However, while the band felt they weren't making any progress on their musical path and had moved on, their English manager took the demo to a small Yorkshire record label, Making Waves, who liked the material and released the demos as the "Keep The Faith" EP in 1985 (Kerrang #113). The press response to the EP was positive and prompted the band to reform in the US. Baird had been playing with the Woodpeckers in NC, while Richards remained in Atlanta with the Hell Hounds, who included both Mauro Magellon (drums) and Rick Price (bass). With Baird essentially joining the Hell Hounds the Satellites were reborn and American record labels started taking notice of the band.
By 1986 only Elektra Records were willing to sign the band, who then reunited with Glixman to record their debut full-length album at Axis Sound Studios in Atlanta. Their album, Georgia Satellites, was their most successful album to date, featuring the track "Keep Your Hands To Yourself". That song went all the way to #2 on the Billboard chart, topped only by Bon Jovi's "Livin' On A Prayer". It went into extremely heavy MTV rotation at the time. Other hits included "Battleship Chains" (#86) and "Can't Stand The Pain".
In 1988, the band recorded a cover of The Swinging Blue Jean's 1964 hit, "Hippy Hippy Shake" to the Tom Cruise movie soundtrack Cocktail. Released as a single the song made it to #45 on the Billboard chart. During the year the band released their second album "Open All Night," which infamously included a cover of the Ringo Starr song "Don't Pass Me By," though the album wouldn't build on the success of the debut. A single, "Open All Night" backed with "Dunk 'N' dine" failed to chart. A third studio album, "In The Land Of Salvation And Sin," was released in 1989, which included re-recordings of "Six Years Gone" and "Crazy" from the 1985 EP. Baird left the band in 1990 for a solo career when the album failed to find any commercial success.
Bring Down The Hammer
The Georgia Satellites Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well I held on like a child to a dream [unknown]
One thousand [unknown], just bought and sold
Seems like I carried a torch for nothing
I'm a fool with an empty crown
Even a fool woke up now there's a devil ahead
[unknown]
And I'm gonna bring down the hammer swing it righteous wrong or right
And now you stole the promise, left without an answer why
But that's alright I'm damn sure [unknown] tonight
And I don't care what's coming next
I got answers in my head
Whatever's left by morning's likely where I'll make my stay
Well I've been living like a blind man
And I've just seen the light
The lyrics of "Bring Down the Hammer" by The Georgia Satellites convey a sense of frustration and anger at the forces that seem to be holding the singer back. The repeated refrain of "I'm gonna bring down the hammer, swing it righteous wrong or right" suggests a determination to take action, even if it's not entirely clear what form that action will take. The opening lines, "Well I held on like a child to a dream / One thousand [unknown], just bought and sold," seem to refer to a sense of disillusionment with something the singer once believed in. The use of the word "child" suggests a naive or innocent attachment to this dream, while the mention of something being bought and sold could indicate that it was a commercial or financial venture that ultimately failed.
As the song progresses, the lyrics become more opaque and difficult to interpret. Lines like "I'm a fool with an empty crown / Even a fool woke up now there's a devil ahead" could be read in a number of ways. It's possible that the singer sees themselves as a foolish leader who has lost their followers, or perhaps they feel that their own power has been undermined by someone else. The reference to a devil suggests that there is some kind of malevolent force at work, though it's not clear who or what that might be. Despite these uncertainties, the singer seems to feel that they have finally "seen the light" and are ready to take action.
Overall, "Bring Down the Hammer" is a song that captures a sense of restlessness and a desire for change. The singer is frustrated with their current situation and is eager to take action, even if they're not exactly sure how to do so. The repeated refrain of "I'm gonna bring down the hammer" suggests a sense of power and determination, though it's not clear how effective that power will be.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna bring down the hammer, swing it righteous wrong or right
I will stand up for my beliefs and take action, even if it is controversial or opposed by others.
Well I held on like a child to a dream [unknown]
I clung to a hope or idea that may not be realistic or achievable, but persisted in chasing it anyways.
One thousand [unknown], just bought and sold
A large number of people or things were exchanged or traded, potentially for profit or personal gain.
Seems like I carried a torch for nothing
It appears that my efforts or dedication were in vain, and did not ultimately result in any meaningful or positive outcome.
I'm a fool with an empty crown
I am viewed as a foolish or misguided person, even if I have some level of status or authority.
Even a fool woke up now there's a devil ahead
Even those who are typically unaware or uninvolved may recognize impending danger or negativity on the horizon.
[unknown]
This line is not provided so it cannot be interpreted.
I've been living like a blind man, I've just seen the light
I have been oblivious or ignorant to certain truths or realities, but have recently become enlightened or aware of them.
And now you stole the promise, left without an answer why
Someone has broken a commitment or taken something valuable, without providing any justification or explanation.
But that's alright I'm damn sure [unknown] tonight
Even though there may be uncertainty or unresolved issues, I am confident and unshaken in my determination.
And I don't care what's coming next
I am not concerned or anxious about future outcomes, and will continue to act boldly and fearlessly despite any potential risks.
I got answers in my head
I am confident in my knowledge or understanding of a situation, and feel capable of making sound decisions based on it.
Whatever's left by morning's likely where I'll make my stay
I am willing to adapt to changing circumstances, and will take advantage of any opportunities that may arise as a result.
Well I've been living like a blind man
I have been oblivious or ignorant to certain truths or realities, potentially causing me to make poor decisions or miss out on valuable experiences.
And I've just seen the light
I have gained new insights or perspectives, potentially giving me a renewed sense of purpose or direction in life.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DANIEL JOHN BAIRD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind