You Don’t Get Much

The song "You Don’t Get Much" by BoDeans from their 1989 album Home holds a special place in the band’s catalog, resonating with fans for its heartfelt lyrics and roots-rock vibe. One notable piece of trivia is that the track appears in the opening scene of the 1989 movie The Wizard, setting an emotional tone for the film’s coming-of-age story. This placement introduced the song to a broader audience, cementing its status as a fan favorite. In a quote from the band’s official site, frontman Kurt Neumann has spoken about the band’s approach to their music, saying, “We have a classic guitar-driven midwestern rock-pop sound,” which perfectly encapsulates the raw, authentic energy of "You Don’t Get Much." While specific interviews about the song are scarce, Neumann has mentioned in posts on Facebook that the band recorded over 22 tracks for Home, with many sessions taking place in an abandoned shoe factory in Milwaukee, giving the album a gritty, live feel that shines through in the song’s production.

Another tidbit about "You Don’t Get Much" comes from its enduring presence in live performances. The band has shared on Instagram that their live shows are about connecting with fans, and this song often sparks sing-alongs due to its relatable themes of longing and resilience. A 2021 post on X highlighted a live performance video of the song, showcasing its timeless appeal. Critics, such as William Ruhlmann from AllMusic, have noted that Home marked a point where BoDeans were “charging off in half-a-dozen directions at once,” with "You Don’t Get Much" exemplifying their ability to blend introspective lyrics with anthemic melodies. The song’s inclusion on the album Leftovers, a collection of rarities, further underscores its significance, as the band chose to revisit and share additional tracks from those prolific Home sessions.

The BoDeans’ journey began in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where Kurt Neumann and Sam Llanas met at Waukesha South High School in 1977. Bonding over shared musical interests, they started writing songs together, initially with Neumann as a drummer and Llanas as a novice guitarist. Neumann, who later became the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, recalled in a quote on bodeans.com, “I started out as a drummer. But after high school I bought a guitar, just to work on learning how to write songs.” This shift marked the beginning of their creative partnership. Llanas briefly attended college but left to pursue music full-time at Neumann’s urging. By 1985, the duo had formed BoDeans, signing with Slash/Warner Records and shortening their name from “Da BoDeans” at the label’s suggestion. Their debut album, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, produced by T Bone Burnett, was released in 1986 and earned them a Rolling Stone reader poll award for Best New American Band in 1987.

The band’s early years were defined by relentless touring and a commitment to their heartland rock sound, which blended roots rock, alternative, and pop influences. Their breakthrough came in 1994 when “Closer to Free” from the album Go Slow Down became the theme song for the TV show Party of Five, peaking at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite lineup changes, including Llanas’ departure in 2011, Neumann has kept the band alive, releasing 14 studio albums, with the latest, 4 The Last Time, reflecting the modern American experience. BoDeans have a permanent installation at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Midwest Artists exhibit, a testament to their enduring legacy. Fans can connect with the band through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts.

For dedicated Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, there are several fan-driven spaces to explore. The BoDeans Fans Facebook Group is an active community where fans share memories, concert photos, and discuss the band’s music, including classics like "You Don’t Get Much." Another fan hub is the BoDeans Fan Page on Facebook, which posts updates and nostalgic content. While independent fan websites have largely faded since the early 2000s, as noted in a Reddit thread on r/popheads, these social media groups keep the spirit of BoDeans fandom alive, offering a space for fans to celebrate the band’s contributions to American rock.