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."
Walkin' the Streets Alone
The Marshall Tucker Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sick and tired of them sad sunsets
And maybe will be's
Done gone and pulled the rug out from under me
Oh lord show me the way
Well I'm layin' in Atlanta
I can't hear the wind whine
Can't move my legs can't see
Ain't been the same since you
Said that you ain't mine
Oh lord show me the way
And one time I had money
Everything a man could need
But I was so unhappy
So did I really succeed
Then you walked up and said you were leavin' me
Oh lord show me the way
And you've got me walkin' the streets alone
Can't even give the dog a bone
Ain't got no one, not even you to call my own
Oh lord show me the way
And you've got me walkin the streets alone
The Marshall Tucker Band's song "Walkin' the Streets Alone" is a deeply personal and emotional track about heartbreak and loneliness. The opening line "I'm singin' a song 'cause I'm in misery" sets the tone for the entire song, which speaks to the pain of losing someone you love and being left to navigate the world alone.
The lyrics describe the singer's sense of isolation and despair after their significant other has left them. They are "sick and tired of them sad sunsets and maybe will be's", feeling as though their dreams and hopes for the future have been taken away from them. Even the city they are in, Atlanta, feels oppressive and suffocating - they "can't hear the wind whine" and are unable to move or see. They are left questioning their own success and whether or not their material possessions and wealth were ever truly satisfying. The chorus repeats the phrase "oh lord show me the way", asking for guidance and direction in a seemingly directionless and meaningless life.
The final lines of the song summarize the singer's state of being: "And you've got me walkin' the streets alone / Can't even give the dog a bone / Ain't got no one, not even you to call my own". They are completely alone in the world, without anything or anyone to hold onto. It is a poignant and sorrowful song that speaks to the universal struggle of coping with heartbreak and loss.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm singin' a song 'cause I'm in misery
I'm expressing my sorrow through the art of music.
Sick and tired of them sad sunsets
I'm exhausted from witnessing depressing endings each day.
And maybe will be's
The possibility of what could have been is taunting me.
Done gone and pulled the rug out from under me
I've been blindsided by an unexpected obstacle that has brought me to my knees.
Oh lord show me the way
I'm seeking divine guidance and assistance during this difficult time.
Well I'm layin' in Atlanta
I'm currently residing in Atlanta.
I can't hear the wind whine
I'm completely numb to my surroundings.
Can't move my legs can't see
I'm physically and emotionally drained to the point of immobility.
No I ain't blind
I may be visually capable but my emotional state has left me unable to engage with the world.
Ain't been the same since you
My life has drastically changed for the worse since you left me.
Said that you ain't mine
You told me that I no longer have a place in your heart.
And one time I had money
There was an instance in my life where I was financially secure.
Everything a man could need
At that point in time, I had all the necessities of life taken care of.
But I was so unhappy
Despite having everything, I was consumed by sadness.
So did I really succeed
I question whether having material possessions equates to true success.
Then you walked up and said you were leavin' me
You shattered my world by announcing your departure from my life.
And you've got me walkin' the streets alone
Your absence has left me to wander aimlessly with no sense of direction or purpose.
Can't even give the dog a bone
I'm in such a dire state that I can't even provide for my pet.
Ain't got no one, not even you to call my own
I'm completely alone with no family, friends, or lover to call my own.
Oh lord show me the way
I'm still beseeching a higher power for guidance and renewed strength.
And you've got me walkin the streets alone
The chorus repeats, emphasizing the loneliness and aimlessness of the artist.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: TOY CALDWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@beckyfinch6628
Oh my, does this take me back in time!!!! When times were good and so was this country!!! Need a big do over!!!! Love my MTB!!!!!!!!!!!!❤️✌️
@jackbruner8474
God graced Doug Gray with the smoothest voice a fellow could ever have!
@kayaguns
drinking cold beers while listening to this amazing band. such a good time
@tomspence7045
Raised in Southern California listening to MTB. Dude’s got pipes the band rides along. Beautiful
@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm
per great album = one of the best country southern rock bands around ! - back then .
@michaelbaniak2903
This song is amazing!
@mt9054
So thankful I was able too see MTB back in the day..many times.....they were simply the best....
@tom.hoffmann6585
I'm with you Tom!
@t87mitch
So lucky! I'd kill....
@jimkidd4828
Greatest original music I've ever heard toy Caldwell that was absolutely the greatest