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.
Panhandle Poorboy
Kevin Fowler Lyrics
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A land of twister and tumbleweeds
You can drive for forty miles and never see a single tree
Eighty days with no rain in sight
You can smell the feed lot if the wind s just right
If you wanna know who I am
Just look where I’m from
Forth generation born and bred
That old West Texas dust is in my blood
It's where they'll lay me when I'm dead
It’s just a rough and rugged land but it made me who I am
No matter where this life takes me
I know I’ll always be just a panhandle poorboy
It’s always boom or bust, either drought or flood
One day your choking on dust
The next day your knee deep in mud
Barb wire and windmills reign
Around here they're still the king
Somethings never change
Including me
I’m just a panhandle poorboy
Forth generation born and bred
That old West Texas dust is in my blood
It's where they'll lay me when I'm dead
It’s just a rough and rugged land but it made me who I am
No matter where this life takes me
I know I’ll always be just a panhandle poorboy
I’m just a panhandle poorboy
Forth generation born and bred
That old West Texas dust is in my blood
It's where they'll lay me when I'm dead
It’s just a rough and rugged land but it made me who I am
No matter where this life takes me
I know I’ll always be just a panhandle poorboy
I’m just a panhandle poorboy
Forth generation born and bred
That old West Texas dust is in my blood
It's where they'll lay me when I'm dead
It’s just a rough and rugged land but it made me who I am
No matter where this life takes me
I know I’ll always be just a panhandle poorboy
A panhandle poorboy
The song "Panhandle Poorboy" by Kevin Fowler talks about the singer's roots and identity as a fourth-generation "panhandle poorboy," or one who was born and raised in the panhandle region of West Texas. The song describes the harsh conditions of the land, including the dust bowl, twisters, tumbleweeds, and droughts. The singer also mentions the distinct smell of the feed lot that can be detected when the wind is right. Despite the tough environment, the panhandle is where the singer's family has lived for generations, and it is a place he identifies with, as it is a part of his identity.
The land's extremes, including droughts and floods, are something that has affected the singer's life and shaped him into the person he is today. He describes how the land made him who he is and how it will be where he is laid to rest. Although he may go on to experience different things in life, he will always remain a "panhandle poorboy" at heart, proud of his roots and where he comes from.
Overall, "Panhandle Poorboy" is a song about pride and identity, emphasizing the importance of one's roots and the place they come from. The song highlights how the land shapes and influences people, and how it plays a significant role in shaping who they become.
Line by Line Meaning
I was born in the dust bowl,
I was born in a region characterized by severe dust storms during the Great Depression.
A land of twister and tumbleweeds
It was a place where tornadoes and tumbleweeds were very common.
You can drive for forty miles and never see a single tree
There aren't many trees in this region and one might have to drive for long distances to find one.
Eighty days with no rain in sight
It is possible to go for eighty days without experiencing rainfall in this area.
You can smell the feed lot if the wind s just right
When the wind blows in a particular direction, it brings the smell from the animal feedlots in the area.
If you wanna know who I am
If you want to understand me, you need to know where I come from.
Just look where I’m from
My origin tells you everything you need to know about me.
I’m just a panhandle poorboy
I'm a boy from the panhandle area who didn't grow up with much wealth.
Fourth generation born and bred
My family has lived here for four generations, so I have a deep connection to this place.
That old West Texas dust is in my blood
The dirt and grit from this region are such an essential part of my life that I consider them a part of me.
It's where they'll lay me when I'm dead
This place is so important to me that I want to be buried here when I pass away.
It’s just a rough and rugged land but it made me who I am
Growing up in this tough and unforgiving environment has contributed significantly to my personality and identity.
No matter where this life takes me
Regardless of where my life journey leads me, I'll always remember where I came from.
I know I’ll always be just a panhandle poorboy
I will always consider myself to be a boy from the panhandle area who was born and raised in a challenging and rugged place.
It’s always boom or bust, either drought or flood
The climate in this region is unpredictable, and it is either too dry or too wet, with no middle ground.
One day your choking on dust
At times, the dust and dirt in the air are so thick that it can be difficult to breathe.
The next day your knee deep in mud
At other times, there may be significant amounts of rainfall, leading to muddy conditions.
Barb wire and windmills reign
Barb wire fences and windmills are prevalent in this area, often associated with farming and ranching.
Around here they're still the king
These features continue to be an essential part of life in this region and are regarded as crucial components of the landscape.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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Jeremy Sharp
Grew up in Stinnett, Texas. This song sums up my childhood and memories of spending time with my grandfather, who told me stories about growing up in the Dust Bowl. Miss his stories but this song brings back lots of great memories of our times together.
Larry Patterson
High school in Panhandle Texas
Donnie Maxwell
Really love this tune - Kevin expresses his thoughts as well as anything that comes out of Nashville...
Charles Dearing
Great song as usual Kevin. Haven't been able to see you in years. I was a bouncer at "Ropers" in Austin,Texas and gave you a wooden cutting I did of you and you said you were going to give it to your Mom. Lifelong fan here buddy.
Kenny Cook
my brother and I were raised in FRITCH TX, my brother just got killed, we played this song at the funeral, thanks so much for this song.
Shaunn Snow
I'm also from Fritch. No matter what part of the world I go to I always miss it. Can't say exactly why but Hutchinson county is just home. Sorry for your loss brother
OilField Roughnekk
Kenny Cook im from pampa texas not far from you I’m from the northern panhandle and I’m sorry for your loss. brothers are important in our lives,may god bless you and your family.
Xero Signal
Great live performance!!! Amarillo native here!
Mike Thaxton
Moving to Hico Tx in the Hill Country for a better paying job but ill still have the Panhandle in my heart and most importantly ill still and always will be in my beloved Texas ! Nothing like sitting on the porch on a warm Texas summer night drinking beer and watching a t-storm passing in the distance
Mike Thaxton
Dalhart native here and a poorboy