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 Nothing 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.
The Fabulous Thunderbirds' song "You Ain't Nothing but Fine" is a classic blues tune that speaks to the desires of a man who is infatuated with a young girl. The lyrics suggest that the man is concerned about the girl's safety and wants to walk her home to protect her. He then expresses his attraction to her, asking for her name and offering to hold her hand. The chorus repeatedly reinforces the idea that the girl is "nothing but fine", indicating that she is beautiful and desirable. The man wishes that she were his, but ultimately decides to do the right thing by simply walking her home and not taking advantage of her.
The song captures the essence of the traditional blues style, with a straightforward message and catchy melody that makes it easy to dance along to. It also highlights the themes of desire and chivalry that are often present in blues lyrics, with the man both expressing his attraction to the girl and his intention to do right by her.
Overall, "You Ain't Nothing but Fine" is a classic blues song that speaks to the timeless themes of desire, chivalry, and the importance of doing the right thing when it comes to matters of the heart.
Line by Line Meaning
Little girl let me walk you home
I offer to walk you home safely.
You shouldn't be walking all alone
It's not safe for you to walk alone.
Little girl let me walk you home
I'll make sure you're safe on your way home.
You know I won't do you no wrong
I will not harm you in any way.
Come on and tell me what's your name
May I know your name?
Little girl let me hold your hand
May I hold your hand while walking?
Come on and try to understand
Please listen to me and understand what I'm saying.
I wanna be your candyman
I want to be the one who treats you sweetly.
Cause you ain't nothing but fine, fine, fine
You're beautiful beyond any measure.
And I wish you was mine, mine, mine.
I wish you were mine to keep 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)