James McMurtry — Levelland (live)
Album: Live In Aught-ThreeAvg rating:
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Length: 5:26
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Flatter than a table top
Makes you wonder why they stopped here
Wagon must have lost a wheel
Or they lacked ambition one
In the great migration west
Separated from the rest
Though they might have tried their best
They never caught the sun
So they sunk some roots down in this dirt
To keep from blowin' off the earth
Built a town right here
When the dust had all but cleared
They called it Levelland
Levelland
Levelland
Grand dad grew the dry land wheat
Stood on his own two feet
His mind got incomplete
And they put him in a home
Daddy's cotton grows so high
Sucks the water table dry
His rolling sprinklers circle back
Bleeding it to the bone
And I won't be here when it comes the day
It all dries up and blows away
I'd hang around just to see
But they never had much use for me
In Levelland
They don't understand me
In Levelland
Well I watch those ships trails comin' out that big blue sky
Coast to coasters, watch 'em go
And I don't blame 'em one damn bit
If they never look down on this
Ain't much down here they'd want to know
Just Levelland
You could wash your hands
In nothin' but Levelland
Mama used to roll her hair
Back before the central air
We'd sit outside and watch the stars at night
She tell me to make a wish
I'd wish we both could fly
I don't think she's seen the sky
Since we got the satellite dish
I can hear the marching band
Doing the best they can to play
Smoke on the water
And joy to the world
I payed up all my debts
Got some change left over yet
I'm getting on a whisper jet
Going to fly as far as I can get
From Levelland
Done the best I can
In Levelland
Makes you wonder why they stopped here
Wagon must have lost a wheel
Or they lacked ambition one
In the great migration west
Separated from the rest
Though they might have tried their best
They never caught the sun
So they sunk some roots down in this dirt
To keep from blowin' off the earth
Built a town right here
When the dust had all but cleared
They called it Levelland
Levelland
Levelland
Grand dad grew the dry land wheat
Stood on his own two feet
His mind got incomplete
And they put him in a home
Daddy's cotton grows so high
Sucks the water table dry
His rolling sprinklers circle back
Bleeding it to the bone
And I won't be here when it comes the day
It all dries up and blows away
I'd hang around just to see
But they never had much use for me
In Levelland
They don't understand me
In Levelland
Well I watch those ships trails comin' out that big blue sky
Coast to coasters, watch 'em go
And I don't blame 'em one damn bit
If they never look down on this
Ain't much down here they'd want to know
Just Levelland
You could wash your hands
In nothin' but Levelland
Mama used to roll her hair
Back before the central air
We'd sit outside and watch the stars at night
She tell me to make a wish
I'd wish we both could fly
I don't think she's seen the sky
Since we got the satellite dish
I can hear the marching band
Doing the best they can to play
Smoke on the water
And joy to the world
I payed up all my debts
Got some change left over yet
I'm getting on a whisper jet
Going to fly as far as I can get
From Levelland
Done the best I can
In Levelland
Comments (244)add comment
Steely_D wrote:
This line reminds me of a house we often passed when I was growing up. It was a modest ranch house on the top of hill with a clear view of Lake Michigan in the distance. My dad and I would pass by an observe that despite the gorgeous sunset out on the lake, all the window blinds would be closed. My dad would point to the satellite dish in the front lawn and say (sadly) that the beautiful sunset probably put too much glare on the TV screen.
I don't think she's seen the sky
Since we got the satellite dish.
This line reminds me of a house we often passed when I was growing up. It was a modest ranch house on the top of hill with a clear view of Lake Michigan in the distance. My dad and I would pass by an observe that despite the gorgeous sunset out on the lake, all the window blinds would be closed. My dad would point to the satellite dish in the front lawn and say (sadly) that the beautiful sunset probably put too much glare on the TV screen.
dwlangham wrote:
Why use a stolen bar to vent?
If I could beat this song to death with a steal bar, it wouldn't see the light of day ever again.
Why use a stolen bar to vent?
coloradojohn wrote:
Most of my sense of Oklahoma and the Texas panhandle is based on passing through there on a family vacation about 1970 or so. We passed through Floydada, (still recall discussing the origin of the name: Floyd and Ada?) which I read is the actual site that is referred to as Levelland. This song resonates on several levels, as do most of McMurtry's songs.
I don't much like flat places, but I do love the nice details, the memories of simpler times and less-cluttered lives in this song. Looking at the night sky! I also recall my mother curling her hair, and standing in front of the big window air-conditioner before we had a house with central air... I think that the version of Choctaw Bingo on this record is the best; it's a real ton of fun party song!
Most of my sense of Oklahoma and the Texas panhandle is based on passing through there on a family vacation about 1970 or so. We passed through Floydada, (still recall discussing the origin of the name: Floyd and Ada?) which I read is the actual site that is referred to as Levelland. This song resonates on several levels, as do most of McMurtry's songs.
Anyone else hear Lou in this?
I don't much like flat places, but I do love the nice details, the memories of simpler times and less-cluttered lives in this song. Looking at the night sky! I also recall my mother curling her hair, and standing in front of the big window air-conditioner before we had a house with central air... I think that the version of Choctaw Bingo on this record is the best; it's a real ton of fun party song!
Love this guy but the intro is straight from Alice in Chains (which is OK!)
You ain't lived until you've seen one of these coming at you.
His songwriting always moves me. Straight to the core and my heart.
TrevorWGoodchild wrote:
I didn't grow up listening to McMurtry, found him when I was well into the 20s. His music though, has grown me up a bit in several ways I suppose. I also try and see all his live shows (within a 300 mile radius) and have caught him after one. Stumbled on my tongue and didn't become friends. Didn't get him to show me how to play Every Little Bit Counts (learned that one through living rather than guitar pickin) or anything else, so I'm envious there. But likewise, his lyrics have been narrating phases and echoing through my life. I'm looking forward to his new album so much and when he comes through New Mexico in September I'll probably be there, though it'll be hunting season, "with one more weekend to go, and I'd like to kill one more doe..."
I grew up listening to McMurch and caught him after a show and we had a great conversation. My dad had done some work for him before so we had a connection and became friends. I remember going to his house when I was in my early 20s and James taught me how to play Every Little Bit Counts and the main riff for No More Buffalo. We had lunch together with the woman who would later become the mother to my son, this man's lyrics have been narrating parts of my life since I was a teen. Still go to his live shows - although Covid 19 has stopped much of this. He's started doing FB Lives now on his page with PayPal or Venmo links - please support this guy. I need to give him a call and see how he's holding up - love it when RP plays a McMurtry song, brings up so many good memories.
I didn't grow up listening to McMurtry, found him when I was well into the 20s. His music though, has grown me up a bit in several ways I suppose. I also try and see all his live shows (within a 300 mile radius) and have caught him after one. Stumbled on my tongue and didn't become friends. Didn't get him to show me how to play Every Little Bit Counts (learned that one through living rather than guitar pickin) or anything else, so I'm envious there. But likewise, his lyrics have been narrating phases and echoing through my life. I'm looking forward to his new album so much and when he comes through New Mexico in September I'll probably be there, though it'll be hunting season, "with one more weekend to go, and I'd like to kill one more doe..."
cc_rider wrote:
You ever been to Levelland?
c.
I have. Many times. James nailed it mostly.
Levelland is a town that sprung up one-day's ride west of Lubbock to serve the three main "industries" back then--
Oilfields
Growing Cotton & Sorghum
Raising Pigs
Very fundamentally religious people too. Stuff like snake handling, no singing in church, no dancing, and speaking in tongues is common around there.
Brown mottling of the teeth is common in the natives due to an abundance of naturally-occurring fluoride in the groundwater.
And it's so windy in the springtime that massive dust storms last as long as the sun is up.
You ever been to Levelland?
c.
I have. Many times. James nailed it mostly.
Levelland is a town that sprung up one-day's ride west of Lubbock to serve the three main "industries" back then--
Oilfields
Growing Cotton & Sorghum
Raising Pigs
Very fundamentally religious people too. Stuff like snake handling, no singing in church, no dancing, and speaking in tongues is common around there.
Brown mottling of the teeth is common in the natives due to an abundance of naturally-occurring fluoride in the groundwater.
And it's so windy in the springtime that massive dust storms last as long as the sun is up.
keitht1 wrote:
I love me some James. Lived in Park City when he did the SLC gigs and didn't go. Regret it to this day. The venue (Zephyr) was known for it's really good sound board. Spent many a night there in my youth.
I was there when this was recorded at the Asheville Orange Peel. He's the real deal, worth seeing. Livestreaming on FB a lot lately.
I love me some James. Lived in Park City when he did the SLC gigs and didn't go. Regret it to this day. The venue (Zephyr) was known for it's really good sound board. Spent many a night there in my youth.
More like 10.4 Lyrics and text.
Hippostar wrote:
c.
This is one resigned and cynical dude.
You ever been to Levelland?c.
I grew up listening to McMurch and caught him after a show and we had a great conversation. My dad had done some work for him before so we had a connection and became friends. I remember going to his house when I was in my early 20s and James taught me how to play Every Little Bit Counts and the main riff for No More Buffalo. We had lunch together with the woman who would later become the mother to my son, this man's lyrics have been narrating parts of my life since I was a teen. Still go to his live shows - although Covid 19 has stopped much of this. He's started doing FB Lives now on his page with PayPal or Venmo links - please support this guy. I need to give him a call and see how he's holding up - love it when RP plays a McMurtry song, brings up so many good memories.
I was there when this was recorded at the Asheville Orange Peel. He's the real deal, worth seeing. Livestreaming on FB a lot lately.
Gosh I really love this song....
The guy puts on a great live show. Especially in small venue.
Egads. The days before COVID. What's to become of us?
Egads. The days before COVID. What's to become of us?
This is one resigned and cynical dude.
dwlangham wrote:
And I turn this song up to 11 - both my rating and the volume.
If I could beat this song to death with a steal bar, it wouldn't see the light of day ever again.
And I turn this song up to 11 - both my rating and the volume.
If I could beat this song to death with a steal bar, it wouldn't see the light of day ever again.
I don't think she's seen the sky
Since we got the satellite dish.
Since we got the satellite dish.
Typesbad wrote:
Actually Keen covers this song. His version was what I heard first and I thought he wrote it for a while. I like both versions.
Man, I'm going to have to look up that Keen version - thanks for the tip.
Actually Keen covers this song. His version was what I heard first and I thought he wrote it for a while. I like both versions.
Man, I'm going to have to look up that Keen version - thanks for the tip.
thewiseking wrote:
Actually Keen covers this song. His version was what I heard first and I thought he wrote it for a while. I like both versions.
Nice rough Texas sound. Kinda like Robert Earl Keane.
Actually Keen covers this song. His version was what I heard first and I thought he wrote it for a while. I like both versions.
DocStrangelove wrote:
I was going to say Lou Reed
Sound much like Bruce Cockburn 
I was going to say Lou Reed
Hearing this song on RP is what got me turned on to McMurtry a few years ago. I was fortunate to see him and the band playing it just a few weeks ago, opening for Jason Isbell.
This has a fraternal twin song in Telegraph Road, the masterpiece from Dire Straits.
"Thank you, James .. and next up for our special high school talent show, boys and girls..."
I've come to really like James McMurtry. I got started on "Choctaw Bingo". I now listen to a playlist of his albums regularly. He makes me think of John Prine. Seems to have sensitivity and great wit.
Sorry Willie, here in Wales we would have that market cornered. I can't remember the last day without rain, seems like July.
ScottishWillie wrote:
Scotland is the place for you. If we could export rain we would all be richer than the Saudis!
ScottishWillie wrote:
Scotland is the place for you. If we could export rain we would all be richer than the Saudis!
This sings for my home town, too.
Rooney wrote:
Saw him interviewed a few months back - liked the cut of his gib.
I like everything about him except his voice.
Saw him interviewed a few months back - liked the cut of his gib.
Lol
Best name for a rock band so far today 
thewiseking wrote:
Texas country is best country!
Nice rough Texas sound. Kinda like Robert Earl Keane.
Texas country is best country!
The quintessential "get me out'ta this (small) town I have had enough" song. Me like.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
Highlow
American Net'Zen
Ableragtacker wrote:
Uh...no. It's you. It's definitely you.
Is it just me or does this guy sound like Bruce Cockburn?
Uh...no. It's you. It's definitely you.
I like everything about him except his voice.
Songwriter's songwriter.
Sound much like Bruce Cockburn
Ableragtacker wrote:
It's you.
(I don't know what you sound like, btw, so ...)
Is it just me or does this guy sound like Bruce Cockburn?
It's you.
(I don't know what you sound like, btw, so ...)
nmcvaugh wrote:
Wow. I must have heard this song a couple dozen times, and never really listened to the lyrics (it gets busy at work).
But my ears just perked up when I heard the line about water drying up in levelland. Damn. He's talking about me - literally debating moving out of Texas, in part because we're running out of water, and in part out of frustration with the residents and their response to this (more housing developments).
Scotland is the place for you. If we could export rain we would all be richer than the Saudis!
Wow. I must have heard this song a couple dozen times, and never really listened to the lyrics (it gets busy at work).
But my ears just perked up when I heard the line about water drying up in levelland. Damn. He's talking about me - literally debating moving out of Texas, in part because we're running out of water, and in part out of frustration with the residents and their response to this (more housing developments).
Scotland is the place for you. If we could export rain we would all be richer than the Saudis!
McMurtry = genious!
ppopp wrote:
Pop is your thing. We get it.
Lots of talking, hinting at maybe breaking into song at some point. Good candidate for a Lou Reed cover act.
Pop is your thing. We get it.
Nice rough Texas sound. Kinda like Robert Earl Keane.
Lots of talking, hinting at maybe breaking into song at some point. Good candidate for a Lou Reed cover act.
I get it. The folliw-up live version Sweet Jane w. Margo Timmins helps bring it into VU.
I like James' stuff. The world needs more singer songwriters who actually have something to say.
(Thought it was fave Canuck anthem-eer Bruce Cockburn at first.)
I like James' stuff. The world needs more singer songwriters who actually have something to say.
(Thought it was fave Canuck anthem-eer Bruce Cockburn at first.)
Ishwara wrote:
Not good
Great!Not good
de klaane bruder vom Lou
sirtezza wrote:
Wrong wrong wrong, in so many words.
yikes! this is terrible in SO MANY WAYS!!
Wrong wrong wrong, in so many words.
stalfnzo wrote:
I hear James McMurtry.
idiot_wind wrote:
I hear Velvet Underground
In a strange way...I hear similarities with Warren Z. and Tom Waits.
I hear Velvet Underground
I hear James McMurtry.
I hear VU too.
idiot_wind wrote:
I hear Velvet Underground
In a strange way...I hear similarities with Warren Z. and Tom Waits.
I hear Velvet Underground
As bad as this seems, I kinda like it haha
In a strange way...I hear similarities with Warren Z. and Tom Waits.
Typesbad wrote:
On the CD there's between songs banter where he explains a bit about the song. He starts out "Contrary to popular believe Robert Earl Keen did not write that song...". On the CD it's called "Max's Theorem" he said he wrote the song about his friend Max, a communist who didn't fit in well in Floydada, TX. Max's theorem says that a Good Old Boy can become an Intellectual, but an Intellectual cannot become a Good Old Boy.
I don't know if I prefer this execution or Robert Earl Keen's but there is no doubt McMurtry wrote one damn find song here. Most of his songs are that way in my opinion.
On the CD there's between songs banter where he explains a bit about the song. He starts out "Contrary to popular believe Robert Earl Keen did not write that song...". On the CD it's called "Max's Theorem" he said he wrote the song about his friend Max, a communist who didn't fit in well in Floydada, TX. Max's theorem says that a Good Old Boy can become an Intellectual, but an Intellectual cannot become a Good Old Boy.
nmcvaugh wrote:
Wow. I must have heard this song a couple dozen times, and never really listened to the lyrics (it gets busy at work).
But my ears just perked up when I heard the line about water drying up in levelland. Damn. He's talking about me - literally debating moving out of Texas, in part because we're running out of water, and in part out of frustration with the residents and their response to this (more housing developments).
If you move to southern california it will just be the same thing over again. I think it is all that farmland and not LA specifically though. At what point do they have to drain the Great Lakes for 600 million people and the food necessary to feed them? Man am I a downer today.
Wow. I must have heard this song a couple dozen times, and never really listened to the lyrics (it gets busy at work).
But my ears just perked up when I heard the line about water drying up in levelland. Damn. He's talking about me - literally debating moving out of Texas, in part because we're running out of water, and in part out of frustration with the residents and their response to this (more housing developments).
If you move to southern california it will just be the same thing over again. I think it is all that farmland and not LA specifically though. At what point do they have to drain the Great Lakes for 600 million people and the food necessary to feed them? Man am I a downer today.
I don't know if I prefer this execution or Robert Earl Keen's but there is no doubt McMurtry wrote one damn find song here. Most of his songs are that way in my opinion.
h8rhater wrote:
Rednecks come from everywhere and the ones that ain't from the South might as well be. Hell... Pennsylvania is Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with Alabama in between.
True about rednecks, the South Shore of Boston is full of them.
BTW, I believe James Carville's original quote on one of the Sunday shows was "Pennsylvania is Philadelphia in the east, Pittsburgh in the west, and Kentucky in between."
'Course, he might not have made it up but knowing James he probably did.
Rednecks come from everywhere and the ones that ain't from the South might as well be. Hell... Pennsylvania is Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with Alabama in between.
True about rednecks, the South Shore of Boston is full of them.
BTW, I believe James Carville's original quote on one of the Sunday shows was "Pennsylvania is Philadelphia in the east, Pittsburgh in the west, and Kentucky in between."
'Course, he might not have made it up but knowing James he probably did.
this song is a bit flat ...
Thought this was some Lou Reed I'd never heard....
not bad.
not bad.
Aweful voice. Every song sounds exactly the same.
Love the lyrics of this tune.
real music, real words, real guy.....
toterola wrote:
My point is that "Larry The Cable Guy" is a hack who pretends to be a Deep-Southern redneck in order to entertain same. He's from Nebraska, or some shit. Christ.
Anyway... James McMurtry puts on one hell of a live show. Well worth the time, you'll enjoy it greatly. Bring earplugs if you can't stand it loud. He can definitely blow your hair back.
Rednecks come from everywhere and the ones that ain't from the South might as well be. Hell... Pennsylvania is Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with Alabama in between.
My point is that "Larry The Cable Guy" is a hack who pretends to be a Deep-Southern redneck in order to entertain same. He's from Nebraska, or some shit. Christ.
Anyway... James McMurtry puts on one hell of a live show. Well worth the time, you'll enjoy it greatly. Bring earplugs if you can't stand it loud. He can definitely blow your hair back.
Rednecks come from everywhere and the ones that ain't from the South might as well be. Hell... Pennsylvania is Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with Alabama in between.
Hah! He mentioned "Coast to Coasters"!!!! Love that radio show!
I'm not a country fan but McMurtry really works for me. Quite literate fellow. I always hope to hear Choctaw Bingo.
Like it. Superb lyrics with a great amount of truth in them. Sung honesty in a minimalistic style. Like it indeed.
Highlow
American Net'zen
Highlow
American Net'zen
cc_rider wrote:
Yeah, James McMurtry knows how to wring the essence from a place. He doesn't pull any punches either.
Wow. I must have heard this song a couple dozen times, and never really listened to the lyrics (it gets busy at work).
But my ears just perked up when I heard the line about water drying up in levelland. Damn. He's talking about me - literally debating moving out of Texas, in part because we're running out of water, and in part out of frustration with the residents and their response to this (more housing developments).
Yeah, James McMurtry knows how to wring the essence from a place. He doesn't pull any punches either.
Wow. I must have heard this song a couple dozen times, and never really listened to the lyrics (it gets busy at work).
But my ears just perked up when I heard the line about water drying up in levelland. Damn. He's talking about me - literally debating moving out of Texas, in part because we're running out of water, and in part out of frustration with the residents and their response to this (more housing developments).
Outstanding lyrics
I'm always in awe of how these guys remember lyrics, even if they write 'em in the first place. Good story.
lophrequa wrote:
and your point is?
My point is that "Larry The Cable Guy" is a hack who pretends to be a Deep-Southern redneck in order to entertain same. He's from Nebraska, or some shit. Christ.
Anyway... James McMurtry puts on one hell of a live show. Well worth the time, you'll enjoy it greatly. Bring earplugs if you can't stand it loud. He can definitely blow your hair back.
and your point is?
My point is that "Larry The Cable Guy" is a hack who pretends to be a Deep-Southern redneck in order to entertain same. He's from Nebraska, or some shit. Christ.
Anyway... James McMurtry puts on one hell of a live show. Well worth the time, you'll enjoy it greatly. Bring earplugs if you can't stand it loud. He can definitely blow your hair back.
That_SOB wrote:
Cool. Someone suggests McMurtry is Reed, and Bill plays a Velvet cover.
Wonder how he got that group to sound so much like the Velvet Underground ? LOU !! YOU IN THERE ?? 
you can tell me...
you can tell me...Cool. Someone suggests McMurtry is Reed, and Bill plays a Velvet cover.
That_SOB wrote:
That was my first thought... "Is this Lou Reed?"
And that's a compliment... : )
Wonder how he got that group to sound so much like the Velvet Underground ? LOU !! YOU IN THERE ?? you can tell me...
you can tell me...That was my first thought... "Is this Lou Reed?"
And that's a compliment... : )
Wonder how he got that group to sound so much like the Velvet Underground ? LOU !! YOU IN THERE ?? you can tell me...
you can tell me... crockydile wrote:
Yeah, James McMurtry knows how to wring the essence from a place. He doesn't pull any punches either.
I grew up in Midland, Texas..had some relatives in Levelland. Damn, I relate to this. It hurts. 
Yeah, James McMurtry knows how to wring the essence from a place. He doesn't pull any punches either.
this guy...when he was a little kid, i seem to just remember reading that the Merry Pranksters stopped by to say "hi" to his Dad on their infamous trip. He was meeting all of these people! but he probably doesn't remember a lot of it.
Also Allen Ginsberg and Orlovsky stopped by on one of their cross-country expeditions I think, so he was hanging with beatniks and proto-hippies when he was a young-'un. I guess they had some influence on him. He's a good songwriter (I'm just discovering him here on RP.)
Also Allen Ginsberg and Orlovsky stopped by on one of their cross-country expeditions I think, so he was hanging with beatniks and proto-hippies when he was a young-'un. I guess they had some influence on him. He's a good songwriter (I'm just discovering him here on RP.)
I'm torn... I like his studio version with its slightly faster beat, but this live version is richer somehow. McMurtry's voice seems to have mellowed, and he's more comfortable taking his time to get his words understood. For some reason, I think of "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" which deals with a young man's discontent and apathy towards his situation.
Crockydile - I'm so sorry this song is painful for you...
Crockydile - I'm so sorry this song is painful for you...
drictor wrote:
Ahh yes! We do miss the old Zephyr here in Salt Lake City. The place smelled like three day old cigarette smoke and stale beer, but always had great diverse acts, cheap drinks, and good sound. That, and you could get right up against the stage if you were feeling brave.
Saw more than a few great shows there...
This album was recorded in my old haunt, the Zephyr in SLC. Used to hang there regularly when I was youner. I was actually in town when he recorded this and decided not to go (old age and all), boy do I regret that!
The Zephyr is long gone, which is too bad. Supposedly that had an awesome sound board, which is why he recorded there. Coulda, shoulda, woulda...
The Zephyr is long gone, which is too bad. Supposedly that had an awesome sound board, which is why he recorded there. Coulda, shoulda, woulda...
Ahh yes! We do miss the old Zephyr here in Salt Lake City. The place smelled like three day old cigarette smoke and stale beer, but always had great diverse acts, cheap drinks, and good sound. That, and you could get right up against the stage if you were feeling brave.
Saw more than a few great shows there...
McMurtry ranks as one of the best songwriters working today.
I grew up in Midland, Texas..had some relatives in Levelland. Damn, I relate to this. It hurts.
This album was recorded in my old haunt, the Zephyr in SLC. Used to hang there regularly when I was youner. I was actually in town when he recorded this and decided not to go (old age and all), boy do I regret that!
The Zephyr is long gone, which is too bad. Supposedly that had an awesome sound board, which is why he recorded there. Coulda, shoulda, woulda...
The Zephyr is long gone, which is too bad. Supposedly that had an awesome sound board, which is why he recorded there. Coulda, shoulda, woulda...
Love this tune andthis guy
takes me back to kpig days
I liked that place
takes me back to kpig days
I liked that place
Seen him several times live here in Pittsburgh.Great shows, Its a shame it always at this tiny bar. He deserves a bigger venue with better sound . Great song writer
toterola wrote:
Yeah, he's smart enough to fool everyone into thinking he's Southern. Come on, man.
and your point is?
Yeah, he's smart enough to fool everyone into thinking he's Southern. Come on, man.
and your point is?
Gotta say, I tend to like the original version better. And, Mr. Keen's version ain't so bad either!
awesome lyricist, great song 
hansvanderwouden wrote:
Aww, goddamn!
Lou Reed soundalike, early years
Aww, goddamn!
davidyoull wrote:
Yep. And James as under-rated as his dad is over-.
I've always said that James does in 3:30 seconds what his dad does in 330 pages.
Yep. And James as under-rated as his dad is over-.
nagsheadlocal wrote:
Says a hell of a lot in a few lines, no? That's McMurtry's genius. And genius he is.
Time sure flies when you're having fun
Wasn't it just yesterday you turned twenty-one?
Does it still matter what you might have done
Had you tried?
Mama used to roll her hair
Back before the central air
We'd sit outside and watch the stars at night
She'd tell me to make a wish
I'd wish we both could fly
Don't think she's seen the sky
Since we got the satellite dish
Back before the central air
We'd sit outside and watch the stars at night
She'd tell me to make a wish
I'd wish we both could fly
Don't think she's seen the sky
Since we got the satellite dish
Says a hell of a lot in a few lines, no? That's McMurtry's genius. And genius he is.
Time sure flies when you're having fun
Wasn't it just yesterday you turned twenty-one?
Does it still matter what you might have done
Had you tried?
Geed wrote:
Mmm... too much "twang" already some might think. But each to their own!
Don't come around here much any more due to the lack of "twang" but tuning in and hearing this tune certainly is a treat. Wild Bill strikes again.
Mmm... too much "twang" already some might think. But each to their own!
Wow - what an intro!
I kinda like the chickenfried Zevon reference (below) plus, after reading about him, I like him more...
My favorite song from one of my favorite songwriters -
Mama used to roll her hair
Back before the central air
We'd sit outside and watch the stars at night
She'd tell me to make a wish
I'd wish we both could fly
Don't think she's seen the sky
Since we got the satellite dish
Mama used to roll her hair
Back before the central air
We'd sit outside and watch the stars at night
She'd tell me to make a wish
I'd wish we both could fly
Don't think she's seen the sky
Since we got the satellite dish
Great tune but I prefer the REK version
cc_rider wrote:
Yeah, he's smart enough to fool everyone into thinking he's Southern. Come on, man.
Quite true. And 'Larry the Cable Guy'? You can tell he is actually very smart: his ad libs are sharp. c.
Yeah, he's smart enough to fool everyone into thinking he's Southern. Come on, man.
Don't come around here much any more due to the lack of "twang" but tuning in and hearing this tune certainly is a treat. Wild Bill strikes again.
Lou Reed soundalike, early years
So I see someone answered my question earlier - this song wasn't written by Robert Earl Keen as I had thought. Well, I still think he blows the lid off it with the version he recorded for Picnic. This is fine though. I guess Mr McMurtry can sing it however the Hell he wants since he wrote the thing.
lmic wrote:
Chickenfried Zevon?
Not such a bad comparison! I like it!
sharkartist wrote:
while the marching band did its best to play...
Smoke On the Water and Joy to the World
I love it! 
My favorite line from this song.
Jack_Jefferson wrote:
Like I once heard someone say: "Dialect does not equal intellect". I guess it is one thing we have to make an effort to get past. But then again, I can also relate to the Jeff Foxworthy bit about going into the operating room and your heart surgeon has a southern accent.
Quite true. And 'Larry the Cable Guy'? You can tell he is actually very smart: his ad libs are sharp.
c.
Excelsior wrote:
I have never heard a vocalist sound more bored than James McMurtry. Every time he opens his mouth, it sounds like he'd rather be anywhere else than in front of a microphone.
Actually that's probably kind of true. He is a bit of a misanthrope.
Said the kettle...
c.
BORING
AlienRelic wrote:
I have been in several social situations where someone has instantly adopted a condescending attitude as soon as they heard my southern accent. They seemed to automatically assume that I was a redneck moron. It was infuriating, but I suppose it was a useful lesson in what it's like to be the target of predjudice.
i lost my Kentucky accent growing up on the beach and really savor calling people out on it when they practice that special form of bigotry against the South that's still acceptable in some circles ... ironically, it's usually urban progressive types
love James McM! 10!
Everyone has to like what you like? talk about growing up, . . punk. . . go swallow more nuts
quote="xkolibuul wrote:
Oh go surfing already and leave this one to the grownups.
meydele wrote:
Interesting to know it's a real town... at first I was convinced he was talking about my dad's home state, Nebraska.
There's not a lot of physical difference between the Llano Estacado/Permian Basin (West TX/Eastern NM) and the Sand Hills of NE and SD. Just a little more stark in its contrasts, perhaps.
jjbix wrote:
snoozer . . . zzzz!
I have never heard a vocalist sound more bored than James McMurtry. Every time he opens his mouth, it sounds like he'd rather be anywhere else than in front of a microphone.
davidyoull wrote:
I LOVE THIS!!
10
The studio version of this from "Where'd You Hide the Body?" moves a bit faster, and Robert Earl Keene does an ok cover...
I've always said that James does in 3:30 seconds what his dad does in 330 pages.
I really liked what you said in contrasting James with his Dad. My politics agree with James's, but I love both of them. And yes, I'm from TX.
10
The studio version of this from "Where'd You Hide the Body?" moves a bit faster, and Robert Earl Keene does an ok cover...
I've always said that James does in 3:30 seconds what his dad does in 330 pages.
I used to watch the stars with my mom. We had long stretches of home life without tv.
Odyzzeuz wrote:
Try living out there for 20 years. I was born in Waylon's home town, Littlefield, Texas, and grew up in Plainview. Got a bunch of cousins in Levelland. I kinda get this.
The stark beauty of west Texas is real for some people.
This could be any one of a hundred little towns out there. I lived out in BFE between Morton and Whiteface. I watched the sunrise from the school bus window. Our "drveway" was nearly 2 miles long. I've lived in Post, Justiceburg, and Snyder. Most of my family is still back there.
This song brings back many memories. I get it.
I LOVE THIS!!
10
The studio version of this from "Where'd You Hide the Body?" moves a bit faster, and Robert Earl Keene does an ok cover...
I've always said that James does in 3:30 seconds what his dad does in 330 pages.
10
The studio version of this from "Where'd You Hide the Body?" moves a bit faster, and Robert Earl Keene does an ok cover...
I've always said that James does in 3:30 seconds what his dad does in 330 pages.Oh go surfing already and leave this one to the grownups.
jjbix wrote:
jjbix wrote:snoozer . . . zzzz!
laozilover wrote:
Until I clicked on it, I thought this was Bruce Cockburn! 
EDIT AFTER BACKSCROLLING: Lou Reed?!?
In light of this comment, I think it's interesting that this song was followed up by Cowboy Junkies' live rendition of "Sweet Jane".
Until I clicked on it, I thought this was Bruce Cockburn!
EDIT AFTER BACKSCROLLING: Lou Reed?!? snoozer . . . zzzz!
while the marching band did its best to play...
Smoke On the Water and Joy to the World
I love it!
Given the comment below about Choctaw Bingo, I will need to get this album.
LLRP