They got together during the short period of time that Joe Perryand Brad Whitford left Aerosmith. This was from 1981.
In 1980, Brad Whitford left Aerosmith. He teamed up with Derek St. Holmes, who had previously played with Ted Nugent to form "Whitford/St. Holmes", together with Dave Hewitt and Steve Pace. Later replaced by bassist Chase Chitty and drummer Larue Riccio (Baby and the Pacifiers). They went on to tour the southeastern United States and performed before small audiences.
In 1981, they recorded their self-titled first and only album. The album was followed by a tour but neither the album nor the tour were any big success. In 1983, Whitford reunited with Joe Perry to play live at several shows with his band The Joe Perry Project. In 1984, both guitarists returned to Aerosmith to record Done with Mirrors, released in 1985 on Geffen Records. St. Holmes would work again with Ted Nugent sporadically in the following years.
Their second album, Reunion, was sold during their November 2015 Reunion Tour. It was officially released in 2016 by Mailboat Records
Sharpshooter
Whitford/St. Holmes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Thinking that you got it made
You're dressed to kill
You're going out tonight
Renting all your limousines
You're all right; you've got it made
You know every trick in the book
Like some cat on a hot tin roof
Sharpshooter
Thinking that you've got it made
Sharpshooter
Leader of the Light Brigade
You're quick as a shot
You think you're hot
You're steely as you start the mark
You're going downtown
Looking mighty clean
Willing just to take a shot
It's all right, you've got it made
You know every trick in the book
Feeling heat, you look so sharp
Like some cat on a hot tin roof
Well, all right, it's okay
Tonight, you think you're number one
It's all right, It's okay
But we think you've just begun
It's all right, it's okay
Sharpshooter
Thinking that you've got it made
Sharpshooter
Thinking that you will be laid
All day reading all your magazines
Thinking that you got it made
You're dressed to kill
You're going out tonight
Renting all your limousines
You're all right, you've got it made
You know every trick in the book
Feel so sharp, look in heat
Like some cat on a hot tin roof
Well, all right, it's okay
Tonight, you think you're number one
It's all right, It's okay
But we think you've just begun
It's all right, it's okay
Sharpshooter
Taken by a moment to please
Sharpshooter
Looking for a lover to tease
Sharpshooter
Thinking that you've got it made
Sharpshooter
Thinking that you will be laid
The lyrics of Sharpshooter by Whitford/St. Holmes is about a person who thinks that they have everything they need to succeed in life. They have read all the magazines, rented all the limousines, and know every trick in the book. They dress to impress and are willing to take a shot at anything. The person is confident and feels the heat but they are like a cat on a hot tin roof. They think they are a leader and quick as a shot, but in reality, they are just at the beginning of their journey.
The song continues to describe how the person thinks they are number one for tonight, but they have just begun. They think they have it made, but they are only just taking the first shots to please themselves and tease lovers. Overall, the song is a warning that overconfidence can lead to false expectations and a failure to understand that success comes from hard work and commitment.
Line by Line Meaning
All day reading all your magazines
Spending the entire day indulging in the contents of magazines.
Thinking that you got it made
Believing that everything in life is set in place for you, without any need to work further.
You're dressed to kill
Dressed in an outfit that embodies your confidence and perceived superiority.
You're going out tonight
Heading out to explore and embrace the night's entertainment.
Renting all your limousines
Paying for luxury transportation services to add to your grand presentation.
You're all right; you've got it made
You're doing okay and feel like you have everything you need to succeed.
You know every trick in the book
Having a wealth of knowledge and experience, and nothing can surprise you.
Looking sharp, you're feeling heat
Appearing confident and ready to handle anything that comes your way.
Like some cat on a hot tin roof
Confident and determined, ready to pounce on opportunities as they present themselves.
Sharpshooter
An expert marksman, skilled in aiming and firing deadly projectiles.
Leader of the Light Brigade
The one with the power and strength to lead a party or group forward.
You're quick as a shot
Being able to react rapidly and decisively when faced with a challenge.
You think you're hot
Believing that you are attractive, impressive, and desired by others.
You're steely as you start the mark
Being determined, unflinching, and steady as you begin and set your goals.
You're going downtown
Heading to the center of the city or the social scene, ready to engage in fun activities.
Looking mighty clean
Appearing polished, well-groomed, and sophisticated for the occasion.
Willing just to take a shot
Prepared to try something new, even if the results are uncertain or potentially dangerous.
Tonight, you think you're number one
Believing that you are the best and most important person in the room or in any given situation.
But we think you've just begun
While you may have a lot of confidence and experience, there is still much more to learn and experience in life.
Sharpshooter
A representation of a person with incredible aim and skill in combat or life.
Taken by a moment to please
Succumbing to a specific occasion or person without caution or second thoughts.
Looking for a lover to tease
Seeking a partner with whom you can enjoy playful or flirtatious behavior.
Thinking that you will be laid
Believing that you have complete control over your romantic or sexual relationships and will always get your way.
Contributed by Lincoln F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@billdean123
I was at the Springfield show too!!! They were opening for Blue Oyster Cult!!! I actually met Derek St. Holmes there.....he was talking to one of the T-shirt vendors by the front door....Great show
@theaxis2000
By the time they reached San Diego they were opening for Billy Squier on his Dont Say No tour
@gruffmusic
Saw them opening for BOC as well.
@hinjurock
Great solo by Whitford.
@CloudFROST
the whitford's solo in this song is pure class.
@phactbob
When Whitford/St.Holmes toured back in the summer of 2016, Brad did the middle solo and Derek did the exiting solo.
@barryg.schroader324
This song rocks! Just saw Derek perform it live last night. Too bad Brad wasn’t there. Still rocked! Derek is Uber talented and so underrated! Not here, love his music! 🎸
@troydecker8008
So good
@cindylouwhob
got to see them live in springfield mo. GREAT show !!
@XtremeCam
Such a great album. I wish Derek St. Holmes and Brad Whitford would do another album together.