The band formed by accident in 1989 (see 1989 in music), when a local band, the Salmon Heads, asked some members of the Left Hand String Band to fill some missing spots in its lineup. The synergy worked and the result was Leftover Salmon.
After the independent release of Bridges to Bert in 1993 (see 1993 in music) and the 1995 (see 1995 in music) live follow-up Ask The Fish, Leftover Salmon gained a spot on the H.O.R.D.E. festival tour and a contract with Hollywood Records. Their 1997 Hollywood debut and second studio album, Euphoria, continued to define their eclectic sound and introduced many songs that would become classics for the band.
In March of 2002 (see 2002 in music) founding member and banjoist Mark Vann lost his battle with cancer. He was later replaced by Noam Pikelny.
A documentary film of Leftover Salmon, titled "Years In Your Ears," was released on DVD in November 2006.
Lonesome Road
Leftover Salmon Lyrics
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Out here wanderin' on my own
Won't you hold me up 'cause I'm goin' down
That lonesome road, lonesome road, lonesome road
My father told me, “You gotta pay your dues”
When the life of music is the life you choose
But I'm not givin' up 'cause I'm goin' down
Spend my time just missin' you
Nothin' in this world I'd rather do
But till my time is up, well, I'm going down
That lonesome road, lonesome road, that lonesome road
Gonna drive all night to do one more show
Wish I could stay here, well, it's time to go
Until the sun comes up, well, I'm goin' down
That lonesome road, lonesome road, lonesome road
Until the sun comes up, well, I'm goin' down
That lonesome road, lonesome road, lonesome road
Leftover Salmon's "Lonesome Road" tells the story of a musician who had to leave his home and loved one behind to pursue his passion for music. The song starts with the singer admitting that he had to leave his darling and home behind and is now wandering alone. He then asks for someone to hold him up as he feels like he is going down. It is a clear reference to feeling lonely and weary from life on the road.
As the song progresses, the singer shares his father's words, "You gotta pay your dues," which suggests that he acknowledges the struggles and sacrifices that come with his chosen path. He admits that he has not given up yet, but still feels like he is going down that lonesome road. Despite missing his loved one, he continues on his journey and performs one more show before leaving.
The lyrics of "Lonesome Road" showcase the life of a struggling musician who pays a heavy price for pursuing his passion. The song captures the essence of the daily struggles, loneliness, and longing that accompany life on the road.
Line by Line Meaning
Had to leave my darlin', had to leave my home
I had to leave behind the one I love and the place I call home
Out here wanderin' on my own
Now I am traveling alone without any particular destination
Won't you hold me up 'cause I'm goin' down
I am struggling and in need of support to get through these difficult times
My father told me, “You gotta pay your dues”
My dad taught me that success comes from hard work and perseverance
When the life of music is the life you choose
If you decide to pursue a career in music, it will come with its own set of challenges
But I'm not givin' up 'cause I'm goin' down
Despite the hardships, I refuse to quit because I am committed to this path
Spend my time just missin' you
When I am not performing, all I can do is think about my loved one
Nothin' in this world I'd rather do
Nothing else brings me as much joy as being with my beloved
But till my time is up, well, I'm going down
Until my life ends, I will continue to experience these tough times
Gonna drive all night to do one more show
I will travel long hours to entertain one last time
Wish I could stay here, well, it's time to go
Though I want to remain, it's time to leave and continue the journey
Until the sun comes up, well, I'm goin' down
Until a new day begins, I will continue to experience this melancholy path
That lonesome road, lonesome road, lonesome road
This challenging, lonely and sorrowful journey that I am on
Until the sun comes up, well, I'm goin' down
Until a new day begins, I will continue to experience this melancholy path
That lonesome road, lonesome road, lonesome road
This challenging, lonely and sorrowful journey that I am on
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DREW G EMMITT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind