Fowler put together a country band in 1998 and began playing Tuesday nights at Babe's on Sixth Street in Austin. Within two years, he'd begun recording albums and struck big with his self-released Beer, Bait and Ammo (2000). The album sold around 30,000 copies in the Texas area and garnered an impressive amount of airplay, particularly for the album's title track. The song became somewhat of a Texas anthem; Mark Chesnutt made the song part of his live show, and Sammy Kershaw recorded it. Fowler returned in 2002 with his third album, High on the Hog, and boasted some impressive guests, including Willie Nelson and David Lee Garza.
A Guy Like That
Kevin Fowler Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Out poking fun
At this old country boy
And the songs that he sung
Still cracking jokes
He sarcastically implied
Let me guess
And I said, hey
[Chorus: ]
That's what I like about a country song
Where somebody done somebody wrong
And not just something that is understood
By those high rollers out in Hollywood
'Cause it's about
Real folks living real life
With real problems
Like an old ex-wife
If you agree
With the boys and me
Then sing along
"That's what I like about a country song"
Some like to rock
Some like to roll
Some like it fast
And some like slow
If you living right
Or right down the middle
Everybody stops to listen
When that bow hits the fiddle
It's music for the rich or poor
Hot mamas driving to the grocery store
All the farmers, the doctors
The truckers and the teachers, young punks, old drunks
Even Church of Christ preachers, Praise the Lord!
[Chorus: ]
The lyrics to Kevin Fowler's song "A Guy Like That" express the singer's defense of country music and its relatability to real people and real life. The song opens with someone mocking an old country boy and his songs, sarcastically insinuating that his life is filled with heartbreak and loss. In response, the singer asserts that what they love about country music is its ability to capture the experiences of everyday people, with all their joys and struggles. They appreciate songs about relationships gone wrong and the ups and downs of life, because they speak to the realities faced by many.
The chorus emphasizes this appreciation for country music and its authenticity. It contrasts the appeal of songs that depict people's genuine problems and experiences with the superficiality often found in Hollywood productions. The singer believes that country music is for "real folks living real life," including those with ex-wives and all the ordinary challenges that come with it. They invite others to join in singing along to country songs that resonate with their own lives.
The second verse acknowledges the wide range of preferences within country music itself, whether it be fast or slow, rock or folk. Regardless of the style, the singer suggests that country music has a universal appeal. It brings people together, from the rich to the poor, from individuals driving to the grocery store to farmers, doctors, truckers, teachers, and even the Church of Christ preachers. This celebration of country music as a unifying force highlights its ability to touch the lives of diverse individuals and communities.
Overall, "A Guy Like That" celebrates the authenticity, relatability, and inclusivity of country music, and defends it against those who may dismiss it as simplistic or outdated. It recognizes and appreciates the power of country songs to connect people through shared experiences and emotions, making it a genre that speaks to the heart of real life.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I heard someone
I happened to overhear someone
Out poking fun
Making fun or mocking
At this old country boy
Mocking a traditional country boy
And the songs that he sung
And the songs that he sang
Still cracking jokes
Continuing to make jokes
He sarcastically implied
He sarcastically suggested
Let me guess
Allow me to take a guess
"Your girl's gone and your dog just died"
"Your girlfriend left you and your dog recently passed away"
And I said, hey
And I responded, hey
That's what I like about a country song
That is the essence of a country song that I enjoy
Where somebody done somebody wrong
Where someone has done something wrong to someone else
And not just something that is understood
And not just something that can only be understood
By those high rollers out in Hollywood
By the wealthy and influential individuals in Hollywood
'Cause it's about
Because it's about
Real folks living real life
Genuine people living authentic lives
With real problems
Dealing with genuine issues
Like an old ex-wife
Such as dealing with an old ex-wife
If you agree
If you share the same sentiment
With the boys and me
As we, the boys, do
Then sing along
Then join us in singing
"That's what I like about a country song"
"That is what I enjoy about a country song"
Some like to rock
Some people prefer to rock
Some like to roll
Some people prefer to roll
Some like it fast
Some like their music to be played quickly
And some like slow
While others prefer a slower pace
If you living right
If you're living a good life
Or right down the middle
Or even if you're somewhere in between
Everybody stops to listen
Everyone pays attention
When that bow hits the fiddle
When the bow strikes the fiddle
It's music for the rich or poor
It is music for both the wealthy and the less fortunate
Hot mamas driving to the grocery store
Mothers driving to the supermarket
All the farmers, the doctors
Including the farmers and the doctors
The truckers and the teachers, young punks, old drunks
As well as the truckers, teachers, young troublemakers, and elderly alcoholics
Even Church of Christ preachers, Praise the Lord!
Even the preachers from the Church of Christ, Hallelujah!
[Chorus: ]
"That's what I like about a country song"
"That is what I enjoy about a country song"
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind