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)
Son of a Gun
Black Oak Arkansas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Back where I come from
I ain’t good for nothin’
Except just to run
But all I got to say
To the likes of them
I’m tired of workin’
For the other man
I want to see the world
I want to love the girl
And I want to do what ain’t been done
On account I’m a son of a gun
I wrote my first song
On a half mile row
Where I learned down on the farm
How everythin’ goes
I’ve been the backbone
Of the workin’ man’s grief
Now I just want to whoop it up, yeah
And get some relief
I want to see the world
I want to love the girl
And I want to do what ain’t been done
On account I’m a son of a gun
Son of a gun
Son of a gun
Son of a gun
Some say I’m shiftless
Back where I come from
They don’t like to see me
When I’m a having fun
But why should I settle down
When I’m feelin’ so young
The time of my life
Has just now begun
I want to see the world
I want to love the girl
And I kinda think it’s time to switch
On account I’m a son of …
Son of a gun
Son of a gun
Son of a gun
In the song "Son of a Gun" by Black Oak Arkansas, the singer is expressing his desire to break free from his mundane life and pursue his dreams. He admits that some people may see him as a "no account" and "not good for nothin'," but he disagrees. He's tired of working for someone else and wants to see the world, love a girl, and do something that hasn't been done before. He believes that he's a "son of a gun," which seems to imply that he's bold and tough.
The lyrics also highlight the singer's background as a farmer. He describes writing his first song "on a half-mile row" and learning about how everything goes down on the farm. The singer has been the "backbone of the working man's grief," which could mean that he's worked hard his entire life but hasn't had much to show for it. Now he just wants to have fun and get some relief.
Overall, the song is about the singer's desire to break free from a life of monotony and go out into the world to do something great. He's confident in his abilities, despite what others may think, and believes that he can achieve his dreams with hard work and perseverance.
Line by Line Meaning
Some say I’m a no account
Some people from back where I come from think I’m a failure or a nobody.
Back where I come from
In my hometown or place of origin.
I ain’t good for nothin’
I’m not useful or talented.
Except just to run
The only thing I’m capable of is leaving or escaping from my current situation.
But all I got to say
However, I have something to express or share.
To the likes of them
To those people who think little of me.
I’m tired of workin’
I’m exhausted or fed up with the laborious or menial tasks I’ve been doing.
For the other man
For someone else’s benefit or profit, and not my own.
I want to see the world
I desire to travel and experience different places and cultures.
I want to love the girl
I want to find and be with the woman who's best for me.
And I want to do what ain’t been done
I aspire to achieve or create something unique or original that nobody has ever done before.
On account I’m a son of a gun
I can accomplish great things because I come from a lineage of tough and resourceful people.
I wrote my first song
I composed the lyrics and melody to my initial piece of music.
On a half mile row
While working on a farm or agriculture-related field that spans a distance of 880 yards.
Where I learned down on the farm
Where I gained knowledge and skills related to agriculture and rural living.
How everythin’ goes
How to handle or manage everything that relates to farm work, such as planting crops, tending to livestock, and fixing equipment.
I’ve been the backbone
I have been the foundation or support system that has kept things going for the working class.
Of the workin’ man’s grief
I have shouldered the burden and pain that comes with being an underpaid or overworked laborer.
Now I just want to whoop it up, yeah
Now I just want to have a good time, party, or celebrate.
And get some relief
And get some release from the stress, hardship, or monotony of daily life.
Some say I’m shiftless
Some people from back where I come from think I’m lazy, aimless, or unreliable.
They don’t like to see me
They get upset or bothered when they witness me enjoying myself.
When I’m a having fun
When I’m laughing, partying, or enjoying leisure activities.
But why should I settle down
But why should I stop having fun or be content with what little I have?
When I’m feelin’ so young
When I’m feeling youthful, full of energy, and capable of doing great things.
The time of my life
The period in my life where I can make the most out of my youth, potential, and opportunities.
Has just now begun
Is just starting or beginning now.
And I kinda think it’s time to switch
And I believe it’s time to change or switch things up.
Son of a gun
A slang term that refers to someone or something that is surprising, impressive, or admirable.
Contributed by Alexandra R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.