Gilmore is a native of the Texas Panhandle, having been born in Amarillo, T… Read Full Bio ↴Gilmore is a native of the Texas Panhandle, having been born in Amarillo, Texas and raised in Lubbock, Texas. His earliest musical influence was Hank Williams and the honky tonk brand of country music that his father played. In the 1950s, he was exposed to the emerging rock and roll of other Texans such as Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash and Lubbock native Buddy Holly. He was profoundly influenced in the 1960s by the likes of The Beatles and Bob Dylan and the folk music and blues revival in that decade.

Gilmore also played "Smokey" in The Big Lebowski

Outside The Lines
Jimmie Dale Gilmore Lyrics

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I painted myself into a corner
But footprints
Are just about to become part of my design
Now that I've found myself
Over the line.
And I cannot blame any body
But myself
Cause every single choice I ever made was mine

And now I find myself
A little outta line.

You see the signs
A lovelight shines
Between the lines
A lovelight shines
Between the lines

There's a lot of water under the bridges
That are burning
But It's a fact we can finally float or fly just fine
But Baby don't get tangled
In the bottom line.

Looking back into the darkness
Will only
Blind your mind and heart and feed you that
same old line
Come and we will cross
The great divine

You see the signs
A lovelight shines
Between the lines

A lovelight shines
Between the lines

Overall Meaning

In "Outside The Lines," Jimmie Dale Gilmore reflects on the way his choices and actions have led him to his current situation. He's feeling some regret for the corner he's painted himself into, but he doesn't see a way out without accepting responsibility for his own choices. However, he's also optimistic about the future, ready to move forward and embrace whatever opportunities come his way, seeing the beauty in the chance to incorporate his missteps into his life's design.

The lines "You see the signs / A lovelight shines / Between the lines" speak to a sense of hope and possibility amidst life's struggles, reminding us that there's always more to see and appreciate than what's evident on the surface. The advice not to get "tangled in the bottom line" suggests that our focus on money, status, or other worldly concerns can distract us from the deeper, more meaningful aspects of life.

Overall, "Outside The Lines" invites us to recognize the interconnectedness of our actions and experiences, to take ownership of our mistakes without wallowing in regret, and to approach life with openness and gratitude for all the opportunities, both good and bad, that come our way.

Line by Line Meaning

I painted myself into a corner
I created a difficult situation for myself

But footprints
I have an opportunity to create something new

Are just about to become part of my design
I can incorporate my mistakes into my new plan

Now that I've found myself
I realize where I am and what I need to do

Over the line.
I have crossed a boundary into new territory

And I cannot blame any body
I take responsibility for my choices

But myself
I am the only one to blame

Cause every single choice I ever made was mine
I am the only one responsible for my actions

And now I find myself
I am in a new situation

A little outta line.
I am not sure what to do next

You see the signs
There are indications of what is to come