He retired from performing in 1979. He had many famous hits including, "Kisses Don't Lie", "Are You Teasing Me", "Hey Joe", and many others.
In 2003, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. He is probably best known for the recording of "Times A-Wastin'" with June Carter.
Back Up Buddy
Carl Smith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Back up buddy, don't you come any closer
I know you want her but the answer is 'No sir'
Back up buddy don't you come any closer, she's mine all mine
Oh buddy, I've seen you winking your eyes at the dolly I've got with me
I'll whittle you down to a punier size if you don't let her be
She's pretty and cute as a doll could be, she's a-loving and a-cuddling too
[Chorus]
Oh buddy I've seen you making your play for the baby doll on my arm
You'd better back up and get out of my way, I'd hate to do you harm
I'll give you a hint that'll help you a lot, get a doll that's all your own
I'll give you most any thing I got but leave my baby alone
[Chorus]
I'm crazy in love and maybe that's why I'm a little bit jealous too
So back away boy, don't give her the eye, don't make me mad at you
I never have been the troublesome kind but it never too late to start
And trouble is what the joker will find that flirts with my sweetheart
[Chorus]
Carl Smith's "Back Up Buddy" is a song about a man's jealousy and possession over his girlfriend or wife. He is warning another man who is trying to flirt with his significant other to back up and not get any closer, as she belongs to him. He is willing to fight for her and even whittle the other man down to a puny size if necessary.
The singer describes his girlfriend as being pretty, cute, and loving, with cuddlesome charms that are only meant for him. While he loves her, he is also crazy in love, and his intense emotions fuel his jealousy and willingness to protect her from potential threats.
The chorus of the song serves as a repetitive warning to the other man to back up and not come any closer to the singer's girlfriend as she is his alone. The song's message reinforces patriarchal and possessive attitudes towards women and relationships, typical of country music's themes.
Line by Line Meaning
Back up buddy, don't you come any closer
Don't advance any further towards my girl, buddy
I know you want her but the answer is 'No sir'
I know you have eyes for my girl, but the answer is a clearly stated no
Back up buddy don't you come any closer, she's mine all mine
I reiterate that she is unequivocally mine, so don't get any ideas, buddy
Oh buddy, I've seen you winking your eyes at the dolly I've got with me
I've caught you trying to flirt with my girl by winking at her, buddy
I'll whittle you down to a punier size if you don't let her be
I will bring you down to a smaller, less intimidating size if you continue to hit on her
She's pretty and cute as a doll could be, she's a-loving and a-cuddling too
My girl is adorable and affectionate like a doll
But her cuddlesome charms are only for me and not for the likes of you
Her charming cuddles are reserved for yours truly, not for someone like you
I'll give you a hint that'll help you a lot, get a doll that's all your own
Here's some advice: get your own girl, someone who's not already taken
I'll give you most any thing I got but leave my baby alone
I'm willing to give you almost anything, except for my girl
I'm crazy in love and maybe that's why I'm a little bit jealous too
I am completely smitten with my girl, and that may be why I'm feeling slightly possessive
So back away boy, don't give her the eye, don't make me mad at you
Step back, don't look at my girl with desire, or you'll make me angry
I never have been the troublesome kind but it never too late to start
I'm generally not a troublemaker, but that can change if you continue to push me
And trouble is what the joker will find that flirts with my sweetheart
If you continue to flirt with my girl, you will soon find yourself in trouble
[Chorus]
Repeating the warning to back off
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRYANT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
sauquoit13456
On this day in 1954 {May 27th} Carl Smith's "Back Up Buddy" peaked at #2 {for 1 week} on Billboard's Most Played Country & Western Records By Jockeys chart, for the week it was at #2, the #1 record for the week was "(Oh, Baby Mine) I Get So Lonely" by Johnnie and Jack...
Carl Milton Smith passed away at the age of 82 on January 16th, 2010...
May he R.I.P.
"Back Up Buddy" was Carl Smith's third of four of his records to peak at #2, between 1951 and 1978 the Maynardville, Tennessee native had ninety two charted records, thirty two made the Top 10 with five reaching #1...
His three other records that peaked at #2 were "Let's Love A Little" in June of 1951, "Trademark" in July of 1953, and "Why, Why?" in November of 1957...
And from the 'For What It's Worth' department, the remainder of the Most Played C&W Records by Jockeys' Top 10 on May 27th, 1954:
At #3. "I Really Don't Want To Know" by Eddy Arnold
#4. "Even Tho" by Webb Pierce
#5. "Slowly" by Webb Pierce
#6. "I'll Be There" by Ray Price
#7. "Rose Marie" by Slim Whitman
#8. "One By One" by Kitty Wells & Red Foley
#9. "My Everything" by Eddy Arnold
#10. "I Don't Hurt Anymore" by Hank Snow
Frank Czuri
Heard this YEARS ago on NPR while driving through hills of Virginia! Looked for it and finally found it!
Love it!
jocelynn villarreal
What I love about this song is it was recorded May 13,1954. My stepfather's exact date of birth. Love this song!
Anthony Phaneuf
Brings back memories from my childhood livin' at my grandparents house
sauquoit13456
On this day in 1954 {May 27th} Carl Smith's "Back Up Buddy" peaked at #2 {for 1 week} on Billboard's Most Played Country & Western Records By Jockeys chart, for the week it was at #2, the #1 record for the week was "(Oh, Baby Mine) I Get So Lonely" by Johnnie and Jack...
Carl Milton Smith passed away at the age of 82 on January 16th, 2010...
May he R.I.P.
"Back Up Buddy" was Carl Smith's third of four of his records to peak at #2, between 1951 and 1978 the Maynardville, Tennessee native had ninety two charted records, thirty two made the Top 10 with five reaching #1...
His three other records that peaked at #2 were "Let's Love A Little" in June of 1951, "Trademark" in July of 1953, and "Why, Why?" in November of 1957...
And from the 'For What It's Worth' department, the remainder of the Most Played C&W Records by Jockeys' Top 10 on May 27th, 1954:
At #3. "I Really Don't Want To Know" by Eddy Arnold
#4. "Even Tho" by Webb Pierce
#5. "Slowly" by Webb Pierce
#6. "I'll Be There" by Ray Price
#7. "Rose Marie" by Slim Whitman
#8. "One By One" by Kitty Wells & Red Foley
#9. "My Everything" by Eddy Arnold
#10. "I Don't Hurt Anymore" by Hank Snow
ginny white
I was only 1
Rod Cheyne
Now that is country music. Great song.
joe blow
This song was already on the Country charts in April.
Mr. Wizard
Damn...10 years ago!!!!!
Ryan Butler
It's songs like these that lead me to believe that modern day country is more pop music than actual Country music.
Bill Duvall
I'VE LOVED THIS SONG FOR YEARS. i'M 74 SO IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME