Knight was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and grew up in Slaughters, Kentucky. His extended family lives in the same area of Kentucky. Knight has three brothers and a sister. When he was three years old, he asked for a plastic guitar for Christmas. At 15, he became serious and began teaching himself John Prine songs on his older brother's guitar. In an interview, Knight commented "At one point I could play probably 35-40 John Prine songs.
Knight earned a degree in agriculture from Western Kentucky University. He worked for ten years as a mine reclamation inspector and as a miner's consultant for the Kentucky Department of Surface Mining.
Knight started composing when he was 26, but didn't start performing until he was 30. He got his first record deal when he was 37.
On June 25, 2019, The New York Times Magazine listed Chris Knight among hundreds of artists whose material was reportedly destroyed in the 2008 Universal fire.
Move On
Chris Knight Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We don't like each other, it's plain to see
I've got a pistol, all you've gots a knife
You'd better move on, cause it ain't worth your life
That girl on the barstool, she ain't your kind
She was married to my cousin, but tonight she's mine
Go hit on those girls in your big city town
What are you doin' down here
We don't like your kind boy, do I make myself clear
Better take your earing back where you belong
We don't like your kind, so you'd better move on
We just don't mingle with the folks from the town
You laugh at us rednecks and you put us all down
You don't look retarded, but you don't seem to bright
Cause you just brought a switchblade to a pistol fight
What are you doin' down here
We don't like your kind boy, do I make myself clear
Better take your earing back where you belong
We don't like your kind, so you'd better move on
Old Joe said to take it to the parking lot
He's been a little nervous since the jukebox was shot
I won't pull out my pistol if you put up your knife
I keep my woman and you keep your life.
The lyrics of Chris Knight's song "Move On" tell the story of a tense situation between two groups of people who are clearly not getting along with each other. There's a clear sense of hostility between them, and it's evident that something is about to go down. The main character of the song doesn't like the other person, and vice versa. They're both armed, and it's clear that if things continue to escalate, someone may end up dead. The singer tells the other person to leave, stating that it's not worth losing their life over this dispute.
The song seems to be about the clash of cultures between people from different walks of life. The singer is clearly a country boy, and he expresses resentment towards the city slicker who has come into his space. The city slicker is hitting on the wrong woman, and he doesn't seem to understand how things work in the country. He's brought a knife to a gunfight, which shows that he's out of his element. The message of the song is clear: if you're not from around here, you'd better respect our way of life, or you'll pay the price.
In conclusion, "Move On" is a song about the clash of cultures and the dangers of not respecting other people's way of life. It's a cautionary tale about what can happen when people let their pride get in the way of common sense. The lyrics are simple but effective, and they get the message across loud and clear.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't like you, and you don't like me
Our feelings for each other are mutual and negative
We don't like each other, it's plain to see
It is clear and obvious that our dislike for each other exists
I've got a pistol, all you've gots a knife
I possess a firearm, while you only have a bladed weapon
You'd better move on, cause it ain't worth your life
It would be advisable for you to leave, as continuing this confrontation puts your life in danger
That girl on the barstool, she ain't your kind
The woman seated at the bar is not suited for you
She was married to my cousin, but tonight she's mine
Although she is related to me through marriage, I am currently the one with whom she is spending the evening
Go hit on those girls in your big city town
You should try to approach the women who reside in your own urban area
You'd better be going, I ain't messing around
I am serious about this matter, and thus insist that you leave
What are you doin' down here
I am inquiring as to your reason for being present in this location
We don't like your kind boy, do I make myself clear
It should be evident that your particular demographic is unwelcome here
Better take your earing back where you belong
I suggest that you return to the location you originated from, and take the earring you are wearing with you
We don't like your kind, so you'd better move on
As previously stated, our disdain for your demographic requires that you vacate this area immediately
We just don't mingle with the folks from the town
Our community does not typically socialize with individuals hailing from urban areas
You laugh at us rednecks and you put us all down
You appear to ridicule and belittle the individuals in our community who could be classified as 'rednecks'
You don't look retarded, but you don't seem to bright
While you do not appear to be intellectually disabled, your actions suggest that you lack intelligence
Cause you just brought a switchblade to a pistol fight
Your decision to bring a knife to a confrontation against an individual with a pistol indicates poor judgement
Old Joe said to take it to the parking lot
An individual known as 'Old Joe' suggested that the altercation should be moved to the parking lot
He's been a little nervous since the jukebox was shot
Old Joe has felt anxious since the jukebox was damaged due to a previous altercation
I won't pull out my pistol if you put up your knife
If you refrain from using your blade against me, I will not resort to using my firearm
I keep my woman and you keep your life.
If you do not continue to pose a threat, your safety will be ensured, while my significant other remains in my company
Contributed by Annabelle V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Anthony Petrozzelli
Awesome! Real music, real emotion. What a talent! His music hits a cord! He music has depth. Its refreshing to hear real country music.
Louie O.Blevins Music
@Dj Watson he’s 62 and losing his voice. I don’t think he cares much for publicly. I mean, I just paid 30$+tax for a ticket to see him in ATL. I paid the same or maybe even more to see John Moreland. Knight is comfortable where he is in life and I appreciate that about him.
Dj Watson
I just recently heard him he needs more publicity he has a ton of good songs
Edward Nethery
Chris is not underrated, He is under-known. No one who knows his music underrates him. He is a darling of critics. His time will come - like Lucinda Williams, Darrell Scott, Alejandro Escovedo and so many others who toiled just outside the limelight. He just needs to keep doing the deal, and his time will come.
country outlaw 01
Just discovered this guy on I Tunes , absolutely awesome especially this song. Greetings to all fans of Chris Knight from England UK.
Joshua Sizemore
Tyler Childers
Timothy Hanson
In some parts (rural/southern) of America, we just say, "Hey" as a greeting. So, "Hey", from the GREAT state of Nebraska.
Fishing
Chris knight is amazing. Personally I wish the best and most comfortable life for the man, but damn I hope he doesnt mix in with those fake ass country singers. Im sure this man is enjoying his life and making it just fine and the way that he wants. Dont ever change for those Hollywood Nashville chumps Chris!
Occult_pillow0
It's so nice to listen to his music being out in vegas... moved out here 2 years ago for the military and he always reminds me there are people out there still like me either know it's lonely out here
M. Garrison
@Red River even though i don't know you either that means alot to me. thank you for making me take a look back at this. alot has changed in the last 4 years, some for worse some for better. i really believe we are on our way to restoring order in this country and that the tide will turn. just take a good look at whats happening in Virginia. also trump is making plans to take down the drug cartels in mexico. when that happens he will be a hero to the mexicans and will take the majority of the latino vote. after that the democrats no longer stand a chance of gaining power. meanwhile i'm sure the day will come when the lgbt and the muslims finally do something to push to far. in the end everything will play out in our favor. this is not end times we are living in. leftists are to stupid to beat us and they don't like guns. we will right the ship it's just gong to take time and a whole lot of praying. and it will unfortunately have to get worse before it gets better.