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."
Carolina Sunset
The Marshall Tucker Band Lyrics
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That's one thing a man will never forget
It brings heaven a little bit closer to Earth
Makes you feel like what you got
Lord, ain't it been worth everything we been through together
Taking the good
Taking the bad
I love to feel the Smoke, the Smoky Mountain breeze
That's enough to put any man's mind at ease
You know you ain't living on borrowed time
Just grab my hand and walk with me to the end of time
And we'll go through life together
Taking the good
Taking the bad
Taking whatever
Under a Carolina sunset
Carolina sunset
Carolina sunset
Carolina sunset
I love a Carolina sunset
That's one thing a man will never forget
It brings heaven a little bit closer to Earth
Makes you feel like what you got
Lord, ain't it been worth everything we been through together
Taking the good
Taking the bad
Taking whatever
Under a Carolina sunset
Carolina sunset
Carolina sunset
The Marshall Tucker Band's song Carolina Sunset is a beautiful ode to the beauty and serenity of the Southern United States. The lyrics make use of vivid imagery to describe the Carolina sunset, a sight that the singer claims is unforgettable. The metaphysical connection between heaven and earth is also referenced, suggesting a certain spiritual quality to the Carolina sunset. The lyrics urge the listener to take whatever life has to offer, both the good and the bad, and cherish it all under the glory of a Carolina sunset. There is also an emphasis on the concept of longevity, and a suggestion that the singer is planning on spending the rest of his life with someone special. Overall, the song is a celebration of love, nature, and the beauty of life.
Line by Line Meaning
I love a Carolina sunset
The singer expresses their fondness for sunsets in Carolina
That's one thing a man will never forget
Sunsets in Carolina are something that men will always remember
It brings heaven a little bit closer to Earth
Sunsets in Carolina have a special beauty that makes them seem almost divine
Makes you feel like what you got
The sight of a Carolina sunset can make you appreciate what you have
Lord, ain't it been worth everything we been through together
The singer reflects on the struggles they've faced and how experiencing a Carolina sunset makes it all worth it
Taking the good
Acknowledging the positive aspects of life
Taking the bad
Acknowledging the struggles and hardships of life
Taking whatever
Being prepared for whatever life throws your way
I love to feel the Smoke, the Smoky Mountain breeze
The singer enjoys the feeling of the Smoky Mountain breeze on their skin
That's enough to put any man's mind at ease
Feeling the cool mountain breeze can be very calming and relaxing
You know you ain't living on borrowed time
The singer feels content with their life and knows they're not wasting their time
Just grab my hand and walk with me to the end of time
The singer invites someone to share their life journey
And we'll go through life together
The singer looks forward to sharing their life with someone else
Under a Carolina sunset
The singer appreciates the beauty of sunsets in Carolina
Carolina sunset
Repeating the title of the song
Carolina sunset
Repeating the title of the song
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group
Written by: TOY CALDWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Charles Huffman
Sweet sounds,never ceases to amaze me,clarity,perfection,fabulous,unbelievable,had been doing this together for years,hats off.
John Tussey
@bmarsh1: All of Toy Caldwell's songs are gems in my opinion!! What a great band, sound and music!! They definitely are one band deserving of being in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame............until that happens it will only be the Rock And Roll Hall Of Shame!!
NattyBumppo48
It doesn't get any better than "THAT". Wow, just listen....
Les Heath Jr
Of all their songs, this is my favorite! Too bad it never got the same airplane as the others.
isaiah brown
This throwback is one of the best by this group
Renee Orr
Absolutely love this song this album
Joan 👍:‑X
Having the most incredible sunset to this song. .. absolutely perfect
Earl Heath
MTB infused jazz with country and it was just the most beautiful music ever made. This song has always made me shut my world down to listen.
joan Jett
Exactly what I am doing....sitting outside with the Tucker boys and watching the beautiful Carolina sunset
Denny Green
Loved the MTB , everytime I saw them it was awesome !