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)
Hold Me Down
Black Oak Arkansas Lyrics
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Hold me long
In 10 or 20 years maybe I'll forget
The reason we are together, so
Hold me down
There's two ways to go down the road of life, so
Hold me long
You threw me away and you can't turn back, so
And have a candybar
And rearrange your heart for me
(Chorus)
Stop where you are
Stop where you are
Stop where you are for me
Stop, stop, stop, for me
Hold me down
You better watch out I'm not the only one around, so
Hold me long
This ain't a circus and I ain't no clown
Hold me down
There's two ways to go down the road of life, so
Hold me long
You threw me away and you can't turn back, so
Stop where you are
And have a candybar
And rearrange your heart for me
(Chorus)
Stop where you are
Stop where you are
Stop where you are for me
Stop, stop, stop, for me
Hold me down
Hold me long
Hold me down love (4x)
The lyrics to Black Oak Arkansas's song Hold Me Down convey a sense of regret and a longing for connection. The singer seems to be cautioning against making hasty decisions that might lead to regret later on. Instead, he asks to be held down, to be anchored in the moment, with the hope that maybe in 10 or 20 years, the reason for their togetherness won't be forgotten. The chorus then urges the listener to "stop where you are" and take a break from the hectic pace of life - to "have a candy bar and rearrange your heart". All of this is set against a backdrop of uncertainty, as the singer acknowledges that there are two ways to go down the road of life, implying that the future is unpredictable and fraught with danger.
Musically, the song is an interesting mix of bluesy rock and country elements. The use of a harmonica and slide guitar creates a folksy, down-home feel, while the powerhouse vocals and driving beat give the song a raw, gritty edge. The lyrics, too, are infused with a distinctly southern flair, with phrases like "hold me down love" and "you better watch out" adding to the song's charm.
Overall, Hold Me Down is a poignant reflection on the struggle for human connection amidst the chaos of everyday life. It urges us to slow down, to savor the moment, and to hold on tight to the people we love.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't wanna do somethin I'll regret,so
Hold me long
I am afraid of making a mistake, so please hold me tightly and give me reassurance.
In 10 or 20 years maybe I'll forget
The reason we are together, so
Hold me down
In the future, I may forget why we were together, so please keep me grounded and remind me of our connection.
There's two ways to go down the road of life, so
Hold me long
Life has its uncertainties and options, so I need you to hold on to me tightly and help me navigate it all.
You threw me away and you can't turn back, so
Stop where you are
And have a candybar
And rearrange your heart for me
You have left me behind and cannot come back, so I need you to stop and make amends. Please change your heart for me.
(Chorus)
Stop where you are
Stop where you are
Stop where you are for me
Stop, stop, stop, for me
I need you to stop and be present for me. Please focus on our relationship and give me the attention I need.
You better watch out I'm not the only one around, so
Hold me long
I am aware that there are others out there, so please hold me tightly and show me that I am the only one for you.
This ain't a circus and I ain't no clown
Hold me down
Our relationship is serious and I am not joking around. Please anchor me and show me that you are committed.
Hold me down love (4x)
I need you to hold me down and show me that our love is strong and enduring.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: ERIC BELLINGER, RODNEY JERKINS, MARVIN HUMES, WAYNE HECTOR, JONATHAN GILL, ASTON MERRYGOLD, ORTISE WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind