Cook's West Virginia-born mother played guitar and mandolin and sang on local radio shows. Her father, a Georgia native, also performed country music and served jail time for running moonshine. Upon his release, he and Elizabeth's mother played in local bands together, eventually marrying. Elizabeth, born in 1972, moved to Nashville in her twenties and quickly got a publishing deal. Demos recorded between 1997 and 2000 comprised her independently released debut album, "The Blue Album", which showcased her formidable songwriting ability and featured such well-known Music City musicians as Tim Carroll, Kenny Vaughan, and Rick Schell.
She made her major label debut in 2002 with "Hey Y'All". But following a corporate re-structuring that left the album virtually abandoned and stagnant on sales, Elizabeth fought back with her 2005 independent release "This Side Of The Moon", which received positive reviews.
Her album "Balls" was released May 2007. It was been her most successful album to date, thanks to glowing press reviews and significant video play for the song "Sometimes It Takes Balls To Be A Woman."
Her 2010 album Welder features appearances by an all-star roster of guests including Dwight Yoakam, Crowell and Buddy Miller, and continued her increasing popularity becoming her highest charting album in the U.S.
Her album "Gospel Plow" was released June 2012.
Cook hosts the morning radio show "Elizabeth Cook's Apron Strings" on the Sirius XM radio station Outlaw Country on Channel 60. The show airs weekdays from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM (Eastern Time). The show format is a mix of Americana, Outlaw, and Alt Country.
In 2016, Cook released her sixth studio album Exodus of Venus.
Official Site
Bayonette
Elizabeth Cook Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Not even my mama said she could see me in Mexico
I don't speak Spanish and I don't own a gun
I wear sombrero, I'm allergic to the sun
I take all the advice that I can get
But ain't nobody here tried to kill me yet
I'm incognito cause I don't know a soul
Sure it gets lonely walking up that hill
But I have a canteen and my neighbors have a grill
We shoot tequila without one regret
And ain't nobody here tried to kill me yet
I hope he's okay now, I don't wish him harm
I wonder if he sold the rest of our farm
I don't cry now because I know I survived
But I'd like to shoot who said that love ain't a crime
I might should look into a bayonette
But ain't nobody here tried to kill me yet
I think about y'all every 5th of May
I celebrate here every other day
Go dancing downtown with a can of mace
And a piñata in the shape of your face
You were my hearts number uno threat
And ain't nobody here tried to kill me yet
No ain't nobody here tried to kill me yet
No there ain't nobody here tried to kill me yet
The lyrics to Elizabeth Cook's song "Bayonette" delve into the singer's decision to leave their hometown and venture to Mexico. The opening lines indicate that the singer has tried to explain the reasons for their departure to everyone, even their mother, but no one seems to truly understand. They express a lack of preparedness for the journey, lacking the language skills and firepower that one might typically associate with a trip to Mexico. This suggests that the singer's motives may not align with common assumptions.
The lyrics continue to emphasize the singer's isolation and anonymity in their new surroundings. They mention being incognito, implying that they have deliberately distanced themselves from any personal connections or associations. As they walk alone, they search for familiar faces, indicating a yearning for some form of companionship. However, despite the loneliness they may experience, the singer finds solace in simple pleasures like drinking tequila with neighbors who pose no harm.
The third verse alludes to a past relationship or situation that the singer has left behind. They express concern for someone's well-being, possibly an ex-partner or a family member. The mention of selling their shared farm suggests a connection to their former life. However, the singer indicates resilience and survival by proclaiming that they no longer cry over the situation. The line about shooting the person who claimed love isn't a crime signifies the singer's determination to defend and protect their own beliefs. The mention of a bayonet suggests a violent response to those who threaten their happiness, potentially as a metaphor for taking a strong stand against negativity or harmful influences.
The final verse reveals the singer's conflicting emotions as they celebrate holidays and partake in festivities in their new home. They mention the celebration of Cinco de Mayo, signifying that they still hold their hometown in their thoughts on this specific day. However, the singer also asserts their newfound independence and freedom by celebrating every other day. They go so far as to use a piñata in the shape of their loved ones' faces, representing their cathartic release of pent-up emotions and perhaps a rebellious display against those who once posed a threat.
Overall, these lyrics reflect the singer's journey of self-discovery, resilience, and a desire for freedom. They depict a character who has sought refuge in a different land, where they have not yet encountered any immediate threats or danger. The song's title, "Bayonette," symbolizes a readiness to defend oneself against potential harm, though the lyrics suggest that so far, the singer has not encountered anyone who has tried to harm them in their new life.
Line by Line Meaning
I tried to tell y'all all the reasons I should go
I attempted to explain to all of you the various justifications for my departure
Not even my mama said she could see me in Mexico
Even my mother did not envision me being in Mexico
I don't speak Spanish and I don't own a gun
I am incapable of speaking Spanish and I do not possess a firearm
I wear sombrero, I'm allergic to the sun
I frequently wear a sombrero as a sun protection measure due to my sensitivity to sunlight
I take all the advice that I can get
I adhere to any counsel that is offered to me
But ain't nobody here tried to kill me yet
However, no individual in this location has made an attempt to cause me harm thus far
I'm incognito cause I don't know a soul
I maintain a low profile as I am not acquainted with anyone in the vicinity
I search for faces when I go out for a stroll
During my walks, I scrutizine the countenances of individuals I encounter
Sure it gets lonely walking up that hill
Undoubtedly, it can be quite lonesome ascending that hill
But I have a canteen and my neighbors have a grill
Yet, I am equipped with a water container, and my neighbors possess a barbecue pit
We shoot tequila without one regret
We consume tequila without experiencing any remorse
And ain't nobody here tried to kill me yet
Furthermore, no one in this vicinity has endeavored to terminate my existence thus far
I hope he's okay now, I don't wish him harm
I genuinely desire for his well-being now; harboring no ill intentions towards him
I wonder if he sold the rest of our farm
I ponder whether he disposed of the remaining portion of our farm
I don't cry now because I know I survived
I presently refrain from shedding tears since I am aware of my survival
But I'd like to shoot who said that love ain't a crime
However, I harbor a desire to inflict harm upon the individual who claimed that love is not unlawful
I might should look into a bayonette
Perhaps I should consider acquiring a bayonet
But ain't nobody here tried to kill me yet
Nevertheless, no one in this vicinity has made an attempt on my life thus far
I think about y'all every 5th of May
Every 5th of May, I recollect thoughts of all of you
I celebrate here every other day
In this location, I commemorate my existence nearly every alternate day
Go dancing downtown with a can of mace
I engage in dancing activities downtown while carrying a can of pepper spray
And a piñata in the shape of your face
And additionally, a piñata fashioned in the likeness of your visage
You were my hearts number uno threat
Previously, you were considered the prime adversary of my emotional well-being
And ain't nobody here tried to kill me yet
Furthermore, no individual in this vicinity has endeavored to take my life thus far
No ain't nobody here tried to kill me yet
No, there has been no attempt made by anybody present to cause my demise so far
No there ain't nobody here tried to kill me yet
No, indeed no one from the current populace has made any efforts to terminate my existence thus far
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Elizabeth Yvonne Cook, Jeffrey Christopher Adamczyk
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind