The son of Dorsey Burnette and Alberta Burnette, Burnette was literally born into a musical family. His father, and his uncle Johnny Burnette, were two of the members of the 1950s band Johnny Burnette & The Rock 'n' Roll Trio which also included Paul Burlison. It is said that Burnette performed on occasion with the Trio around the age of three. Johnny had a son born around the time Billy was born named Rocky who also became a musician. It has been said that the term "rockabilly" comes from the combination of the two cousins' names, Rocky and Billy, however that is an unconfirmed rumor.
Burnette made his first recording when he was seven, appearing with Ricky Nelson on the 1960 song "Hey Daddy (I'm Gonna Tell Santa On You)". He toured with Brenda Lee while teaching himself to play guitar and, after graduating from high school in 1969, spent three years on the road as Roger Miller's rhythm guitarist.
In 1972, Burnette signed with Entrance Records and recorded his debut album, Billy Burnette. In 1979, he switched to Polydor Records and released his second album, again titled Billy Burnette. His third album, Between Friends (Polydor, 1979), contained "What's a Little Love Between Friends", which charted briefly on the low end of the Billboard country chart.
In 1982, Mick Fleetwood invited him to join the band The Zoo for the band's album "I'm Not Me" (RCA, 1983). When Lindsey Buckingham and Fleetwood Mac parted ways in 1987, Burnette, along with guitarist Rick Vito, were asked to join the band. At the end of 1991, Burnette helped Fleetwood Mac bassist John McVie with his first solo album. In 1994, Burnette reunited with Fleetwood Mac. After Fleetwood Mac went on hiatus in 1995, Burnette co-formed the country duo Bekka & Billy.
Meanwhile, in 1992 Burnette signed with Capricorn Records, which issued Coming Home. In 1999, he signed with Grand Avenue Records and released All Night Long. After a hiatus from solo albums, he released Memphis in Manhattan in 2006. Rock & Roll With It was released in 2011.
Oh Well
Billy Burnette Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can't sing, I ain't pretty
And my legs are thin
But don't ask me what I think of you
I might not give the answer that you want me to
Now when I talk to God
I hope he'll understand
I'll be your guiding hand
Don't ask me what I think of you
I might not give the answer that you want me to"
The lyrics of Billy Burnette's song "Oh Well" convey a sense of resignation and self-awareness. The singer acknowledges their physical imperfections, their lack of singing talent and physical attractiveness, and their reluctance to give an expected answer to a particular question. However, they also speak of their hope for support from a higher power, suggesting that they seek comfort and solace in their faith.
The opening lines of the song suggest a sense of acceptance and self-deprecation, as the singer acknowledges their perceived physical faults. However, the following line, "don't ask me what I think of you," implies that the singer is not willing to engage in a game of pretense or flattery. This line, repeated later in the song, could indicate that the singer values honesty and directness, even if it may be uncomfortable for those around them.
The reference to God in the following lines suggests a faith-based worldview, with the singer expressing their trust in divine guidance. The last line, "I might not give the answer that you want me to," echoes the first line of the song and provides a sense of symmetry and unity to the lyrics. The message seems to be that while the singer may not conform to societal expectations, they are content to rely on their own sense of faith and personal authenticity.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't help about the shape I'm in
I am unable to do anything about my current state or condition
I can't sing, I ain't pretty
I cannot sing well and I am not physically attractive
And my legs are thin
Furthermore, my legs are not very muscular or strong
But don't ask me what I think of you
Please do not inquire about my opinion of you
I might not give the answer that you want me to
There is a chance that my response may be unpleasant or unfavorable to you
Now when I talk to God
When I communicate with the divine being, God
I hope he'll understand
I desire that God will comprehend or sympathize with my situation
He said "Stick by me
God indicated to me to stay close and devoted to Him
I'll be your guiding hand
God promised to provide me with direction and support
Don't ask me what I think of you
Again, please refrain from asking for my opinion about you
I might not give the answer that you want me to
It is possible that my response may not satisfy your expectations or desires
Contributed by Anna S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
krenkson
sooo good, I love what I hear... thumbs up
kees loo
great performance
Leszek Tenisista
FANTASTIC BAND....BASS SUPER FANTASTIC!!!
pfordsq
Nice arrangement. I saw Billy several years ago , with Kenny , Ian Wallace (You name 'em , he drummed for 'em.) , and Johnny Cash's Bass Player. They played a REAL Rockabilly set for me , the guy who loaned out his bass , and , otherwise , a room full of Yuppies , who just wanted to watch sports on the big screen TV, and they KILLED it.
Ethan Johnson
I play with his son and we just added a song that I think his like a throw back to this
Ethan Johnson
You should check out his sons band beau Burnette
David Baines
That was great. Unexpected but I stayed until the end.
MAGA MAN PATRIOT
I've always been a Peter Green fan and "oh well" is one of his best..whoa nellie bell but hot damn Billy does a great cover with guys like the great Kenny Vaughn and that bass thumping Winchester boy thats a helluva band..don't know why I can't recall the drummer's name right now (my old age)..Burnette always played with top drawer musicians like his Daddy and Uncle as a young fella.
Ethan Johnson
Lol you should check out his son. Beau burnette
didier bretonnel
la version la plus incroyable...