The five original members of Wet Willie, all from Mobile, Alabama, came together in 1969 and soon realized they had something special. Jimmy was out front, a triple threat on lead vocals, sax and harmonica; as one writer said, “Jimmy Hall was who Mick Jagger wanted to be!” Ricky Hirsch played guitars and wrote or co-wrote much of the band’s material, with Jack Hall, Jimmy’s brother, on bass, Lewis Ross on drums and John Anthony on keyboards.
The band relocated to Macon, Georgia in 1970 where they were signed by Phil Walden’s Capricorn label, and got right to work on their self-titled first album. Upon its release later that year, Wet Willie began a relentless touring schedule, and soon became known as one of the hardest working bands of the Southern Rock era. As they put it, they “opened for everyone from A to Z: Allman Brothers to ZZ Top!”
Their second album, Wet Willie II came out a year later, followed by Drippin’ Wet, a live set recorded in New Orleans that captured the intense energy of their live shows. With the release of their fourth album in 1974, Keep On Smilin’, the band broke into the charts with the title track, hitting number 10 on national radio charts and number one in many Southern markets. Another track, “Countryside of Life,” became a staple of Wet Willie’s live shows and was later covered by country artists Alabama.
Vintage photo of Wet Willie BandAlso featured on Keep On Smilin’ and it’s follow up, Dixie Rock, were female backing vocalists The Williettes, including the Hall brothers’ sister, Donna Hall. They added even more dimension to the band’s gospel and soul sensibilities. Wet Willie also had chart success with the title track “Dixie Rock,” another fan favorite on the band’s set list. Another talented Alabama musician, Michael Duke debuted on Dixie Rock on vocals and organ and stayed with the band through their tenure in the Southern Rock era. The Wetter the Better was recorded in 1976 and became the band’s last studio album for Capricorn.
A second live set, Left Coast Live in 1977 and a greatest hits collection followed before the band entered a period of personnel and record label changes. Emerging in 1978 with a new Epic Records contract, the new line-up included Jimmy and Jack Hall, Mike Duke, Drummer T.K. Lively, and guitarists Marshall Smith and Larry Berwald. Wet Willie’s first Epic album, Manorisms, cut in England at the Manor Studios (thus the title), was released in 1978 and had a more polished, almost pop sheen. The harmony-filled track “Streetcorner Serenade” also hit the charts and became another fan favorite. The band’s last album for Epic followed in 1979. Titled Which One’s Willie?, it included “Weekend” which added a bit of a disco edge and was also well received on national radio.
The members of Wet Willie spent the 80’s pursuing varied projects and regrouped in the early 90’s following a reunion concert in Mobile for Mardi Gras. Photo of the new Wet Willie BandThe core of the band, siblings Jimmy, Jack and Donna Hall-Foster and drummer T.K. Lively remains intact today. Completing the current line-up are long-time members Ric Seymour, a multi-talented vocalist/guitarist; Ricky Chancey, versatile on electric and acoustic guitar, steel guitar and harp; and latest addition, very capable keyboardist Bobby Mobley.
At varied points in their career, Wet Willie has been featured in showcases and displays at the Alabama and Georgia Music Halls of Fame, and in 1976 received the prestigious America’s Music Award from the Alabama Hall of Fame.
Recorded in Woodstock, GA in 2011, Wet Willie’s newest release, Miles of Smiles, on Atlanta’s Hittin’ the Note label, is their first live CD since 1977 and includes their anthem “Keep On Smilin’," along with other crowd favorites and some previously unreleased songs. The band continues to tour, bringing their unique brand of high energy Southern Rock to festivals and other venues throughout the South and beyond.
Booking and press contact:
Terry Reeves, Music Matters Entertainment
(404) 734-6168 or email Music Matters Entertainment
You can also see 'Wet Willie' as The Wet Willie Band on Last.fm.
Official Website: Wet Willie
Shame Shame Shame
Wet Willie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But it didn't make no sense
Now you've got me baby
Up against the fence
Ain't that a shame shame shame
Shame on you
Ah it's a shame shame shame
Shame the way you do
Well now you've been gone in the evening
Don't even say you've gone
Six o'clock in the morning
You come walkin' home
Ain't that a shame shame shame
Shame on you
Ah it's a shame shame shame
Shame the way you do
Well I've been sittin' here waitin'
For you to come home
When I wake up baby
I'm sittin' there all alone
Ain't that a shame shame shame
Shame on you
Ah it's a shame shame shame
Shame the way you do
The lyrics of Wet Willie's "Shame Shame Shame" depict a man who is expressing his disappointment towards his lover's behavior. The song begins with the singer stating that he had tried to warn his lover, but his warnings fell on deaf ears. His lover's behavior has led to him being caught in a difficult situation which he cannot understand. He is left feeling frustrated and helpless as he is up against a fence with no escape in sight. The chorus of “shame shame shame” is repeated throughout the song, indicating the singer's disgust with his lover's behavior.
The second verse talks about his lover being untruthful and unfaithful to him. The singer does not know where his lover goes, and she returns home as the sun rises without an explanation. The chorus is repeated, with the singer expressing shame at his lover's actions. In the last verse, the singer waits for his lover all night, but she does not come home. He wakes up the next morning, and she is still nowhere to be found. He feels abandoned and disappointed by his lover's behavior.
The lyrics of "Shame Shame Shame" deliver a powerful message about the consequences of unfaithfulness and untruthfulness in a relationship. The song's chorus is memorable and catchy and has made it a popular song on various music charts. The song's instrumentation, particularly the saxophone solo, is noteworthy for its energetic and lively tempo.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I tried to tell you baby
I made an attempt to communicate with you about a certain issue, my dear
But it didn't make no sense
My words failed to convey my true message to you
Now you've got me baby
You have forced me into a certain predicament, my love
Up against the fence
I am now feeling cornered and trapped in this situation
Ain't that a shame shame shame
It is truly a regrettable and unfortunate situation, oh my my my
Shame on you
You should feel embarrassed and guilty for your actions, my goodness
Ah it's a shame shame shame
This is such a disappointing and unpleasant situation, oh my my my
Shame the way you do
Your behavior and actions are causing me distress and are unbecoming, my dear
Well now you've been gone in the evening
You have been absent during the night, my love
Don't even say you've gone
You didn't even give me a heads up that you were leaving, my goodness
Six o'clock in the morning
It was already dawn at six o'clock when something happened, my dear
You come walkin' home
You finally return home, my love
Well I've been sittin' here waitin'
I have been patiently waiting for your return, my dear
For you to come home
I am eagerly anticipating your arrival, my love
When I wake up baby
When I open my eyes and come to consciousness, my dear
I'm sittin' there all alone
I am alone and no one is with me, my goodness
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JIMMY REED
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
BirdYoumans
It's a shame Capricorn didn't quite realize what they had in Wet Willie.
japlangston
Yep. The Hall family was a huge ole bunch of talent.
Fred Amerman
wish they still had remasters of their stuff on vinyl!!! Hell i would even settle for cds.
Robert Wilcox
I can make CDs off all my wet Willie vinlys if you want I'll do it for a true fan
Robert Wilcox
I got all their vinyls they’re in pretty good shape little wear and tear but they still rock
Rick Olson
great, love these guys.
Bob B
Ever since I first listen to Jim Hall play "That's Alright" and an interview saying of how much Duane Allman was so highly inspired with Halls harp playin and then to hear his band jam all these fun loving soulful mojo dancing hits; Ya know I"ll be out jamming with my harp.
Robert Wilcox
The best band in my mind
Craig McCauley
Hot blues!
Keijo Toivonen
Gooooööööd greath i'lovit This forever!