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."
Everybody Needs Somebody
The Marshall Tucker Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Jerry Eubanks, Doug Gray, George McCorkle)
Listening for a faint sound
Gazing out the window I see
Winds blowing clouds
Wish they were taking me
A lonesome song on the radio
CHORUS
Everybody needs somebody
To help them make it through life
Arms to hold, words to soothe
Someone to say that it's all right
Too many miles of road, I really can't complain
These LONELY hotel rooms are driving me insane
My life's a hard life, wouldn't have it any other way
Someday darling, I'll be coming home to stay
CHORUS
Songs of the highway, one night stands
It can take it's toll on any kind of man
Lord, I miss you and I ain't afraid to say
Someday darling, I'll be coming home to stay
The Marshall Tucker Band’s song “Everybody Needs Somebody” was released in 1983 as part of their album “Just Us.” The song begins with a somber tone, describing the singer’s loneliness as he gazes out of the window and hears a lonesome song on the radio. He wishes that the winds blowing clouds would take him away from his loneliness. The chorus talks about how everybody needs somebody to help them make it through life, someone to hold them and support them, and reassure them that everything will be alright.
The rest of the lyrics describe the challenges of being on the road, playing one-night stands and how it takes a toll on any kind of man. Despite this, he says he wouldn’t have it any other way, but he acknowledges that he misses his someone special and says that someday he’ll be coming home to stay. The song expresses a sense of longing and the need for human connection, as well as the trade-offs people make in order to pursue their dreams.
The repetition of the phrase “Everybody needs somebody” and the gentle melody make the song an anthem for human connection and the importance of supportive relationships. It speaks to the universal desire for companionship and the recognition that we all need someone to help us make it through the difficulties that life presents us with.
Line by Line Meaning
Listening for a faint sound
Paying attention to something that is barely audible
Gazing out the window I see
Looking outside through a window and taking notice of one's surroundings
Winds blowing clouds
The movement of air causing clouds to move in the sky
Wish they were taking me
Desiring to be taken on a journey by the winds
A lonesome song on the radio
A sad and solitary song being played on the radio
Reminds me of where I'd like to be
Evoking memories of a place where one desires to be
Everybody needs somebody
All individuals require companionship
To help them make it through life
To assist in navigating the challenges of existence
Arms to hold, words to soothe
Physical and emotional support provided by someone
Someone to say that it's all right
A companion who can reassure and comfort one during difficult times
Too many miles of road, I really can't complain
Having traveled a significant distance, but acknowledging there is no basis for complaint
These LONELY hotel rooms are driving me insane
The solitude and confinement of hotel rooms is causing emotional strain
My life's a hard life, wouldn't have it any other way
Admitting that one's life is challenging, but expressing contentment with that fact
Someday darling, I'll be coming home to stay
A promise to return home and remain there
Songs of the highway, one night stands
Themes of travel and temporary romantic attachments
It can take it's toll on any kind of man
Acknowledging that the lifestyle of the music industry can be exhausting and difficult for anyone
Lord, I miss you and I ain't afraid to say
A statement of missing a loved one and being unashamed to express that sentiment
Someday darling, I'll be coming home to stay
Reiterating the promise of returning home and remaining there
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group
Written by: DOUG GRAY, GEORGE MCCORKLE, JERRY EUBANKS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Brenda Milloy
Think it's a shame that the Marshall Tucker Band isn't in the RRHOF? Screw the RRHOF! I know of something better.
I am the representative/cyber cheerleader for the Marshall Tucker Band at the Hall Of Pretty Darned Good (HOPDG).
What is HOPDG?
The Hall Of Pretty Darned Good is a virtual Hall of Recognition. The HOPDG seeks to recognize people, bands and artists who are not recognized by their respective Halls of Fame.
Nominees are selected based on fan suggestions and inducted into the HOPDG by fan votes. It's as simple as that.
The current categories include:
Baseball
Football
Basketball
Hockey
Film/TV
Music
There is a Facebook Page named The Hall Of Pretty Darned Good where you can vote for the Marshall Tucker Band to be inducted into the Hall Of Pretty Darned Good!
To vote, first you need to "LIKE" the HOPDG page, then send a message via the Page, with your vote choices.
The Hall Of Pretty Darned Good also has a Group of the same name on Facebook so you can discuss the nominees with other voters, keep up to date on HOPDG news, and maybe win some extra votes for your favorites by answering trivia questions. It's all good fun with a great purpose - recognizing people for their outstanding contributions to sports, film and music.
On midnight, September 30th, voting stops for the current round of nominees. The Marshall Tucker Band is in the 3rd spot for induction unless another nominee overtakes. Don't let this happen! Vote!
Let's get the Marshall Tucker Band the long overdue recognition they deserve.
Thank you 🌈
Lisa Furkins
bass line is incredible - Doug's voice so clear and strong - and each solo makes you only want more! MTB was the best!!
Tacelli Time
Doug has an amazing voice, one of a kind. My favorite group is MTB! Listen every night to some cold beer! Thank you guys!
joan Jett
Love the bass.. sounds incredible.. I absolutely love this band .. thank you for the amazing memories and great music
Ricardo Picone
My favorite song, simply perfect!
Scott Clute
MAY I ADD,that DOUG GRAY has tried his hardest to keep the band,Together Forever!! A very successful man!!!
Jim Cross
I a net Doug several years ago I appreciate his efforts to keep this band going. He is amazing
Pamela Knowles
Priceless!🎶🎸🎵🎤🎹💙
Tom Campbell
This is one of my favorite songs of all time! Long Live MTB
Clint Cantrell
What a great band, the music is awesome
Frank Ibey
That Steel Guitar!!!!