SONGWRITER - For more tha… Read Full Bio ↴WRITER · MUSICIAN · SINGER · PERFORMER
SONGWRITER - For more than ten years, Lyal Strickland has been writing songs, lots of them. Five cds of songs inspired by the world around him. Whether the melodies are catchy or haunting, the lyrics light-hearted or serious, the songs are fresh and familiar at the same time. Able to catch a glimpse of life and all it’s realities, up, down and somewhere in between.
MUSICIAN - He plays a little bit of everything, but you’ll be hearing the amazing guitar and harmonica licks that captivate audiences wherever he plays. He’s next to magical on guitar, from powerful leads to melodic finger picking. You never know what’s coming, but you’ll want to hear more.
SINGER – Lyal brings a sensitivity & honesty to his songs, delivering the message with an emotional confidence that comes from deep within. Sometimes raucous and rowdy, often gentle and poignant, …always engaging.
PERFORMER - As a working musician Lyal’s managed to carve out a niche playing high profile clubs and events with his original songs; no small accomplishment. A long time favorite in his native Ozarks, Lyal has developed a strong regional following, appearing often in Springfield, Kansas City, St. Louis, Columbia, Fayetteville, and many points along the way.
Lyal began his musical quest like many others, signing up for sixth grade band and waiting in line for his leased clarinet. From there he quickly moved on to bass and acoustic guitar, began writing songs, and by the time he was out of high school, had completed three independently released CDs. Five songs from those CDs found their way into independent films!
Working through college in area clubs, festivals, and events, he was invited to perform for the opening of the Sedona International Film Festival. That opportunity was the catalyst for his fourth CD, “Well Fed & High Strung”, a live effort released just in time for distribution at the Sedona festival. Immediately after graduation from Missouri State University, Lyal began work on his fifth and most ambitious project to date. . “So Many Incidents” was produced by Larry Lee, founding member of the legendary Ozark Mountain Daredevils. This fully produced CD features some of the best musicians in the Midwest, including Dave Painter, Ned “The Band” Wilkinson, Dave Wilson, Kelly Brown, Randle Chowning, Larry Lee, and Kristen Carroll.
Not for Me
Lyal Strickland Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Clings to your mind and it sets in your clothes
Some men say it's a tough road to hoe
But when the bottom fell out
I was standing on the floor
Wall Street Main Street walking all over me
I like soft dirt sitting under my two feet
Small towns are just a myth you hear
Everything good's done faded away
Just a few of us here left to say
Nah nah nah nah nah nah
Not for me
Nah nah nah nah nah nah
Not for me
Nah nah nah nah nah nah
Not for me
I've been holding on looking back
And I believe that I'm right on track
Last month the plant shut down
It was about the only thing left in this run down town
Wal-Mart came and took up the lot
Nobody on the square has a shot in Hell oh well
But they boarded up the church sign
With a new YUMCA sign
I gotta pay my dues to use God's running shoes
Good folks ain't to be found round here
Small towns are just a myth you hear
Everything good's done faded away
Just a few of us here left to say
Nah nah nah nah nah nah
Not for me
Nah nah nah nah nah nah
Not for me
Nah nah nah nah nah nah
Not for me
I've been holding on looking back
And I believe that I'm right on track
Nah nah nah nah nah nah
Not for me
Nah nah nah nah nah nah
Not for me
Nah nah nah nah nah nah
Not for me
I've been holding on looking back
And I believe that I'm right on track
Lyal Strickland's "Not for Me" is a poignant reflection on the struggles and disillusionments of life in small-town America. Throughout the song, Strickland contrasts the harsh realities of poverty and economic decline with a steadfast determination to hold onto his own sense of purpose and dignity, even in the face of hardship.
The opening lyrics set the scene with vivid imagery: "Poverty smells like a wood burning stove / Clings to your mind and it sets in your clothes." Here, Strickland captures the physical and psychological toll that poverty takes on those who experience it. He goes on to acknowledge the difficulties that come with living in a small town that has been left behind by a changing economy: "Last month the plant shut down / It was about the only thing left in this run down town / Wal-Mart came and took up the lot / Nobody on the square has a shot in Hell oh well." Despite all this, Strickland resolutely declares that he will not be defeated by his circumstances: "Nah nah nah nah nah nah / Not for me / I've been holding on looking back / And I believe that I'm right on track."
Throughout the song, Strickland questions the commonly held belief that small towns are ideal places to live, with their close-knit communities and slower pace of life. He suggests that this idyllic image has been shattered by economic hardship, leaving only a few survivors struggling to make ends meet: "Good folks ain't to be found round here / Small towns are just a myth you hear / Everything good's done faded away / Just a few of us here left to say." Despite this bleak outlook, however, Strickland refuses to give up hope or compromise his values.
Line by Line Meaning
Poverty smells like a wood burning stove
The feeling of poverty is pervasive and suffocating, like the scent of smoke from a constantly burning wood stove.
Clings to your mind and it sets in your clothes
Poverty affects not just your financial situation, but also your mental state and the way you present yourself to the world.
Some men say it's a tough road to hoe
Some people acknowledge the difficulties and challenges that come with living in poverty.
But when the bottom fell out
The artist experienced a sudden and drastic loss or change in their life.
I was standing on the floor
Despite their hardships, the artist was able to remain grounded and stand on their own two feet.
Wall Street Main Street walking all over me
The singer feels unheard and powerless in the face of big financial and corporate entities.
I like soft dirt sitting under my two feet
The singer finds comfort and solace in the simple pleasures of nature and the earth.
Good folks ain't to be found round here
The artist laments the lack of genuinely good people in their town or community.
Small towns are just a myth you hear
Contrary to popular belief, small towns are not always idyllic or perfect places to live.
Everything good's done faded away
The artist mourns the loss of anything positive or hopeful in their environment.
Just a few of us here left to say
There are only a few people remaining in the singer's community who share their perspective and experiences.
Last month the plant shut down
Recent events have led to the closure of the local industrial plant and subsequent loss of jobs.
It was about the only thing left in this run down town
The singer's town has been in decline for some time, and the loss of the plant only exacerbates the issues.
Wal-Mart came and took up the lot
A huge corporate chain store has taken over the land where the plant used to be, making the situation even worse for the town's residents.
Nobody on the square has a shot in Hell oh well
The people in the town feel helpless and hopeless, with no real chance of improving their situation in any meaningful way.
But they boarded up the church sign
Even the local church, a symbol of hope and community, has been affected by the decline and seems to have given up.
With a new YUMCA sign
However, there is still some promise of community and togetherness, as the local YMCA branch has opened in the church's place.
I gotta pay my dues to use God's running shoes
The singer believes that even in dire circumstances, they must still make an effort to do good and be faithful to their religious beliefs.
Nah nah nah nah nah nah Not for me
The singer reiterates that this kind of life and environment is not something they want or are willing to accept.
I've been holding on looking back
Despite the difficulties and setbacks, the artist has not given up and has kept moving forward.
And I believe that I'm right on track
The artist has faith that they are headed in the right direction, even though the path ahead is uncertain and challenging.
Contributed by Miles F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.