Compared to Southern rock pioneers and label-mates The Allman Brothers Band, Marshall Tucker had a more country and western feel, with the flute being a key lead instrument in their sound. "Can't You See", "Fire on the Mountain", and "This Ol' Cowboy" are among their songs that received appreciable FM radio airplay, while "Heard It in a Love Song" made it to #14 as a single on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1977.
Original bassist Tommy Caldwell died in a car crash on April 28, 1980. His brother, guitarist Toy Caldwell, died of respiratory failure on February 25, 1993.
There was no band member named "Marshall Tucker". Originally, the band called itself The Toy Factory (named after lead-guitarist Toy Caldwell). But by the time the band released its first album they had become the Marshall Tucker Band. During a radio interview in Hempstead, NY in 1973, Tommy Caldwell explained the origins of the band's name:
"There's an old blind dude [in Spartanburg, SC] that tunes pianos, and his name is Marshall Tucker... We didn't name the band after him, but we just kind of liked that name and stuck with it."
AB
The Marshall Tucker Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Won't you bury me
In the sunshine?
Please let me know
That you're still mine.
Though I'm gone,
My love for you
Is, oh, so strong.
and when the grass grows over me,
Let me know
You still love me.
Never put nobody else
Above me.
Then I'll know
My love for you
Will always grow.
The Marshall Tucker Band's song AB's Song is a beautiful love song that bears a tinge of melancholy. The lyrics of the song revolve around the singer's fear of an untimely demise at the age of 23. He implores his lover to bury him in pure sunshine and desires her acknowledgment of their enduring love, even after his death. He longs for her affection to remain unchanged even as the grass grows over his grave. This undeniably shows the deep emotions and unwavering love the singer has for his partner. He wants her to be faithful to him, even though he might not be around to bask in her affections.
The song's frequent repetition of the phrase "let me know you still love me" suggests the insecurities and fears of the singer in their romantic relationship. The tone of the song remains wistful, as the singer wishes for the continuation of his love, even in death. One could also infer from the song that love is timeless and boundless, even in death. The desire for immortality in a relationship is a common thread in love songs, and AB's Song takes it to greater heights.
Line by Line Meaning
If I die at 23
Should I perish at the tender age of 23
Won't you bury me
When I meet my demise, would you kindly perform the rite of burial
In the sunshine?
Place me in the warmth of the sunlight while laying me to rest
Please let me know
Requesting you to inform me
That you're still mine.
To confirm that you still belong to me
Though I'm gone,
Even without me being present
My love for you
My affection towards you
Is, oh, so strong.
Remains incredibly potent and unrelenting
and when the grass grows over me,
At a time when grasses have covered my final resting place
Let me know
Inform me then
You still love me.
Your feelings of love towards me are still intact
Never put nobody else
Promise to never give your heart to another person
Above me.
More important than or before me
Then I'll know
At which point I will understand
My love for you
The extent of my love for you
Will always grow.
Will continue to expand and endure
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: TOY CALDWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Matt Delgado
[G] If i die at [C] 23
Won't you bury [D] me
In the [G] sunshine?
[C] Please let me [D] know
That you're [G] still mine.
Though I'm [D] gone,
[C] My love for [D] you
Is, oh, so [G] strong.
And [G] when the grass grows over [C] me,
Let me [D] know
You still l[G] ove me.
[C] Never put no [D] body else
[G] Above me.
Then i'll [D] know
My [C] love for [D] you
Will always [G] grow.
Linda Smith
I thought I had heard every song of Marshall Tucker. Alexa played Ab's song while I was sitting alone talking to my two deceased loves; my husband and my son. This song went straight to my heart. I asked Alexa to repeat the song and it played over and over for about 10 minutes! It was a great experience!
theamericanwonder
It pisses me off to no end that MTB has not been nominated for or inducted to the R&R Hall of Fame by now. One of the best bands ever!
f marz
R&R Hall of Fame is a crock
Paul Stensland
A lot of southern bands have been snubbed by the rock hall of fame
Kevin Campbell
Seems it's a popularity contest now. I'm rooting for Tucker and the J. Geils Band to finally be inducted one day.
Shelby Hoopes-Tice
My brother just recently passed away at the age of 23 from an autoimmune disease. We played this at his memorial service.
Jonathan Walls
How lived 45 years and never heard this song! That’s what makes music one of God’s most beautiful gifts!!!
B M
Toy was definitely one of the best guitar players and song writers of all time. For some reason he isn't a house hold name like other guitarists...but he should be. People know and do love songs like Can't You See, Heard in in a love Song etc, but do not understand or been introduced to Toy Caldwell's amazing and unique LIVE guitar playing (with his thumb only) and other gems he wrote such as this song. My favorite musician!!
Paul F.
Yup.....Good ole crazy thumb...
Todd Brown
Yes...I have it in my head often...just a beautiful song and tribute to his beloved wife!!!!