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."
The Thrill Is Gone
The Marshall Tucker Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The thrill is gone away
The thrill is gone baby
The thrill is gone away
You know you done me wrong baby
And you'll be sorry someday
The thrill is gone
The thrill is gone baby
The thrill is gone away from me
Although, I'll still live on
But so lonely I'll be
The thrill is gone
It's gone away for good
The thrill is gone baby
It's gone away for good
Someday I know I'll be open armed baby
Just like I know a good man should
You know I'm free, free now baby
I'm free from your spell
Oh I'm free, free, free now
I'm free from your spell
And now that it's all over
All I can do is wish you well
The Marshall Tucker Band's song "The Thrill Is Gone" showcases a feeling of loss and heartbreak that arises from a relationship that once brought joy and excitement but now seems to have faded away. The lyrics that say "the thrill is gone, the thrill is gone away" express the feeling of emptiness that comes from a relationship that no longer carries the spark it once did. The verse that reads "you know you done me wrong baby and you'll be sorry someday" shows the hurt and the emotional damage caused by the actions of the person who once brought euphoria in life. This line is followed by "although, I'll still live on, but so lonely I'll be," which highlights the loneliness that one experiences when they have to come to terms with losing someone who was once everything to them.
The song further talks about how the thrill has gone away for good, and the singer knows that someday he will move on and open himself to love again, but until then, he will continue to face the pain of losing his love. The line "you know, I'm free, free now baby, I'm free from your spell, and now that it's all over, all I can do is wish you well" shows the resolution to move on and break free from the emotional hold the relationship once had. The tone of the song is one of sadness and loss, but the focus is on moving on and having hope for the future, even if it feels far away.
Line by Line Meaning
The thrill is gone
I no longer feel the excitement or passion that I once had
The thrill is gone away
The exhilaration or joy I used to have is no longer present
The thrill is gone baby
The intensity of my feelings for you has faded away
The thrill is gone away
The excitement I once had is completely gone
You know you done me wrong baby
You know that you have hurt me deeply, my dear
And you'll be sorry someday
One day, you will regret what you have done to me
It's gone away from me
The thrill has departed from my life, leaving me feeling empty
Although, I'll still live on
Despite this loss, I will continue to survive
But so lonely I'll be
I will suffer from solitude and lack of companionship
It's gone away for good
The thrill has left permanently; there is no chance of it returning
Someday I know I'll be open armed baby
One day in the future, I will be ready to love and trust again
Just like I know a good man should
I will be able to give my love and devotion to a deserving partner
I'm free from your spell
I have broken free from your control and influence
And now that it's all over
Our relationship has completely ended
All I can do is wish you well
All I can do now is hope for your happiness and success
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Rick R. Darnell, Roy Hawkins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
lmohrmann
This has got to be one one of the great covers of all time. Doug's voice rounds out the awsome abilities of all of these great musicians. i wish it was half this strong still. MTB needs to be in the Rock Hall of Fame!
Jbyrd53
This group of musicians is fantastic. Dickey betts was really coming into his own this era. Seen Jimmy hall the other day. That man's voice is still awesome and his harmonica playing.
Sandra Dziedziula
I had this album (gone now) so I am very glad this is here, I also bought the DVD, I feel this is one of the greatest performances EVER. Thanks for posting.
Robert Ferretti
It is a piece of history that can not be redone anymore. There are to many missing people to do this again. T.Z. keep the keys in heaven!!! Rip
John Leonard
I completely fell in love with music when I first heard this record. Absolutely fantastic jam. This video shows it all transforming before our eyes. Doug Grey is my favorite male vocalist. He kills it here.
Barb Hansen
Grew up listening and loving them through all of the ups and downs of life!
Will be 64 the 25th, still listening!
AllmanPanic
WOW. I was at this show!! In the fall of '74 I began my freshman year at Vanderbilt in Nashville. I'd been a serious ABB fan since '69, and was heavily into Southern Rock. Nashville was a GREAT place to be at the time. Lots of Southern Rock, as well as the emergence of Outlaw Country (Willie, Waylon, etc.). The Volunteer Jams were always great combinations of both genres, and generally just great big blowouts. Tremendous parties!!! (See you at Bear Creek, Magnoliafest, and Wanee!)
Joan 👍:‑X
I am just so freaking happy at this moment. ..my mind is blown away... incredible job .This is a masterpiece and a treasure of music...
Bruce Gwynn
Alot of talent up there that tommy caldwell introduced, my god what a group of guys who made many great albums
Ron Edwards
So much talent on that stage. I'm lucky to have shared a stage with most of them.....