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.
Tell Me What To Do
Van Zant Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I threw my hard hat at him and suggested
the box where he could stick it
I walked downstairs and told 'em I was leaving Bethlehem
Like I had seen the savior, had tears in my eyes
Holding my hands up and shouting Amen!
Chorus:
Spent most of my life a wrapped up tight
In somebody else's hand-me-down old shoes
Starting today I'm someone I'd be proud to know
You might tell me where to go
But there ain't nobody gonna tell me what to do.
We buried Daddy just last week at the church that saved the soul
Man he dreamed of pilot's wings, spent his whole life digging coal
I got a guitar under my bed but I've been too scared to fly
But that's enough of that stuff, I'm packing up my truck
They can just kiss my butt goodbye.
Chorus:
'Cause there ain't nobody gonna tell me what to do
Spent most of my life a wrapped up tight
In somebody else's hand-me-down old shoes
Starting today I'm someone I'd be proud to know
You might tell me where to go
But there ain't nobody gonna tell me what to do.
Chorus:
'Cause there ain't nobody gonna tell me what to do
Spent most of my life a wrapped up tight
In somebody else's hand-me-down old shoes
Starting today I'm someone I'd be proud to know
You might tell me where to go
But there ain't nobody gonna tell me what to do.
Chorus:
'Cause there ain't nobody gonna tell me what to do
Spent most of my life a wrapped up tight
In somebody else's hand-me-down old shoes
Starting today I'm someone I'd be proud to know
You might tell me where to go
But there ain't nobody gonna tell me what to do.
I walked downstairs and told'em I was leaving Bethlehem...
The lyrics of Van Zant's "Nobody Gonna Tell Me What To Do" suggest a man who is finally taking control of his life and making his own decisions, after years of following the expectations of others. The opening lines describe a dramatic confrontation with his boss, whom he tells to stick his job. He then proclaims his freedom from Bethlehem, where he had been working, with the joy of a man newly born. The chorus emphasizes his newfound sense of empowerment, as he declares that no one will ever again dictate his way forward.
The second verse provides some background to the man's situation, as he talks about his father's death and his own unfulfilled ambitions, represented by his guitar. However, he now clearly feels that he has taken the first step towards realizing his dreams by leaving his job and his hometown. The chorus is repeated several times, reinforcing the message that he is finally in charge of his own life. The song ends with a repetition of the same phrase — "there ain't nobody gonna tell me what to do" — almost as a defiant mantra of his newfound freedom.
Van Zant's "Nobody Gonna Tell Me What To Do" embodies the rebellion and audacity of rock music, even as it also speaks to a deeply personal need to assert one's own identity. It embraces the idea that true freedom comes from refusing to be constrained by the expectations of others and being true to one's own aspirations. Overall, it is a celebratory anthem that encourages the listener to stand up and take control of their own destiny.
Line by Line Meaning
I walked downstairs and told'em I was leaving Bethlehem
I made the decision to leave my job at Bethlehem and informed my coworkers with such confidence that it was as if I had just witnessed a miracle, leaving me feeling inspired and grateful.
When I threw my hard hat at him and suggested the box where he could stick it
When I threw my hard hat at my boss, I made it clear that I was done working for someone else's benefit and that I had no intention of repressing my true feelings and desires any longer.
Man he dreamed of pilot's wings, spent his whole life digging coal
My father had aspirations of becoming a pilot but was forced to work in the coal mines his whole life. His experience taught me that I must pursue my own dreams before it is too late.
'Cause there ain't nobody gonna tell me what to do
I am my own person and will not allow anyone to dictate my path in life or hold me back from achieving my goals and passions.
Starting today, I'm someone I'd be proud to know
I have made the conscious decision to live life on my own terms and become the best version of myself, someone who is confident, authentic, and unafraid to take risks and pursue their dreams.
But there ain't nobody gonna tell me what to do
Regardless of what challenges or obstacles come my way, I will always have the power within me to shape my own destiny and fulfill my true potential as an individual.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
sophies mom
Lived in Jacksonville FL for 17 years and lived near both of them. Used to see them around town and talk to them all the time. Nicest guys you ever could meet.❤
Charlie Sybert
Wow
Kizmo 2
This song got me through the last days of my abusive first job. I took half the business with me when I left.
Kizmo 2
@TheCzemerda I owned 1/3 of my old business and was always outvoted by my older partners. I joined the group that had formerly sent us half our business.
TheCzemerda
Do you mean that you literally own half of the business you used to work for or that you took half of there clients after you left and started a similar business. Either way good for you man I’m just curious about what you mean lol.
JayDogTitan 1464
Van Zant sings from the heart, Terrific stuff!
Mark Morse
Many years ago, I heard this song as I was wondering about the future in a job where I didn't trust the company. I walked. Took off that day, called up my mama and grandma and took them on a day trip to the mountains. We ate well. Had some drinks and talked all day and into the night. It was the first time I really connected with my grandma. Took her up in a float plane for a ride above the mountains and lakes of the Adirondacks. Had a couple snorts of good whiskey with her after. Landed a better job 3 days later. It continues to get better with the grace of God. Don't ever give up or take shit. God provides.
Joshua Leach
Still listening in 2020 anyone else?
James Barker
Hell yes!
sausagefinger12
Yeas