Clark was born in Monahans, Texas and eventually settled in Nashville, where he helped create the progressive country and outlaw country genres. His songs "L.A. Freeway" and "Desperados Waiting for a Train" that helped launch his career were covered by numerous performers.
He was an accomplished luthier and often played his own guitars. He achieved success as a songwriter with Jerry Jeff Walker’s recordings of "L.A. Freeway" and "Desperados Waiting For A Train". Artists such as Johnny Cash, David Allan Coe, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Steve Wariner, Brad Paisley, John Denver, Alan Jackson, Rodney Crowell, The Highwaymen, and Kenny Chesney have recorded Clark’s songs. Emmylou Harris has accompanied him on several recordings, particularly his own version of "Desperados Waiting For A Train" on his first album, Old No. 1, released in 1975. Clark is frequently referred to as "The Fifth Highwayman".
Clark has been a mentor to such other singers as Steve Earle and Rodney Crowell. He organized Earle's first job as a writer in Nashville. In the 1970s, the Clarks' home in Nashville was an open house for songwriters and musicians and it features in the documentary Heartworn Highways, an evocation of the songwriter scene in Nashville at that time. (Snapper/Catfish, 1981/2003, with Townes Van Zandt, David Allan Coe, and Steve Earle). Numerous artists have charted with Clark-penned tunes. In 1982, Bobby Bare made it to the Country Top Twenty with Clark’s "New Cut Road". That same year, bluegrass leader Ricky Skaggs hit No. 1 with Clark’s "Heartbroke", a song that permanently established his reputation as an ingenious songwriter. Among the many others who have covered Clark's songs are Vince Gill, who took "Oklahoma Borderline" to the Top Ten in 1985; The Highwaymen, who introduced "Desperados Waiting For A Train" to a new generation that same year; and John Conlee, whose interpretation of “The Carpenter” rode into the Top Ten in 1987.
Steve Wariner took his cover of Clark's "Baby I’m Yours" to No. 1 in 1988; Asleep at the Wheel charted with Clark's "Blowin’ Like a Bandit" the same year. Crowell was Clark’s co-writer on "She’s Crazy for Leavin’", which in 1989 became the third of five straight #l hits for Crowell. Brad Paisley and Alan Jackson cover Clark’s "Out in the Parkin' Lot," co-written with Darrell Scott, on Paisley's Time Well Wasted CD. Jimmy Buffett has covered Clark’s "Boats to Build" and "Cinco de Mayo in Memphis". Clark credits Townes Van Zandt as being a major influence on his songwriting. They were best friends for many years until Van Zandt's death in 1997, and since then Clark has included one of Van Zandt's compositions on most of his albums. In 1995, he recorded a live album with Van Zandt and Steve Earle, Together at the Bluebird Cafe, which was released in October 2001. Other live material can be found on his album Keepers.
In 2006 Clark released Workbench Songs. The album was nominated for "Best Contemporary Folk/Americana Album" at the Grammy Awards. He also toured with Lyle Lovett, Joe Ely, and John Hiatt in 2004, 2005 and 2007.
In May 2008, Clark canceled four concerts after breaking his leg. After two months on crutches, he began to perform again on July 4 at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, DC where he appeared with Verlon Thompson. On June 20, 2009, Clark announced a new album entitled "Somedays the Song Writes You" which was released on September 22, 2009. It features originals along with a Townes Van Zandt song entitled "If I Needed You".
In December 2011 This One's For Him: A Tribute to Guy Clark (a two-CD set) was released by Icehouse Music.
Guy Clark won the Grammy Award for Best Folk Album in 2014 for My Favorite Picture of You.
On May 17, 2016, Clark's death was announced on his Facebook page.
Clark was married to songwriter and artist, Susanna Clark from 1972 through her death from cancer on June 27, 2012.
Out In The Parkin' Lot
Guy Clark Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Drinkin' Old Crow whisky, hot 7UP
Out in the parking lot
You can hear the band are playin' right through the wall
Ain't no cover charge, there ain't no last call
Out in the parking lot
Wasn't much to it after both of 'em puked
Out in the parking lot
Now someone called the police and the police finally came
And they wrote 'em a couple of tickets
And they took a couple of names out in the parking lot
I love to see the neon dancin' on the gravel
I love to hear the pickup trucks come unraveled
And some have given up, some have given in
Looks like everybody's lookin' for a friend
Out in the parking lot
Oops, there's a couple who could not wait to get home
Now they're probably in love, so let's leave them alone
Out in the parking lot
Now the band is on the bus, they're all loaded up to leave
But the drummer's got a girlfriend and she's tuggin' at his sleeve
Out in the parking lot
I love to see the neon dancin' on the gravel
I love to hear the pickup trucks come unraveled
Some have given up, some have given in
Looks like everybody's lookin' for a friend
Out in the parking lot
Now everybody's gone, they've shut out all the lights
The dust begins to settle and it's never been so quiet
Out in the parking lot
Guy Clark's "Out in the Parkin' Lot" provides a vivid depiction of a party atmosphere set in the parking lot. The opening lines of the chorus provide a visual description of the scene, with the singer situated on the fender of someone else's truck, sipping on Old Crow whisky and 7UP. The music from the band playing inside permeates through the wall of the building, creating a free and wild atmosphere. The chorus is repeated twice, emphasizing the raucous nature of the party, with people fighting and puking outside.
The police eventually arrive and issue tickets, taking names of those involved in the altercation. The next verse describes couples sneaking off to potentially find love or simply hook up, creating a romanticized impression of the parking lot as a hub for connection. Later, the band leaves on their bus while a drummer's girlfriend tugs at his sleeve, creating a final snapshot of the scene. The final chorus provides a stark contrast to the opening, as the party-goers have gone home, and there is nothing but silence in the parking lot.
In summary, "Out in the Parkin' Lot" is a vividly descriptive song that captures the wild party atmosphere of a parking lot, which is broader commentary around the need for connection and community.
Line by Line Meaning
I was sittin' on the fender of someone else's truck
I sat on the front bumper of a truck that isn't mine.
Drinkin' Old Crow whisky, hot 7UP
I was drinking an unusual, but delicious combination of Old Crow whisky and hot 7UP.
Out in the parking lot
I was hanging out outside of the establishment where a band was playing - in the parking lot.
You can hear the band are playin' right through the wall
The music from the band playing inside the venue was so loud that you could hear it clearly from outside.
Ain't no cover charge, there ain't no last call
There was no entrance fee or deadline to leave the party.
Out in the parking lot
Again, I was outdoors in the parking lot.
Now there's a couple of cowpokes puttin' up there dukes
Two country boys are about to fight.
Wasn't much to it after both of 'em puked
The fight ended quickly since both of them threw up.
Out in the parking lot
The fight took place outside of the venue.
Now someone called the police and the police finally came
Someone called the police, and they arrived on the scene.
And they wrote 'em a couple of tickets
The police wrote tickets for the offenders.
And they took a couple of names out in the parking lot
The police collected the names of the people they ticketed outside in the parking lot.
I love to see the neon dancin' on the gravel
I enjoy the way the neon lights glow and reflect off the gravel in the parking lot.
I love to hear the pickup trucks come unraveled
I enjoy hearing the sound of pickup trucks starting and accelerating.
And some have given up, some have given in
Some people have decided to stop partying and go home, while some have decided to continue.
Looks like everybody's lookin' for a friend
Everyone seems to be searching for someone to spend time with.
Oops, there's a couple who could not wait to get home
I accidentally stumbled upon a couple who couldn't wait to leave the party and go home.
Now they're probably in love, so let's leave them alone
It's safe to assume they are in love, so I won't disturb them.
Now the band is on the bus, they're all loaded up to leave
The band members are getting on their bus and packing up to leave.
But the drummer's got a girlfriend and she's tuggin' at his sleeve
The drummer is hesitating to leave because his girlfriend wants to stay a little longer.
Out in the parking lot
This line repeats because the focus is still on the activities happening outside.
I love to see the neon dancin' on the gravel
Again, I enjoy watching the neon lights reflect on the gravel in the parking lot.
I love to hear the pickup trucks come unraveled
It's repeating because I still appreciate the sound of pickup trucks.
Some have given up, some have given in
There are now even fewer people left outside as they have left one by one.
Looks like everybody's lookin' for a friend
The atmosphere has changed, and it seems like those who remain are still searching for companionship.
Now everybody's gone, they've shut out all the lights
Everyone has left, and the venue is now closed and dark.
The dust begins to settle and it's never been so quiet
The environment has become peaceful as the dust settles and there are no more party-goers around.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Guy Clark, Darrell Scott
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ValueForValue1965
Beautiful Guy! Such a sweet guitar sound and a golden voice - luv ya man!
Danny Ginnane-Gannon
Great artist....important influence on many songwriters today!
Deborah Kauffman
love it, God bless him
Abby Garciafanjul
rest in peace Mr.Clark heaven is looking mighty fine with country music!
BUSTER .BRATAMUS
One of the best stories/songs ever written.
Gregory Larry
Guy Clark and Johnny Cash. Two voices with such an incredible earthy soulful voice that is so unique. They had such a gift. Such a rich sound right out of the earth itself.
Sam Lee
Thanks for a life of music and inspiration. RIP Guy. 5/17/16
Christopher Neary
What a legend
Krissy Haines
Great song!
Joe Winter
Guy Clark, the Soul of Texas