Guy is known for his showmanship; for example, he plays with drumsticks and walks into the audience whilst playing, the latter being a gimmick he picked up from a local blues guitarist at an early age (joining or leaping into the audience has also long been common in both American popular and gospel music, as in the earlier work of Big Jay McNeely or the Dixie Hummingbirds).
Guy grew up in Louisiana where he learned to play guitar. In the early 1950s he began performing with bands in Baton Rouge. Soon after moving to Chicago in 1957, Guy fell under the influence of "Mighty" Muddy Waters. In 1958 he won a record contract with Artistic Records after beating the West Side guitarists Magic Sam and Otis Rush in a "Head Cutting Contest" at the Blue Flame Club. Soon afterwards he recorded for the Cobra label.
In the early 1960s, Guy was a session guitarist for Chess Records. He recorded on Junior Wells sessions for Delmark Records under the pseudonym Friendly Chap in 1965 and 1966. His career took off during a blues revival period in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and was sparked by Eric Clapton's request that Guy be part of the '24 nights' all-star blues guitar lineup at London's Royal Albert Hall and Guy's subsequent signing with Silvertone Records.
Country Man
Buddy Guy Lyrics
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I'm a country man, I was country when I come to town
You know I can look at a milk cow, and I'll tell you how much her butter will come a pound
I'm just green as a pool table, you know I'm twice as square
Green as a pool table, and you know I'm twice as square
I may be a educated fool, but that's something I don't have
I'm a country man, just as country as I can be
You may get me out of the country people but you, never will get the country out of me
I'm green as a pool table, people you know I'm twice as square
Green as a pool table, people you know I'm twice as square
I want to be a educated fool, but it's something I don't have
I'm a country man, I was country when I come to town
I'm a country man, I was country when I come to town
You know I can look at a milk cow, tell you how much her butter will come a pound
Just a country man, baby, you know I ain't shamed
I'm a country man, baby, you know I ain't shamed
That's why I'm crazy 'bout my guitar, that's why I surely will keep on playing
In "Country Man," Buddy Guy proudly proclaims his country roots and personality. Despite moving to the city, he has maintained his country upbringing and behavior. He describes himself as "green as a pool table" and "twice as square," indicating his lack of sophistication and modernity. However, he takes pride in his ability to assess the worth of a milk cow by judging how much butter it can produce. He also declares his love for the guitar, which serves as a symbol of his identity and connection to the country.
The lyrics of "Country Man" show how Buddy Guy has retained his down-home qualities despite adapting to city life. He does not feel ashamed of being a country man and believes that his guitar playing is a testament to his roots. The song's theme speaks of the value of retaining one's origins and not losing touch with one's heritage. While others may see his country ways as simple or backward, Guy embraces his past and proudly identifies as a country man.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a country man, I was country ever since I come to town
I've been a country boy my whole life, even when I moved to the city
I'm a country man, I was country when I come to town
I've been a country boy my whole life, even when I moved to the city
You know I can look at a milk cow, and I'll tell you how much her butter will come a pound
I can tell you how much butter a cow will produce just by looking at her.
I'm just green as a pool table, you know I'm twice as square
I'm a little inexperienced and rough around the edges.
Green as a pool table, and you know I'm twice as square
I'm a little inexperienced and rough around the edges.
I may be a educated fool, but that's something I don't have
I may not have a formal education, but I'm not a fool.
I'm a country man, just as country as I can be
I'm as country as they come.
You may get me out of the country people but you, never will get the country out of me
I may leave the country, but I'll always be a country boy at heart.
I'm green as a pool table, people you know I'm twice as square
I'm a little inexperienced and rough around the edges.
I want to be a educated fool, but it's something I don't have
I may not have a formal education, but I'm not a fool.
I'm a country man, baby, you know I ain't shamed
I'm proud to be a country boy.
That's why I'm crazy 'bout my guitar, that's why I surely will keep on playing
My love for country music and my guitar keeps me going.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BUDDY GUY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind