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

Walkin' To My Baby
The Fabulous Thunderbirds Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I got to get to my baby, she live cross town
She's the finest thing for miles around
I'm walkin to my baby
I'm walking to my baby
Yes, I'm walkin to my baby cause her lovin worth walkin for
I got holes in my shoes and blisters on my feet
I got to get to that woman cause she's so sweet
Walkin to my baby

I'm walkin to my baby
Yes, I'm walkin to my baby cause her lovin worth walkin for
Let's walk right now
Well I'd gladly walk to Dallas if I really had to
When I'm in my baby's arms she know just what to do
Walkin to my baby
I'm walkin to my baby

I'm walkin to my baby cause her lovin worth walkin for
Let's go home right now

Overall Meaning

The Fabulous Thunderbirds's song Walkin' To My Baby is a classic blues shuffle that speaks to the lengths a man will go to be with the one he loves. The lyrics paint a picture of a man who is willing to leave everything behind and walk across town just to be with his lover. The opening lines of the song, "I got to get to my baby, she live cross town, she's the finest thing for miles around," express the singer's eagerness to see his significant other, whom he holds in high regard.

The repetition of the line "I'm walkin to my baby" highlights the single-mindedness of the singer's intention to meet his lover. He acknowledges the pain of walking with "holes in my shoes and blisters on my feet," but the desire to be with his lover surpasses the physical discomfort. The singer emphasizes the value of his lover's affection with the line, "Yes, I'm walkin to my baby cause her lovin worth walkin for." It is evident that the singer is willing to go to any length to be in his lover's arms, and the beauty of their connection is his motivation to persevere.

The song captures the essence of the blues by using simple lyrics and a catchy melody to convey a universal truth - the power of love. The Band's harmonica-laden arrangement drives the song with an infectious energy, and the call-and-response backing vocals add a sense of fun to the track. The simplicity of the song's lyrics and structure makes it a perfect example of the blues genre's appeal to listeners. In essence, Walkin' To My Baby communicates a simple message - that love is worth any sacrifice.

Line by Line Meaning

I got to get to my baby, she live cross town
I need to reach my lover who lives far away in another part of town

She's the finest thing for miles around
She is the most beautiful and attractive person in the entire vicinity

I'm walkin to my baby
I am traveling on foot to meet my lover

Yes, I'm walkin to my baby cause her lovin worth walkin for
I am making the effort to walk to my lover because her affection is worth any inconvenience

I got holes in my shoes and blisters on my feet
My shoes are worn out and my feet are sore from all the walking

I got to get to that woman cause she's so sweet
I am determined to reach my lover because she is delightful and endearing

Let's walk right now
I am eager to continue walking to my lover at this moment

Well I'd gladly walk to Dallas if I really had to
I am willing to walk an incredibly long distance for the sake of love

When I'm in my baby's arms she know just what to do
My lover understands and satisfies my emotional and physical needs when we are together

Let's go home right now
I am keen to return home with my lover now that we are reunited

Writer(s): KIM WILSON

Contributed by William P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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