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
You Ain't Nothin' But Fine
The Fabulous Thunderbirds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You shouldn't be walking all alone
Little girl let me walk you home
You know I won't do you no wrong
Come on and tell me what's your name
Little girl let me hold your hand
Come on and try to understand
Cause you ain't noting but fine, fine, fine
You ain't nothing but fine, fine, fine
You ain't nothing but fine, fine, fine
You ain't nothing but fine, fine, fine
And I wish you was mine, mine, mine.
Little girl let me walk you home
You shouldn't be walking all alone
Little girl let me walk you home
You know I won't do you no wrong
Cause you ain't noting but fine, fine, fine
You ain't nothing but fine, fine, fine
You ain't nothing but fine, fine, fine
You ain't nothing but fine, fine, fine
And I wish you was mine, mine, mine.
In The Fabulous Thunderbirds's song "You Ain't Nothin' But Fine," the singer tries to persuade a young woman to let him walk her home. He assures her that he won't do her any harm and wants to be her "candyman." He repeats that she is nothing but fine and that he wishes she was his. The song exudes a youthful and playful energy, with the catchy chorus and upbeat rhythm.
However, some may see this song as a reflection of a toxic perspective on women, where the female protagonist is objectified and admired solely for her appearance. The lyrics "you ain't nothing but fine" reduce the woman to a mere physical specimen, rather than valuing her as a whole person. Additionally, the man's insistent nature and desire to be her "candyman" could be interpreted as manipulative and predatory.
Overall, "You Ain't Nothin' But Fine" presents a complicated portrayal of romance and desire that can be viewed in varying ways depending on the listener's interpretation.
Line by Line Meaning
Little girl let me walk you home
I want to make sure you get home safely and not by yourself.
You shouldn't be walking all alone
It's not safe for a young lady to walk alone at night.
You know I won't do you no wrong
You can trust me, I won't hurt or harm you in any way.
Come on and tell me what's your name
May I have the pleasure of knowing your name?
Little girl let me hold your hand
Can I please hold your hand? It would be comforting.
Come on and try to understand
Please hear me out and try to see things from my perspective.
I wanna be your candyman
I want to treat you like a sweet and valuable treasure.
Cause you ain't noting but fine, fine, fine
You are truly beautiful and attractive.
And I wish you was mine, mine, mine.
I wish I could have you to myself forever.
Lyrics © KARIN MUSIC
Written by: FLOYD SOILEAU, SIDNEY SIMIEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Thomas Tarwater
They’re still a great band. As long as Kim Wilson is singing and blowing that blues harp, there will always be the Fabulous Thunderbirds. Nuff said.
John DePew
I'm going to give my vote to The Fabulous Thunderbirds! performance at the 1981 Chicago Fest, WOW!!! absolutely the best performance.
scott cunningham
This is a great version I I love rockpiles just as well.
John DePew
At its best when heard live
trfesok
In my T-Birds playlist with the original version. Thanks for the upload!
cuda426hemi
In the 80's when music really sucked - Blasters and T-Birds and then Stevie reminded us it's okay to play the blues as long as you can afford to pay up front for the notes like each one cost you a thousands bucks- so make them count.
NatureBoy1957
Damn this was a great band.
John DePew
I also ran into a couple of the band mates after the show on the street. That was a big treat for me.
Billy Roues
Love this. Check out Rockin' Sidney's zydeco version of this.
Randy Backgammon
Short(very)and sweet(very)