21 Best 38 Special Songs

Originally formed by Donnie Van Zant and Don Barnes, 38 Special put out a number of hits since their formation in 1974. From “Hold On Loosely” to “Second Chance,” the band has made no shortage of great music. Today we’ve compiled the best 38 Special songs ever.

1. Caught Up in You

Song Year: 1982

The award-winning single talks about having a crush on someone. The singer tries to convince the lady that she is the kind of girl he has been looking for. He claims to have been searching for a good lover but is now lucky to have found one. The singer tells the lady he can’t live without her if she decides to walk away.

“Caught Up in You” was the first song from 38 Special to claim the top position on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. The song reached position nine on the Canadian Singles Chart and ten on the US Billboard Hot 100.

2. Second Chance

Song Year: 1988

“Second Chance” talks about the singer begging his lover to forgive him for cheating. He wants the lady to forget the past and give him a second chance. The singer pleads with the ex-girlfriend not to put his heart down because he will be lonely if she leaves.

The singer tells the lady that he never loved the girl he cheated with. He admits it was wrong to cheat in a relationship but wants a second chance to show her affection. In 1989, “Second Chance” became number seventy-eight on the US Billboard Hot Singles Chart. The song also peaked at position two on the Mainstream Rock Chart.

3. Hold On Loosely

Song Year: 1981

The singer talks about why we should hold on loosely in our relationships. “Hold on Loosely” advises listeners to allow their partners to breathe and work on themselves. According to the singer, you’ll let your lover grow if you follow their pace. You might lose control over your relationship if you hold it tightly.

Weeks after its release, “Hold on Loosely” became position three on the Billboard Rock Tracks chart and number twenty-seven on the Billboard Hot 100. The band also performed the song at several events, including MTV in 1980.

4. Take Me Back

Song Year: 1978

“Take Me Back” is a special tribute to the singer’s brother, who died in the 1977 plane crash. The singer remembers his brother’s smile and how they laughed together. He praises his brother as the one who taught him right and wrong. He believes he will live forever, and they will always be together.

5. Rockin’ Into the Night

Song Year: 1979

“Rockin’ Into the Night” is about a man who likes rocking into the night with hand jobs. The single peaked at position forty-three on the Billboard Hot 100. The band has had much success with this song, becoming its first big hit to secure a top position on the Canadian Singles Chart.

6. Fantasy Girl

Song Year: 1981

The fun, rocking song boasts a memorable melody to listen to. “Fantasy Girl” is about someone thinking about a girl while masturbating. The hit charted at position thirty on US Billboard Mainstream Rock and number fifty-two on the US Billboard Hot 100.

7. Teacher, Teacher

Song Year: 1984

The song talks about a lady who teaches a man the perfect ways to do a hand job with respect. The narrator doesn’t think he has the right skills to do the job. He pleads with the teacher to tell him if he will pass the test and be the best.

The first lines in this song suggest that one may think they have perfected something, but there will always be something new to learn about. In the second verse, the singer claims that while the education system may be flawed, we must find a way.

He continues that school lessons can be easily comprehended, but learners often walk away with nothing despite spending much time there. The singer believes that school education isn’t always enough because the real world has a lot of injustices. In addition, learners require constant support and guidance to survive in a world of complexities.

“Teacher, Teacher” reached number four on the US Mainstream Rock Chart and position twenty-five on the US Billboard Hot 100.

8. Wild-Eyed Southern Boys

Song Year: 1981

“Wild-Eyed Southern Boys” became popular with North American music fans hours after its release in 1981. The singer says that the night will be one of a kind because a classic band is performing.

He describes the ladies attending the night party as those who love wild-eyed southern boys. The singer claims that although he has a lot of wealth and power, he fails to get a chance to dance with his dream girl. “Wild-Eyed Southern Boys” reached number thirty-five on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart.

9. Back Where You Belong

Song Year: 1984

“Back Where You Belong” is the most commercially successful single from 38 Special. The song is about a couple that intentionally or accidentally ended their relationship. After a while, the main character realizes that breaking up with her lover was a mistake because they had real love. Upon realizing his mistakes, the singer approached his ex-lover and made things right.

He asks the ex-girlfriend not to move on because he is ready to love again. The singer adds that he has struggled to find a new lover and won’t let her slip away again. They secured position four on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart and number twenty on the US Billboard Hot 100. In addition, Music Canada has certified the song Gold.

10. If I’d Been the One

Song Year: 1984

“If I’d Been the One” describes the relationship between Donnie Van Zant and Ronnie. The singer says it’s easy to understand his feelings if in his position. He says that some things are hurting and tearing his heart apart. He asks the listener if they can read his mind and stand in his place.

The song became number one on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart in 1983 and debuted at position nineteen on the US Billboard Hot 100.

11. Like No Other Night

Song Year: 1986

The singer tells a lady he loves that they will take chances and make their own rules. He tries to convince the lady that he only has one life and they should grab any moment that comes their way. He continues that the night will be perfect if they find the fire in their hearts and dance in the light. Like other hits on this list, “Like No Other Night” topped the Adult Contemporary.