The group, originally called "The Knowbody Else", was formed in 1965 in Black Oak, Arkansas, by Jim "Dandy" Mangrum (vocals), Rickie Reynolds (guitar), Stanley Knight (guitar), Harvey Jett (guitar), Pat Daugherty (bass), and Wayne Evans (drums). Their first PA system was stolen from a local high school. Members of the group were subsequently charged in absentia with grand larceny and sentenced to 26 years at the Tucker Prison Farm (this sentence was later suspended). This led to their retreat to the hills of rural northeast Arkansas where they lived off the land and refined their musical style. Some of their influences during this time were The Beatles and The Byrds.
The Knowbody Else moved to Memphis, Tennessee, in 1969 and signed a record deal with Stax Records. Their debut album (and only album with Stax), The Knowbody Else, was largely ignored by the populace. During this time the band became interested in psychedelia and Eastern spiritualism which, combined with their Southern Baptist upbringing, contributed to their sound.
After several trips to Los Angeles, California, in 1970, the band was signed by Atco Records and rechristened "Black Oak Arkansas". Their new debut album, Black Oak Arkansas, was released in 1971 while the band toured extensively, gaining a reputation as a live act. The twin album releases that followed in 1972, Keep The Faith and If An Angel Came To See You, Would You Make Her Feel At Home, expanded on the group’s eclectic musical style.
In 1973, Black Oak Arkansas released their fourth album, Raunch 'N' Roll Live and introduced a new drummer, Tommy Aldridge. It was their fifth album, High on the Hog, released later that year, that established solid commercial success by peaking at number 52 on the Billboard charts. Vocalist Ruby Starr also toured with the band during this period. Her raspy voice can be heard on the group's remake of LaVern Baker's 1957 hit "Jim Dandy," which reached number 25 on Billboard's Hot 100.
The 1974 release of Street Party may have failed to maintain the momentum. However, another 1974 release, entitled Early Times, an overlooked Stax recording, made up for lost time. In 1975, the original lineup of Black Oak Arkansas (minus Harvey Jett, who was replaced by Jimmy Henderson) released their last album, Ain't Life Grand. A new version of the band, called Black Oak, was formed in 1977 around Jim "Dandy" Mangrum and Jimmy Henderson. Greg Reding (guitar and keyboards), Jack Holder (guitar), Andy Tanas (bass), and Joel Williams (drums) participated on the two Capricorn albums which were recorded in 1977 (Race with the Devil) and 1978 (I'd Rather Be Sailing). In 1978, guitarist Shawn Lane joined the band at age 14 and toured with the band for four years.
Released in 1984, Ready as Hell debuted a heavier sound with pinch harmonics and keyboards featured throughout. The album also marked the return of Rickie Lee Reynolds on rhythm guitar. In 1986, The Black Attack Is Back continued the heavy style of the previous album and featured the particularly adventurous track "I Want A Woman With Big Titties". Despite that lack of subtlety, the album is widely regarded as the finest of the band's long career, with the greatest lineup to date. Still, it made no commercial headway.
James Mangrum has continued recording and touring with a series of different Black Oak lineups up to present day. Black Oak Arkansas currently enjoys a loyal fan following. However, the later lineups have yet to duplicate the level of album sales that the original lineup generated in the early-mid 1970s. Jim Dandy is credited with inspiring Van Halen front-man David Lee Roth's image and onstage persona as well.
In 2008, Boston newspaper 'The Phoenix' named them the All Time Best Band from Arkansas.
Band Members
* James L. "Jim Dandy" Mangrum - lead vocals, washboard (1965-present)
* Rickie Lee "Ricky" "Ricochet" Reynolds - twelve-string guitar, vocals (1965-1977, 1984-present)
* Hal McCormack - lead guitar (2003-present)
* Johnnie Bolin - drums ( -present)
* George Hughen - bass guitar ( -present)
* Stanley Knight - lead guitar, steel guitar, organ, vocals (1965-1976)
* Pat Daugherty - bass guitar, vocals (1965-1977, 2000-2002)
* Harvey Jett - lead guitar, banjo, piano, vocals (1965-1974)
* Wayne Evans - drums (1965-1973)
* Tommy Aldridge - drums (1973-1977)
* Paul Simmons - drums (1985-1986)
* James Henderson - guitar (1975-1979)
* Jack Holder - guitar (1977-1979)
* Greg Reding - guitar, keyboards (1977-1979)
* Andy Tanas - bass (1977-1980)
* Joel Williams - drums (1977-1978)
* Marius Penczner - keyboards (1975-1977)
* Shawn Lane - guitar (1977-1981)
* Chris Craig - drums (late 70's - early 80's)
* Jon "Thunder Paws" Wells - drums (Ready As Hell)
* Dave Wilson - Bass Guitar (1979-1981)
* William Lemuel - bass guitar (Ready As Hell)
* Steve "The Axe" Nuenmacher - lead guitar, rhythm guitar (Ready As Hell)
* Billy Batte - keyboards, violin (Ready As Hell)
* Michael "Narley Dude" Martin (R.I.P.) - Lead Guitar (The Black Attack Is Back)
* "Big" Mike Fowler - bass guitar (The Black Attack Is Back)
* Biff Bingham - 2nd lead guitarist (Ready as Hell, The Black Attack is Back)
* Jerry A. Williams - drums (Ready as Hell, The Black Attack is Back) (1985-1986)
* Darrell Miller - drums (1970's)
* Les John - drums (1979-1980)
* Cozy Johnson - drums (early 80's)
* James "Little Jim" Mangrum Jr. - drum technician
* Danny Leath - lead guitar
* Rocky Athas - lead guitar (1996-2001)
* John Roth - guitar (mid 80's)
High
Black Oak Arkansas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When the dams are all a bustin' and it’s floodin' down below
And the rushin' of the river tells ya there’s no place ta hide
You’ll be high 'n dry babe right by my side
High 'n dry with the waters down below
Runnin' where they want to go
But they can’t judge you no more
With you here by my side we're high 'n dry
When the streams are all a swollen and the rivers are a swellin'
And you cannot find a hole in which to hide 'cept one you fell in
And that muddy old man river tries to take you for a ride
You'll be high ‘n dry babe right by my side
High 'n dry with the waters down below
Runnin' where they want to go
But they can't judge you no more
High 'n dry with the waters at high tide
With you here by my side we’re high 'n dry
High 'n dry with the waters down below
Runnin' where they want to go
But they can't judge you no more
High 'n dry with the waters at high tide
With you here by my side we're high 'n dry
The lyrics of "High" by Black Oak Arkansas depict a scenario where the singer and their lover will be safe and sound when a flood occurs, as long as they are together. The urgency of the situation is emphasized in the opening lines: "When the water is a risin' tell me where you gonna go / When the dams are all a bustin' and it’s floodin' down below." The singer highlights that there is no way to escape the flood, as the river is rushing and there's no place to hide. However, the only solace that they find is having each other. The chorus delivers an uplifting message that they are high and dry, and it's all because they are together.
In the second verse, the singer continues the same idea but in a variation, "When the streams are all a swollen and the rivers are a swellin'." They highlight the urgency of the situation and again emphasize the lack of options during a flood. They say that the only way to survive the flood is to fall into the hole that nature itself provides, or they will be taken on an unwanted ride by the muddy river. The last line of the verse is a reiteration of the chorus that highlights the same uplifting message of being high and dry because they are together.
The song delivers a positive message of love during a catastrophic situation. It's a story about surviving together, and how love can be the only hope of surviving a crisis like a natural disaster. The song's lyrics also employ the metaphor of water to convey the chaos and messiness of life, which can only be endured by having a partner by your side.
Line by Line Meaning
When the water is a risin' tell me where you gonna go
If there is a flood, where will you seek safety?
When the dams are all a bustin' and it’s floodin' down below
When the dams break and cause a flood, how will you get away?
And the rushin' of the river tells ya there’s no place ta hide
The loud sound of the raging river indicates that there is no hiding place.
You’ll be high 'n dry babe right by my side
You’ll be safe and secure with me by your side.
When the streams are all a swollen and the rivers are a swellin'
When the streams and rivers overflow their banks due to excessive rainfall,
And you cannot find a hole in which to hide 'cept one you fell in
If you can't find any safe place, your only option might be to stumble upon a hole for shelter.
And that muddy old man river tries to take you for a ride
If the river tries to take you away by surprise, it would be a tough ordeal.
High ‘n dry babe right by my side
You'll be out of the river's reach, safely beside me.
High 'n dry with the waters down below
Runnin' where they want to go
But they can’t judge you no more
High 'n dry with the waters at high tide
With you here by my side we're high 'n dry
We will be safe and free from judgement, even when the water is low, or the waters are high, as long as you're close to me.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Katalena
When the water is a risin' tell me where you gonna go
When the dams are all a bustin' and it’s floodin' down below
And the rushin' of the river tells ya there’s no place ta hide
You’ll be high 'n dry babe right by my side
High 'n dry with the waters down below
Runnin' where they want to go
But they can’t judge you no more
High 'n dry with the waters at high tide
With you here by my side we're high 'n dry
When the streams are all a swollen and the rivers are a swellin'
And you cannot find a hole in which to hide 'cept one you fell in
And that muddy old man river tries to take you for a ride
You'll be high ‘n dry babe right by my side
High 'n dry with the waters down below
Runnin' where they want to go
But they can't judge you no more
High 'n dry with the waters at high tide
With you here by my side we’re high 'n dry
High 'n dry with the waters down below
Runnin' where they want to go
But they can't judge you no more
High 'n dry with the waters at high tide
With you here by my side we're high 'n dry
7700Purplexity
This is the first 8 track I bought to play in my "new" car, a 1972 Chevy Vega. I was 17. I sang this song a lot rollin down the road in some cold, blue steel.
Teresa Kendall
Oh man what an oldie but goodie!!!!!!!!!! Loved me some Black Oak Arkansas!
Rick Ware
One my favorites too! Saw them in concert and got to meet them ! They are a hoot!!
Lobo The Hunter
I'm leaving this comment here so that whenever someone likes it I'll listen to this song again, I'm gonna learn this song to the point where I can't distinguish my own voice from Jim Dandy's!!
Katalena
When the water is a risin' tell me where you gonna go
When the dams are all a bustin' and it’s floodin' down below
And the rushin' of the river tells ya there’s no place ta hide
You’ll be high 'n dry babe right by my side
High 'n dry with the waters down below
Runnin' where they want to go
But they can’t judge you no more
High 'n dry with the waters at high tide
With you here by my side we're high 'n dry
When the streams are all a swollen and the rivers are a swellin'
And you cannot find a hole in which to hide 'cept one you fell in
And that muddy old man river tries to take you for a ride
You'll be high ‘n dry babe right by my side
High 'n dry with the waters down below
Runnin' where they want to go
But they can't judge you no more
High 'n dry with the waters at high tide
With you here by my side we’re high 'n dry
High 'n dry with the waters down below
Runnin' where they want to go
But they can't judge you no more
High 'n dry with the waters at high tide
With you here by my side we're high 'n dry
Kathy Raymelle S.
This one I used to sing 💜💜
Ken Lindegaard Andersen
Osse mig.
joe jones
such a cool song and band...
Bethelbandit
A beautiful love song.
Kelly Kruse
This song help me thru my childhood from hell thank u guys