Johnny recorded as a member of the 1980's southern rock band The Johnny Van Zant Band which released albums in 1980, 1981 and 1982. The band shortened its name to Van Zant for the release of its fourth album in 1985, the eponymous Van Zant, which saw some chart success with "You've Got to Believe in Love" and "I'm a Fighter". However, this band was not the same as the current version of Van Zant and did not include brother Donnie.
Johnny released another album under his full name in 1990, but spent most of his time in that period singing for the Lynyrd Skynyrd reunion group. He joined up with Donnie, and they revived the Van Zant name to release an album in 1998, which led to a follow up album in 2001. They have also released two albums to the country music format: 2005's Get Right with the Man and 2007's My Kind of Country. Overall, the group has had two singles on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks charts (the prior incarnation of Van Zant also had two), and six on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.
Takin
Van Zant Lyrics
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Friday night Jimmy wasnt gonna play
Sittin on the bench chompin at the bit knowin he was better
5'6" goin on six eight
A man went down jimmy went in third and long first and ten
Crowd went wild touchdown jimmy said i came to win
Chorus
If your gunna stay stand your ground
If you can run with the big dogs
Big dog let me walk you out
If you cant lead let me by you
If you wont follow get out the way
Your takin up space
Shelly had her daddys money waiting
All she had to do was share his chair
She had a dream that he didnt want her chasin
She was a night school millionaire
She worked 2 jobs to pay her way
Stayed up late to make the grade
Graduated Summa Cum Laude PhD the hard way
Chorus
Lifes too short to live in caution
Life to long to not live at all
Chorus
The song "Takin' Up Space" by Van Zant speaks about the importance of taking risks and living life to the fullest. The song tells the story of two individuals who refuse to let their circumstances hold them back from achieving their dreams. The first verse describes a high school football game where Jimmy, an undersized player, gets his chance to shine and proves to everyone that he has what it takes to win. The second verse tells the story of Shelly, who works tirelessly to obtain her PhD, defying her father's wishes and proving that she can make it on her own.
The chorus of the song serves as a motivational message, urging listeners to push themselves and never settle for mediocrity. The lyrics encourage people to take risks, stand up for themselves, and pursue their dreams with determination and courage. The song delivers a powerful message that life is too short to live in fear and caution, and that in order to truly live, we must be willing to take risks and make our dreams a reality.
Overall, "Takin' Up Space" is a powerful anthem that encourages listeners to live their lives to the fullest, to take risks, and to never give up on their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
That Friday night seemed just like any other
It was a typical Friday night like any other.
Friday night Jimmy wasn't gonna play
Jimmy was not going to play that Friday night.
Sittin on the bench chompin at the bit knowin he was better
Jimmy was sitting on the bench, eager to play, because he knew he was a better player.
5'6' goin on six eight
Despite being only 5'6" tall, Jimmy was confident and seemed taller than his height.
A man went down Jimmy went in third and long first and ten
When a player got injured, Jimmy replaced him in the game during a critical moment.
Crowd went wild touchdown Jimmy said I came to win
Jimmy scored a touchdown, and confidently declared that he came to win.
If your gunna go go all the way
If you are going to do something, give it your all and see it through to the end.
If your gunna stay stand your ground
If you choose to stay, stand firm by your decision.
If you can run with the big dogs
If you can keep up with the best and most powerful players, you can achieve more.
Big dog let me walk you out
If you are the best, let me learn from you and follow your lead.
If you cant lead let me by you
If you cannot lead, let me take control and lead the way.
If you won't follow get out the way
If you refuse to follow, get out of the way and let someone else take charge.
Your takin up space
If you are not contributing to the team or the goal, then you are just occupying space.
Shelly had her daddy's money waiting
Shelly had the financial support of her father ready and waiting for her.
All she had to do was share his chair
All Shelly had to do was to accept her father's support and work alongside him.
She had a dream that he didn't want her chasin
Shelly had a dream that her father did not approve of and did not want her to pursue.
She was a night school millionaire
Despite facing obstacles, Shelly worked hard to achieve her success.
She worked 2 jobs to pay her way
Shelly worked hard to support herself financially, even having to take on two jobs.
Stayed up late to make the grade
Shelly had to work hard and sacrifice her sleep time to achieve good grades.
Graduated Summa Cum Laude PhD the hard way
Shelly earned her PhD with distinction, despite facing obstacles and having to work very hard.
Lifes too short to live in caution
Life is brief, so one should not be afraid to take risks and live life to the fullest.
Life's too long to not live at all
Life can be long, so it is important to be bold, take chances, and fully live this long life.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind