Drug Store Truck Driving Man
Christian Parker Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He's the head of the Ku Klux Klan
When summer rolls around
He'll be lucky if he's not in town
Well, he's got him a house on the hill
He plays country records till you've had your fill
He's a fireman's friend he's an all night DJ
But he sure does think different from the records he plays
He's the head of the Ku Klux Klan
When summer rolls around
He'll be lucky if he's not in town
Well, he don't like the young folks I know
He told me one night on his radio show
He's got him a medal he won in the War
It weighs five-hundred pounds and it sleeps on his floor
He's a drug store truck drivin' man
He's the head of the Ku Klux Klan
When summer rolls around
He'll be lucky if he's not in town
He's been like a father to me
He's the only DJ you can hear after three
I'm an all night musician in a rock and roll band
And why he don't like me I can't understand
He's a drug store truck drivin' man
He's the head of the Ku Klux Klan
When summer rolls around
He'll be lucky if he's not in town
He'll be lucky if he's not in town
In "Drug Store Truck Driving Man" by Christian Parker, the lyrics paint a vivid and complex portrait of a man who occupies a paradoxical position in society. On one hand, he is portrayed as an archetypal working-class figure: a truck driver who works in a drug store. This suggests a life marked by routine and mundanity, yet it juxtaposes sharply with his involvement in the Ku Klux Klan, a notorious hate group that embodies racism and intolerance. This duality encapsulates an unsettling reality where everyday people can hold deeply problematic beliefs while appearing relatable or even amiable in their daily lives. The mention of summer implies a cyclical nature to his activities, hinting that there's a time when his negative influence might be temporarily subdued as he may leave town, perhaps to avoid scrutiny or backlash from his community.
The lyrics highlight the contradictions in this man's character and lifestyle. He is represented as a lover of music, particularly country records, and he is a friendly face for the local firemen and an all-night DJ, suggesting that he possesses a certain charm and charisma. However, this is undermined by the chilling reality of his views. This character revels in the music he plays, yet his beliefs starkly contrast with the themes of acceptance and love often found in the country genre. This dichotomy begs listeners to reflect on how people can compartmentalize their lives, having public personas that mask darker, more prejudiced ideologies. The depiction of playing music until “you’ve had your fill” stands in for the superficiality often found in entertainment, where surface-level enjoyment hides capable undertones.
The song also touches upon the man's views on younger generations, revealing a generational divide rooted in prejudice. When referencing a conversation during his radio show, it becomes apparent that he harbors disdain for young people, suggesting a broader cultural conflict. This antagonism paints an image of someone who feels threatened or disconnected from the evolving values of society, leading him to cling to archaic ideals. His physical possession of a heavy medal from the war acts as a metaphor for his burdened past, symbolizing pride yet also weighing him down emotionally and ideologically. It serves as an anchor to traditional notions of masculinity intertwined with nationalism, revealing how such symbols can evoke both pride and shame.
Finally, the relationship dynamics illustrated in the lyrics add further layers to this complex character portrayal. The singer describes this man as a father figure, exposing a relationship steeped in personal contradiction—admiration mingling with confusion about the man's negativity towards him. The singer finds himself in the position of a young musician rejected by someone he looks up to, further emphasizing the theme of generational and ideological clash. Despite being an all-night musician in a rock and roll band, representing a progressive and vibrant art form, the singer feels alienated by the very person who provides a modicum of guidance and influence. This reflects the broader societal tensions between tradition and modernity, inviting listeners to consider how personal relationships can be influenced by underlying ideological disparities that transcend personal affection.
Line by Line Meaning
He's a drug store truck drivin' man
He is a man who drives a delivery truck for a pharmacy, symbolizing a working-class persona.
He's the head of the Ku Klux Klan
He holds a leadership position in a racially extremist group, indicating his troubling beliefs and prejudices.
When summer rolls around
As the warmer months approach, often associated with social gatherings and community.
He'll be lucky if he's not in town
He may find himself in trouble or conflict if he's around during this time, suggesting a tense community atmosphere.
Well, he's got him a house on the hill
He lives in a privileged, elevated position, both literally and figuratively, indicating his wealth or status.
He plays country records till you've had your fill
He immerses himself in country music, perhaps reflecting his cultural roots or personal taste, possibly to the point of excess.
He's a fireman's friend he's an all night DJ
He’s well-liked in certain circles, particularly among local heroes, and has a role in entertaining others through music.
But he sure does think different from the records he plays
Despite enjoying and sharing music that promotes certain values, his personal beliefs are in stark contrast to those values.
He's a drug store truck drivin' man
Reiterating his working-class identity while hinting at the contradictions in his character.
He's the head of the Ku Klux Klan
Reemphasizes his disturbing involvement in racist ideologies and actions.
When summer rolls around
Again referencing the season that often brings community events and heightened emotions.
He'll be lucky if he's not in town
Echoing the notion that his presence could lead to tension or confrontations.
Well, he don't like the young folks I know
He harbors a dislike or distrust for the younger generation, likely due to differing values or lifestyles.
He told me one night on his radio show
He shared his prejudices publicly, which may indicate he feels justified in his beliefs.
He's got him a medal he won in the War
He possesses a military honor, which suggests a past that he may use to bolster his identity.
It weighs five-hundred pounds and it sleeps on his floor
This heavy medal symbolizes the burdens of his past and possibly the emotional weight of his experiences.
He's a drug store truck drivin' man
Reiterating his working-class identity which is at odds with his extremist beliefs.
He's the head of the Ku Klux Klan
Reaffirming the stark reality of his leadership role in a hate group.
When summer rolls around
Revisiting the theme of seasonal conflict and community issues.
He'll be lucky if he's not in town
Emphasizing the likelihood of trouble or conflict stemming from his presence.
He's been like a father to me
He has had a significant influence on my life, despite his troubling beliefs.
He's the only DJ you can hear after three
He occupies a unique position in the local music scene, providing music late into the night.
I'm an all night musician in a rock and roll band
I’m part of a cultural movement that stands in contrast to his traditional views.
And why he don't like me I can't understand
I’m puzzled by his prejudice against me, given our personal relationship.
He's a drug store truck drivin' man
Bringing the focus back to his working-class identity that is still in tension with his extremist stance.
He's the head of the Ku Klux Klan
Final affirmation of his alarming position within a hate group.
When summer rolls around
A reminder of the cyclical nature of his troubling influences and community tensions.
He'll be lucky if he's not in town
Concluding with the notion that his presence could lead to inevitable conflict.
He'll be lucky if he's not in town
Reiterating that trouble may follow him wherever he goes during turbulent times.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GRAM PARSONS, ROGER MCGUINN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@meganphillipps6456
this music video is so amazing! "Drug Store Truck Driving Man" is such a wonderful song!
@christianparkervideo
Thanks Megan! It's always appreciated.
@chandnimahajan9995
@christianparkervideo
@jourdanaidenmonte2502
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@christianparkervideo
@@jourdanaidenmonte2502 thank you!
@vrouwkje
Don't forget Gram Parsons together with EmmyLou Harris 😊
@emilycurry2954
Love this video!!!