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.
Walk This Way
Leftover Salmon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where do we take it from here?
Rhinestone suits and new shiny cars
It's been the same way for years
We need a change
Somebody told me, when I came to Nashville
Son you finally got it made
But I don't think Hank done it this way
No, I don't think Hank done it this way
Ten years on the road, makin' one night stands
Speedin' my young life away
Tell me one more time just so's I'll understand
Are your sure Hank done it this way?
Did ol' Hank really do it this way?
Lord I've seen the world, with a five piece band
Looking at the back side of me
Singing my songs, and one of his now and then
But I don't think Hank done 'em this way
I don't think Hank done 'em this way.
Take it home.
Leftover Salmon's song Are You Sure Hank Done It This Time, is a song that speaks to the perpetual cycle of country music. The song opens with, "it's the same old tune, fiddle and guitar, where do we take it from here?" indicating that the song is a reflection of the state of country music. The songwriter is expressing the need for change in the genre. The line "rhinestone suits and new shiny cars, it's been the same way for years" hints at the commercialization of country music that has taken away from its authenticity.
The second verse, "somebody told me, when I came to Nashville, Son you finally got it made, Old Hank made it here, and we're all sure that you will, But I don't think Hank done it this way" is an acknowledgment of the influence of Hank Williams on country music. The songwriter is questioning if Hank Williams would have approved of the direction that country music has taken. The line "Ten years on the road, makin' one night stands, speedin' my young life away, tell me one more time just so's I'll understand, are you sure Hank done it this way?" expresses the experiences of a country musician who is questioning the value of the lifestyle that comes with their career. The chorus "did ol' Hank really do it this way?" indicates that the songwriter is sincerely questioning if Hank Williams would have condoned the current state of country music.
The last verse "singing my songs, and one of his now and then, but I don't think Hank done 'em this way" is an acknowledgement of the fact that even though the songwriter is playing country music, there is a disconnect between the values of Hank Williams and the values of contemporary country music. The repetition of the line "I don't think Hank done 'em this way" calls attention to the idea that country music has become something markedly different from its roots. The song is a call to artists and fans of country music to reassess the state of their genre and to ask themselves if it still represents the values of the genre.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord it's the same old tune, fiddle and guitar
The music industry is stagnant and unchanging.
Where do we take it from here?
What can we do to innovate and evolve the current state of music?
Rhinestone suits and new shiny cars
Country music is perceived as flashy and materialistic.
It's been the same way for years
The music industry has been stuck in this cycle for a long time.
We need a change
There needs to be a shift in the way things are done to make room for new ideas and perspectives.
Somebody told me, when I came to Nashville
Upon arriving in Nashville, there was a preconceived notion that success was inevitable.
Son you finally got it made
You've finally arrived and are on the path to success.
Old Hank made it here, and we're all sure that you will
If Hank made it, so can you.
But I don't think Hank done it this way
However, the way in which Hank achieved success may not be applicable anymore.
No, I don't think Hank done it this way
Reiterating that Hank's methods may not work anymore.
Ten years on the road, makin' one night stands
Traveling and playing small shows has become routine after a decade on the road.
Speedin' my young life away
The fast-paced lifestyle of a musician has caused time to fly by.
Tell me one more time just so's I'll understand
Asking for clarification to ensure that he's understanding correctly.
Are your sure Hank done it this way?
Questioning the validity of using Hank's methods in today's context.
Did ol' Hank really do it this way?
Continuing to question the effectiveness of Hank's tactics.
Lord I've seen the world, with a five piece band
Touring has allowed him to travel the world while performing with his band.
Looking at the back side of me
Reflecting on the past while moving forward.
Singing my songs, and one of his now and then
Mixing original and cover songs into their performances.
But I don't think Hank done 'em this way
Hank's approach may not be applicable to their own musical style.
I don't think Hank done 'em this way.
Reiterating that Hank's methods may not work for them.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: David Allan Coe
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind