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."
You Don't Live Forever
The Marshall Tucker Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Prettiest thing I ever seen
Just like all good things
There was a day she went away
Had the best mother that a man could have
And my family understands
When I see Daddy, my Daddy
I say to myself
So I'm sittin' here
Thinkin' about
How we used to be together
And it's a lonesome road
Even I
Tell you that you don't live forever
No you don't live forever
Listen to me baby
What I'm tryin' to say
I can't understand it
When you treat me this way
The Marshall Tucker Band's song, You Don't Live Forever, is a poignant reflection on life and how it is fleeting. The song's lyrics describe a once-cherished lover who is no longer present in the singer's life. The singer shares that he had a lover who was the prettiest thing he had ever seen, but alas, she went away one day. This passage communicates the sadness and loss that comes with the end of a relationship or the loss of a loved one.
The song's lyrics also pay tribute to the singer's father, whom he views as a "hell of a man." The reference to the singer's father is an acknowledgment of the passing of time and reflects the inevitability of mortality. The singer appears to be reflecting on his own mortality as he says, "Tell you that you don't live forever," as if he is imparting wisdom or advice to someone else. The song's message is clear - cherish what you have in life because nothing lasts forever.
Line by Line Meaning
I had a lover
Once upon a time, I had a significant other
Prettiest thing I ever seen
She was the most beautiful person I have ever laid eyes on
Just like all good things
As expected with all good things
There was a day she went away
One day, she left me
Had the best mother that a man could have
My mother was the best anyone could ask for
And my family understands
My family is understanding of my situation
When I see Daddy, my Daddy
Whenever I see my father, whom I address as 'Daddy'
I say to myself
I think to myself
He's a hell of a man
My father is an excellent man
So I'm sittin' here
Right now, I am sitting here
Thinkin' about
Reflecting on
How we used to be together
The times when we were together in the past
And it's a lonesome road
My current journey is a lonely one
Even I
Even I myself
Tell you that you don't live forever
I want to remind you that life is not eternal
No you don't live forever
Life is finite
Listen to me baby
Hear me out, my love
What I'm tryin' to say
What I am attempting to convey
I can't understand it
I am having trouble comprehending
When you treat me this way
Your behavior towards me is perplexing to me
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group
Written by: TOY CALDWELL
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.
Let's get the Marshall Tucker Band the long overdue recognition they deserve.
Thank you 🌈
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 🌈
Howlin' Donster
Toy rips it up, he sure is missed.. I saw the Tucker Boys about the same amount in concert as I saw The Allmans and they were the best thing going in the 70's which was the most fertile period of rock in my humble opinion...
mike baird
I believe your opinion is dead on. Started seeing ABB in 70 and The Tuck band 73. We saw the best for the time period...
songcollector07
what can i say about this awesome band i cant get enough of em
kat Mats
Gosh , Listening to this and living in the beautiful state of COLORADO I count myself as very blessed. Marshall Tucker rings from the highest peak in this state.
At least to all of us recall such a quiet beautiful state.
Lacey Yakel
Down home....Tucker style. These guys played with passion, damn.
justin peavy
this one and fly eagle fly my favorites but they are all solid gold just really great music
R R
Greatest album ever.
Angela Liebherr
put them in the rr hall of fame
James Liebherr
Hell urs
veightengine
Amazing Song!, Thanks for posting it. Greetings from Chile, SouthAmerica