enough room to make my journey towards success.
Stand back, listen to what I say.
I have valuable insight that everyone should heed and could be beneficial to their own goals.
Steppin' up in life you got to help yourself.
To progress in life, you have to take action to help yourself.
That don't mean you have to step on no one else.
However, you shouldn't harm others in the process of achieving your own goals.
Go for it man you got nothing to lose.
You should take a chance because you don't have anything to lose.
But don't let nobody step on you.
Despite taking chances, you must stand firm and not let others take advantage of your vulnerability.
I ain't gonna run and hide if you think I am.
I have no intention of avoiding an obstacle or failure if someone thinks I am incapable of overcoming it.
You better step aside.
Others must leave the way for me to pass to my destination.
I ain't gonna turn the other cheek.
I will not tolerate anyone trying to bring me down and will fight back if necessary.
If you want the world you can't be meek.
You must be assertive and confident if you intend to be successful in life.
You can't get by if you don't take a chance.
Opportunities may be missed if you don't take risks.
You got to pay the fiddler if you want to dance.
You must be willing to put in the effort and hard work if you want to achieve your goals.
I learned my lesson a long time ago.
I've gained experience and knowledge over the years, which serves as valuable advice for others.
You got to keep pushin' if you want it to go.
If you're aiming for success, you must be relentless in your push to achieve your target.
One of these days you got to speak your mind.
At some point, you need to express your opinions and thoughts, even if it's against popular beliefs.
Even if they say that you're out of line.
You may face opposition from others, but you shouldn't let that deter you from sharing your views.
One of these days you're gonna know the score.
You'll eventually be able to see the outcome of your actions and know how successful you were or weren't.
I'm not telling you something you don't know.
My advice and guidance may be useful, but you likely have the innate knowledge to be successful in life.
I made my mind up to do it. There ain't nothing to it
I've decided and committed myself to achieving my goal and nothing can stop me from doing so.
Contributed by Carson V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.