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

Tell Me
The Fabulous Thunderbirds Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Shuler-Simien

Tell me, what you’re looking for
Tell me, what you’re looking for
Can’t you see you’re what I mean ?

I need a girl like you to tell my troubles through
I need a girl like you to tell my troubles through

Can’t you see my little heart is true ?

Tell me, what you’re looking for
Tell me, what you’re looking for
Can’t you see you’re what I mean ?

I need a girl like you to tell my troubles through

I need a girl like you to tell my troubles through
Can’t you see my little heart is true ?

Overall Meaning

The Fabulous Thunderbirds’ song Tell Me has simple lyrics that revolve around the singer’s desire to find a girl who is willing to listen to his troubles. In the first verse, he asks the girl what she is looking for before expressing his desire to find someone like her to confide in. The chorus repeats this question, with the singer emphasizing that the girl is what he needs. The second verse repeats the same sentiment as the first and concludes with a repeated affirmation of the singer’s sincerity.

The song is an example of straightforward blues rock music, with energetic guitar riffs and harmonica sections that complement the simple lyrics. The use of the blues minor scale creates a melancholic yet catchy tune that captivates the listener. The tongue-in-cheek lyrics are typical of the genre, with a clear focus on the search for love and companionship, albeit with a hint of desperation. Overall, Tell Me is an engaging song that captures the essence of blues rock in a straightforward yet powerful way.

Line by Line Meaning

Tell me, what you’re looking for
Please share with me what you desire

Can’t you see you’re what I mean ?
I am in need of you and hope you can see that

I need a girl like you to tell my troubles through
I am in search of a person like you to confide in and share my problems with

Can’t you see my little heart is true ?
I hope you can see that my feelings are genuine and sincere

Tell me, what you’re looking for
Please share with me what you desire

Can’t you see you’re what I mean ?
I am in need of you and hope you can see that

I need a girl like you to tell my troubles through
I am in search of a person like you to confide in and share my problems with

Can’t you see my little heart is true ?
I hope you can see that my feelings are genuine and sincere

Contributed by Anna V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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