Founded in 2012 by longtime friends Cleto Cordero (guitar, vocals) and Jason Albers (drums), Flatland Cavalry eventually blossomed into a five-piece with the additions of Jonathan Saenz (bass), Laura Jane (fiddle), and Reid Dillion (guitar). After raising recording costs with a crowd-funding campaign, the band released its debut EP, Come May, independently in 2015; it was quickly scooped up by California-based booking agency Atomic Music Group. The following year saw Flatland Cavalry issue their first full-length outing, Humble Folks. The album fared well, rising to 38 on the nationwide Top Country Albums chart, and 17 on the Americana/Folk Albums survey. The group toured heavily in support of Humble Folks, and changed their management to the Texas-based firm DBL Music Group. By the time Flatland Cavalry issued their second album, 2019's Homeland Insecurity, Laura Jane had left the band, with Wesley Hall taking over on fiddle. ~ James Christopher Monger & Mark Deming, Rovi
Old School
Flatland Cavalry Lyrics
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RayBan wayfarers on bloodshot eyes
I dress like my daddy did, circa 1982
I make old school look brand new
Raised on George Strait, Alan Jackson, and Pat Green
I learned how to pick from a VHS
Mama taught me how to sing
I sit out on the front porch
We make old school sound brand new
It's tried and true, it ain't leaving soon or going out of style
So march around in your cowboy boots, swagger and a smile
Some call it classic, even old-fashioned
And others call it cool
I call it old school
Well, how 'bout you?
How 'bout you?
Mama and Pop's love's still running like that '82 Chevrolet
The same one that they brought brand new on their wedding day
They still drive 'round town with the windows down
'Cause they're more in love than the day they said "I do"
It's true
'Cause they make old school feel brand new
It's tried and true, it ain't leaving soon or going out of style
So dance around in your old pearl snaps, swagger, and a smile
Some call it classic, even old-fashioned
And others call it cool
I call it old school
Well, how 'bout you?
I call it old school
Well, how 'bout you?
Woo-ooo
In the song "Old School" by Flatland Cavalry, the singer reflects on his roots and how he has adopted the style and traditions of his parents' generation. He describes his attire, which includes hand-me-down ostrich boots and Levi's, and mentions his Ray-Ban Wayfarers, which cover his bloodshot eyes. He explains how he learned to sing and pick from his mother and the music he was raised on, including George Strait, Alan Jackson, and Pat Green. The song paints a picture of the singer sitting on the front porch, with the crickets and coyotes singing in harmony with him. He takes pride in his old-school ways and recognizes that it may be considered old-fashioned to some, but he sees it as a classic style that will never go out of fashion.
The song emphasizes the importance of tradition and staying true to one's roots. The singer speaks of his parents' love, which has remained constant through the years. He notes that they still drive their '82 Chevrolet around town with the windows down, enjoying their love and the music of their time. To the singer, old school is not simply a fashion statement or musical genre; it represents a way of life and a connection to his family and heritage.
Line by Line Meaning
Hand me down Ostrich boots, dark watch Levi's
I wear second-hand ostrich boots and dark Levi's jeans.
RayBan wayfarers on bloodshot eyes
I wear RayBan wayfarer sunglasses, despite my tired and bloodshot eyes.
I dress like my daddy did, circa 1982
I dress in the same style as my father did, around the year 1982.
I make old school look brand new
I give a new, fresh feel to old school style.
Raised on George Strait, Alan Jackson, and Pat Green
My musical upbringing involved listening to artists such as George Strait, Alan Jackson, and Pat Green.
I learned how to pick from a VHS
I learned how to play guitar using instructional VHS tapes.
Mama taught me how to sing
My mother taught me how to sing.
I sit out on the front porch
I spend time sitting on my front porch.
The crickets and coyotes sang harmony
The sounds of crickets and coyotes complemented each other in a harmonious way.
We make old school sound brand new
We bring a fresh perspective to old school music.
It's tried and true, it ain't leaving soon or going out of style
Old school music is reliable and timeless, and won't be fading away anytime soon.
So march around in your cowboy boots, swagger and a smile
Wear your cowboy boots confidently with an air of self-assurance.
Some call it classic, even old-fashioned
Some people consider old school music to be classic or outdated.
And others call it cool
While some may view old school music as outdated, others find it to be cool and stylish.
I call it old school
I personally refer to the music I enjoy as old school.
Well, how 'bout you?
What do you consider the music you enjoy?
Mama and Pop's love's still running like that '82 Chevrolet
My parents' love for each other is still strong, like their 1982 Chevrolet that they still drive.
The same one that they brought brand new on their wedding day
The Chevy they still drive is the same one they bought new on their wedding day.
They still drive 'round town with the windows down
My parents still enjoy driving around with the car windows down.
'Cause they're more in love than the day they said "I do"
Their love for each other has only grown stronger since their wedding day.
It's true
This statement is indeed accurate.
'Cause they make old school feel brand new
My parents remind me that even old school love can feel new and exciting.
So dance around in your old pearl snaps, swagger, and a smile
Dance confidently in your old-school pearl snap shirts and wear a smile on your face.
I call it old school
I personally refer to the music I enjoy as old school.
Well, how 'bout you?
What do you consider the music you enjoy?
Woo-ooo
A vocalization, possibly conveying enthusiasm or agreement.
Writer(s): reid dillon, cleto cordero
Contributed by Alexander T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.