Red Dress
The Radiators Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Chief you better hold on to your headdress
You no longer need that old address
Look so good, lord it hurt so bad
She got more powerful stuff than your mama had

She′s got it on, she's got it on
Red dress don′t look back
Red dress tight like that

It's bad when the bayou's bloomin′ blue lights
And the parking lots bustin′ out in fistfights
Such disturbance just to catch her eye
Old men makin' muscles, lord that eagle flies

She′s got it on, she's got it on




Red dress don′t look back
Red dress tight like that

Overall Meaning

The Radiators' song Red Dress is a soulful, bluesy rock number with an upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics that describe the mesmerizing effect a woman in a red dress has on a group of men, particularly one referred to as "Chief." The song begins with a warning to Chief to hold onto his headdress and let go of his old life because this woman is going to sweep him off his feet. The lyrics then describe how good the woman looks, how powerful her allure is, and how she is the subject of men getting into fistfights in parking lots just to catch her eye.


The chorus emphasizes the red dress, which is described as tight and alluring. The repetition of the line "Red dress don't look back" signifies the power and confidence that the woman holds, while also urging the listener to not miss a chance to witness her beauty. The song ends with the powerful image of an eagle flying, implying that the woman in the red dress is just as majestic and untouchable as the eagle.


Line by Line Meaning

Chief you better hold on to your headdress
You should get ready because things are about to change, and you need to be prepared for it.


You no longer need that old address
You don't have to cling on to your old ways and habits because something better is coming your way.


Look so good, lord it hurt so bad
The beauty of this woman is so powerful that it has the potential to cause physical pain to those around her.


She got more powerful stuff than your mama had
This woman has more charisma and essence than any other woman you've known in your life.


She's got it on, she's got it on
This woman is dressed up in her finest attire and is ready to make a statement.


Red dress don't look back
This woman is full of confidence and is stepping out into the world without any regrets or hesitations.


Red dress tight like that
This woman's dress is fitting her body perfectly, emphasizing her beauty and allure.


It's bad when the bayou's bloomin' blue lights
The environment around this woman is tense and chaotic, with even nature reacting to her power and presence.


And the parking lots bustin' out in fistfights
People are going crazy around her; fights breaking out in the parking lot simply because of her effect on people.


Such disturbance just to catch her eye
People are willing to go to extreme lengths to catch her attention, sacrificing their own well-being in the process.


Old men makin' muscles, lord that eagle flies
Even men well beyond their strength and youth are trying to show off for her, revealing her magnetic power over people of all ages and backgrounds.




Writer(s): D. Malone, E. Volker

Contributed by Charlotte Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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