Breakfast Club – Right On Track
It’s pretty clear that the singer is addressing a romantic interest in “Right on Track”. And all things considered, while the setting is presented as being akin to a dance floor, the singer’s references to “dancing” are for the most part metaphors. And what they actually point to is his attempts to get his ex-girlfriend back.
So the situation in its entirety reads like this. The singer and the addressee were once in a romantic relationship but are no longer. He however, has not gotten over her. So as aforementioned, he is making an effort to win her back.
Now apparently the reason that he has been dumped, if you will, is because in the lady’s eyes he does not fit the prototype of ideal partner. This is why for instance he is trying to change fundamental aspects of himself, such as becoming “big and tough and other funny stuff”, in order to impress her. That statement could be interpreted as she deeming that he is not macho enough. And his efforts to impress her are actually what he means when he talks about getting “back right on track”. Or stated differently, “right on track” would be synonymous with living the type of lifestyle, indeed becoming the type of person whom this lady approves of.
So the positive connotation connected to the titular phrase is not from the perspective of the addressee, not the singer per se. In fact in a way you can actually say that he is mocking her, as in tormenting her in a roundabout way via his unyielding persistence to bend to her will.
Conclusion
So at the end of the day it wouldn’t be inaccurate to classify “Right on Track” as a love song. But this isn’t simply a case of unrequited love. Rather the main sentiment being expressed is the singer’s determination to do whatever it is he has to do to get his ex-girlfriend back.
Facts about “Right on Track”
This song is from Breakfast Club’s eponymous debut album.
“Right on Track” was released by MCA Records in 1987. It peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also made an appearance on the UK Singles Chart and Kent Music Report (Australia).
Breakfast Club was a short-lived band, and “Right on Track” was their only true hit. However, a few artists who went on to become big names in the music industry were once part of this group.
Two of those prominent members, Stephen Bray and Dan Gilroy, wrote “Right on Track”. And the song was produced by Jimmy Iovine, who a few years later was one of Interscope Record’s co-founders.
Jeff Stein served as the director of the music video to “Right on Track”.
