The sound of the band is loose and rangy in the best tradition of white Southern R&B (a la the best of John Fred and His Playboy Band) and Winter's singing is fully equal of it: he never stops at mere competence. On a quick listen some of the music could have easily been mistaken for Stax soul. But the difference is in the white gospel roots that both Winter and co-vocalist Jerry laCroix exhibit throughout the record. Up-tempo songs like "Save the Planet" and "Keep Playin' that Rock and Roll" are fine rockers but the guts of the album is in slow, semi-religious "You Were My Light." The latter is the highlight of the album: Winter sings flawlessly, first in front of his superb rhythm section, and then with a beautifully arranged and blended horn section. On the choruses the three elements come together with tremendous impact -- enough to blow me back listen after listen. The lyrics here, as throughout, are almost charming in their openness, directness, and simplicity. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the album is the emergence of Edgar Winter as an excellent songwriter.
At the peak of their frenzy, both Winter and laCroix cross over the gospel line and into pure shrieking and screaming. In the controlled doses they administer here, it is very powerful stuff. Such vocal techniques are easily misused, but like everything else on White Trash, Edgar keeps it under control and makes it work for him. The results are a revealing and exciting album -- hopefully, only the first of many more to come. It's the kind of record that makes you want to see the group perform. What higher praise is there for a new album by a new group?
Tobacco Road
Edgar Winter's White Trash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mama died and my daddy got drunk
Let me hear two dying crows
In the middle of tobacco road
Grew up in a rusty shack
All I owned was hanging on my back
Only lord knows how I loved tobacco road
But it's hard, hard the only life I've ever known
But the lord knows how I loved
Tobacco road
Gonna leave, get a job
With the help of the treesome god
Save my money, get rich enough
Bring it back to tobacco road
Bring dynamite and a crane
Blow it up and start all over again
Build a town be proud to show
Give the name tobacco road
'Cause it's hard, hard the only life I've ever known
I despise you cause you're filthy
But I love you cause you're home
Bring dynamite and a crane
Blow it up start all over again
Build a town be proud to know
This place called tobacco road
'Cause it's hard, hard the only life I've ever known
But the lord knows how I love
Tobacco road
The lyrics of Tobacco Road by Edgar Winter's White Trash tell a story of hardship and resilience. The singer reflects on his upbringing in a poor and tumultuous household, symbolized by his mother's death and his father's alcoholism. Despite these challenges, he finds solace and attachment to his home on Tobacco Road. The repetition of the phrase "Only lord knows how I loved tobacco road" emphasizes the loyalty and affection he has for the place he grew up, despite its flaws.
As the song progresses, the singer expresses a desire to leave and make a better life for himself. He seeks the help of a higher power to attain success, but also acknowledges the difficulty of leaving the only life he's ever known. The final verses suggest a desire to improve and rebuild Tobacco Road into something to be proud of, while still acknowledging the negative aspects of the town.
Overall, the lyrics of Tobacco Road convey a complex blend of love for one's roots, but also a drive to improve and move on from a difficult past.
Line by Line Meaning
I was born in a trunk
I was born into a poor and humble beginning.
Mama died and my daddy got drunk
My mother passed away and my father struggled with alcoholism.
Let me hear two dying crows
The environment where I grew up was desolate and bleak.
Grew up in a rusty shack
My childhood home was a rundown and dilapidated dwelling.
All I owned was hanging on my back
I had very little personal possessions and had to carry them with me wherever I went.
Only lord knows how I loved tobacco road
Despite its hardships, I had a deep affection for the place where I grew up called Tobacco Road.
But it's hard, hard the only life I've ever known
Life has been tough, but it's the only one I've ever experienced.
Gonna leave, get a job
I plan to leave this place and try to find work elsewhere.
With the help of the treesome god
With the help of an omnipotent being, I hope to succeed in my endeavors.
Save my money, get rich enough
I aim to save my earnings and accumulate enough wealth to make a difference.
Bring it back to tobacco road
My ambition is to return to Tobacco Road and make a positive impact on the community.
Bring dynamite and a crane
To rebuild Tobacco Road, drastic measures like demolition may be necessary.
Blow it up and start all over again
Razing the area to the ground and starting anew might be the best course of action.
Build a town be proud to show
The new Tobacco Road should be a place of which people can be proud.
Give the name tobacco road
The new settlement should carry on the name of its predecessor.
I despise you cause you're filthy
I'm repulsed by some aspects of my hometown, like the dirt and grime.
But I love you cause you're home
Despite its imperfections, Tobacco Road will always hold a special place in my heart.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN D. LOUDERMILK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
SCOTT OHLEMEIER
I agree the Edgar sax solo is an all-timer, but Derringer on the guitar. Oh my god! He blowtorched the place.
Steve D.
Sax solo is by Jon Smith!
Lewis Landis
Roadwork is my favorite Edgar Winter album & this is the best recording of Tobacco Road I've ever heard !
Mario Buttino
This album takes me back to high school,masterpiece. Edgar Winter,Rick Derringer sound incredible. I love the horn section. A special appearance by Johnny Winter.
Tom Jones
Just an amazing album. These guys were all in top form. I spent many hours as a 14 year old guitarist learning everything I could from Derringer. Back in the USA is a great example of what a 335 can sound like.
Ray Sexauer
same
doodleedledoo
Me too, same age. Derringer is a monster. His studio version of "Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo" is so absolutely smoking all around and that solo on it is ridiculously hot.
Fred Rix
One of the most amazing live performances I ever saw. Check out the keyboard solo at 10:09. This is so intricate: 7-note runs super fast. How does anyone do that?!
Ernesto VPV
Best version ever!
Joel Houlette
No doubt.