The band has released a string of albums, including The Subdudes (self-titled) (1989), Annunciation (1994), Lucky(1991), Primitive Streak (1996), Live at Last (1997), Miracle Mule (2004), Behind the Levee (2006) (produced by Keb' Mo'), Street Symphony (2007), Live at the Ram's Head (2008), Unplugged at Pleasant Plains, and Flower Petals (2009).
In between times, they spilt in 1996, only to regroup in 2002 - first as The Dudes but then re-adopting the name 'subdudes' in March 2003.
As of 2010, the lineup included:
John Magnie (accordian, organ, piano, and vocals).
Tommy Malone (guitars, lead vocals)
Steve Amedee (tambourine, percussion, vocals)
Jimmy Messa (bass, rhythm guitar)
Tim Cook (bass, percussion, bass vocals)
One Time
the subdudes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Muddy Mississippi
All alone you went back,
You know mama don't like that
One time, it ain't fair
One time, you don't care
Now I'm beggin you
Why don't you dream yourself
Into being a little bit happy one time
You know I know you're the very special one,
You're one of a kind
You put the pen to the paper
And create a whole new world, a world of your own
One time, it ain't fair
One time, you don't care
Now I'm beggin you
You who dream so well
Why don't you dream yourself
Into being a little bit happy one time
Sweet young angry one are you going to run away from me
Well that's alright as long as you got something better you're running to
I won't take it personally
You know too well I will always take you back cuz I'm greedy that way
One time, it ain't fair
One time, you don't care
Now I'm beggin you
You who dream so well
Why don't you dream yourself
The song "One Time" by The Subdudes appears to be addressing a girl who seems to be experiencing some form of hardship or recurring problem. The opening line "Hey Girl, have you been runnin down by the river again/ Muddy Mississippi" suggests that the girl may be in a place of sadness and isolation, symbolized by the muddy river. The subsequent lines "All alone you went back/ You know mama don't like that" suggest that whatever is troubling the girl, her mother disapproves of her actions, and that she may be feeling alienated and unsupported.
The chorus of the song "One time, it ain't fair/ One time, you don't care/ Now I'm beggin you/ You who dream so well/ Why don't you dream yourself into being a little bit happy one time" appears to be an appeal to the girl to try and find some solace in her dreams, as she is someone who is able to create new worlds with her writing. The repetition of "one time" seems to be an acknowledgment of the fact that the girl may have faced a lot of difficulties in her life, and that she deserves to experience happiness at least once.
The song's final verse "Sweet young angry one are you going to run away from me/ Well that's alright as long as you got something better you're running to/ I won't take it personally/ You know too well I will always take you back cuz I'm greedy that way" appears to be addressing the girl's tendency to leave and retreat into herself when she is feeling overwhelmed. The singer acknowledges this tendency but also reassures the girl (perhaps a lover or close friend) that they will always be there for her, no matter what. The line "I'm greedy that way" suggests that the singer may benefit from this relationship in some way, but also highlights the love and loyalty they have for the girl.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey Girl, have you been runnin down by the river again
Addressing a girl, asking if she's been frequenting the river and possibly feeling weighed down or tired
Muddy Mississippi
Referencing the river in question, specifically the Mississippi River
All alone you went back
Implying that the girl has been visiting the river by herself without company
You know mama don't like that
Hinting that the girl's mother may disapprove of her solo river trips
One time, it ain't fair
Suggesting that one negative occurrence is not just or reasonable
One time, you don't care
Implies that the girl might not think her actions or behavior have any consequences
Now I'm beggin you
The singer is pleading or imploring the girl for a certain outcome or change in behavior
You who dream so well
The girl is known for having vivid or imaginative dreams or aspirations
Why don't you dream yourself Into being a little bit happy one time
Encouraging the girl to use her creativity to improve her emotional state, even if only momentarily
You know I know you're the very special one
Expresses a belief that the girl is unique and important in some way
You're one of a kind
Further emphasizing the girl's individuality and singularity
You put the pen to the paper
The girl likes writing or creating something from nothing
And create a whole new world, a world of your own
The girl's artistic and imaginative capabilities allow her to bring something new and unique to life
Sweet young angry one are you going to run away from me
Addressing the girl, suggesting that she is possibly upset or angry and considering leaving
Well that's alright as long as you got something better you're running to
Consoling the girl by saying that it's OK if she leaves as long as she's heading towards something positive or beneficial
I won't take it personally
The artist will not be hurt or offended by the girl's departure
You know too well I will always take you back cuz I'm greedy that way
The artist is willing to forgive or reconcile with the girl, despite any faults or mistakes, because they value the relationship immensely
Why don't you dream yourself
Reiterating the earlier suggestion that the girl should use her imagination to improve her emotional state
Contributed by Elijah S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.