Alvis Edgar Owens, Jr. (August 12, 1929 – March 25, 2006), better known as … Read Full Bio ↴Alvis Edgar Owens, Jr. (August 12, 1929 – March 25, 2006), better known as Buck Owens, was an American singer and guitarist who had 21 No. 1 hits on the Billboard country music charts with his band, the Buckaroos. They pioneered what came to be called the Bakersfield sound—a reference to Bakersfield, California, the city Owens called home and from which he drew inspiration for what he preferred to call American music.

While Owens originally used fiddle and retained pedal steel guitar into the 1970s, his sound on records and onstage was always more stripped-down and elemental, incorporating elements of rock and roll. His signature style was based on simple storylines, infectious choruses, a twangy electric guitar, an insistent rhythm supplied by a drum track placed forward in the mix, and high two-part harmonies featuring Owens and his guitarist Don Rich.

Beginning in 1969, Owens co-hosted the TV series Hee Haw with Roy Clark. He left the cast in 1986. In 1974, the accidental death of Rich, his best friend, devastated him for years and abruptly halted his career until he performed with Dwight Yoakam in 1988. Owens died on March 25, 2006 shortly after performing at his Crystal Palace restaurant, club and museum in Bakersfield.

Owens is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Foolin' Around
Buck Owens and His Buckaroos Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

[Chorus]
I know that you've been foolin' around on me
Right from the start
So I'll take back my ring, and I'll take back my heart
And when you're tired of foolin' around with two or three
Come on home and fool around with me

I wasn't foolin' around the day I said I do

But many a night I wished that I had been a-foolin' too
I know it's foolish taking all this misery
But when it's you, a fool I'll always be

[Chorus]

So, honey, fool around
You know right where I'm at
Don't worry if I'm lonesome 'cause I'm used to that
And when you're tired of foolin' 'round with two or three
Then come on home and fool around with me

[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Buck Owens and His Buckaroos' song "Foolin' Around" explore the pain and heartbreak of infidelity in a romantic relationship. The singer is aware that their partner has been unfaithful since the beginning of their relationship, and has reached a breaking point where they must reclaim their ring and heart. Despite the hurt caused by their partner's actions, the singer still offers a chance for reconciliation, asking them to come back and "fool around" with them alone.

Throughout the song, there is a sense of resignation to the pain caused by the partner's infidelity. The singer acknowledges that they were not "foolin' around" when they made their commitment, but that they still longed for the experiences that they missed out on. However, they also recognize that they will always be a "fool" for their partner, unable to fully let go even in the face of betrayal. The repeated refrain of "foolin' around" echoes this sense of both desire and pain, emphasizing the cyclical nature of the relationship and the singer's inability to escape it.

Overall, "Foolin' Around" is a poignant reflection on the complexities of love and heartbreak, and the ways in which we can be both hurt and compelled by our feelings for others.

Line by Line Meaning

I know that you've been foolin' around on me
I'm aware of your infidelity

Right from the start
You started cheating on me at the beginning of our relationship

So I'll take back my ring, and I'll take back my heart
I'm going to end our engagement and take back everything I've given you

And when you're tired of foolin' around with two or three
When you're finished with your affairs with multiple partners

Come on home and fool around with me
Come back to me and continue our relationship, despite your unfaithfulness

I wasn't foolin' around the day I said I do
I was committed to you on our wedding day

But many a night I wished that I had been a-foolin' too
I regret not cheating on you when given the chance

I know it's foolish taking all this misery
I understand that staying with you despite your cheating is foolish and painful for me

But when it's you, a fool I'll always be
Regardless, I will always forgive you and take you back, even if it makes me a fool

So, honey, fool around
I give you permission to continue cheating

You know right where I'm at
You know where to find me when you're done with your affairs

Don't worry if I'm lonesome 'cause I'm used to that
I'm accustomed to being alone and don't mind waiting for you

Then come on home and fool around with me
When you're finished with your other partners, come back to me and we can continue our relationship

I know that you've been foolin' around on me
Restated - I'm aware of your infidelity

Right from the start
Restated - You started cheating on me at the beginning of our relationship

So I'll take back my ring, and I'll take back my heart
Restated - I'm going to end our engagement and take back everything I've given you

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BUCK OWENS, HARLAN HOWARD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

Josh Gachette

This has got to be one of the highest fidelity and quality clips I've ever seen emerge from the Ranch Show; thank you so much for posting it, BrotherHamlet!

mosrite60

11y↑2

Tom Brumley as amazing steel player! The Buckaroos one of country's greatest bands. They just do not make bands as these. Every one just seemed to fit in so well. RIP Buck, Don Dolly.