Raised in Bernie, Missouri where he attended Bernie High School, Felts was discovered during a talent show at the school. He had been encouraged to participate in the show by some of his classmates, and it just so happened that a talent agent was attending the performance at the time.
Felts recorded his first single "Kiss-a Me Baby" at the age of 16, and his career skyrocketed with the help of Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash. He went on to release such songs as "Lonely Teardrops" and "Pink And Black Days", but it wasn't until the 1970s when he began enjoying success on a national level as a country singer.
His first major hit came in 1973, with a cover of Dobie Gray's "Drift Away". Felts' version — No. 8 on the Billboard magazine Hot Country Singles chart in September 1973 — was mid-tempo country compared to Gray's blues version. The follow-up single, "All in the Name of Love," just missed hitting the top 10 in December 1973.
Felts continued to enjoy modest success during the next year and a half, when he signed with ABC-Dot Records in 1975. That year, he enjoyed his biggest hit: "Reconsider Me," which showcased his falsetto and high tenor. The song reached No. 2 that August, and was 1975's second-biggest country hit of the year[1].
Felts, who became known to fans as "Narvel the Marvel," continued to enjoy success throughout the 1970s. Included in his streak of hits was a remake of "Lonely Teardrops," which became his last top 10 hit in the summer of 1976; and a cover of Willie Nelson's "Funny How Time Slips Away."
Narvel Felts pioneering contribution to the genre has been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
Away
Narvel Felts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My, it's been a long long time
How'm I doin'?
Oh, I guess that I'm doin' fine
It's been so long now-ow
Yet it seems like
It was only yesterday-ay
How time slips away
How's your new love
I hope that he's doin' fi-ine
I heard you told hi-i-I'm
That you'd love him
Till the end of ti-ime
Now that's the same thing
That you told me-ee
Seems like only yesterday-ay
Ai-ain't it funny-why (funny)
How time slips away
I-I gotta go now
I guess I'll see you around
I do-o-on't know when though
I never know when
I'll be back in town
Just remember
What I tell you-ou
Oh that in ti-i-ime
You're gonna pay-ay
Ai-ain't it surprisin'
How time slips a-way...
The song "Funny How Time Slips Away" by Narvel Felts, originally written and recorded by Willie Nelson, is a reflection on the passage of time and the way in which relationships change over that time. The opening verse introduces the singer's surprise at running into an old flame after a long period of time. There is an element of nostalgia in this meeting, as though the singer is remembering a happier time in their past. However, they quickly move on to other topics, such as the new love in their ex's life, and the fact that their ex has made the same promises to their new love that they made to the singer. The singer seems to be accepting of this fact, acknowledging that time changes people and their feelings for one another. The final verse finds the singer saying goodbye, unsure of when they will see the ex again. The last line is a reflection on the inevitability of change and the passing of time, and how it can often bring unexpected surprises.
The song makes a poignant commentary on the human condition and captures our shared experience of moving on from past relationships. It speaks to the way that time can both heal old wounds and create distance between people who were once close. The lyrics also touch on the idea of fate and how the universe has its own way of guiding us toward our destinies. It's a testament to the power of music that a simple melody and a few lyrics can evoke such complex emotions and thoughts in listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
Well hello there
Greetings, it has been a long time since we have seen each other
My, it's been a long long time
We have not seen each other in a considerable period
How'm I doin'?
How do you perceive my current state?
Oh, I guess that I'm doin' fine
I am doing good conforming to the societal standards
It's been so long now-ow
The amount of time that has elapsed is substantial
Yet it seems like
The duration appears to be shorter than expected
It was only yesterday-ay
The event seems so recent
Ai-ain't it funny-why (funny)
Humorous how events occurred a considerable length of time ago can still seem fresh in memory
How's your new love
What is the status of your latest romantic interest?
I hope that he's doin' fi-ine
I trust that he is emotionally alright
I heard you told hi-i-I'm
I am aware that you confessed to him
That you'd love him
You proclaimed your feelings of strong affection towards him
Till the end of ti-ime
You intend to love him for eternity
Now that's the same thing
That is the exact statement you shared with me
That you told me-ee
You made that same declaration to me
Seems like only yesterday-ay
It appears as if that conversation was only recent
Ai-ain't it funny-why (funny)
It is amusing how similar events are reoccurring
I-I gotta go now
I have to leave presently
I guess I'll see you around
I hope to run into you at some point
I do-o-on't know when though
I am unaware of the intersection point
I never know when
I am not able to guess the time
I'll be back in town
The next time I return to this locality
Just remember
Recollect this one statement
What I tell you-ou
Pay attention to this truthful assertion
Oh that in ti-i-ime
At a later timeframe
You're gonna pay-ay
You are going to encounter a disadvantage/suffer consequences
Ai-ain't it surprisin'
It is shocking
How time slips a-way...
How the passage of time seems to go unnoticed
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Willie Nelson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
CountryBoy Williams
NARVEL IS ONE OF THE MOST ''UNDER-RATED'' COUNTRY SINGERS IN THE BUSINESS~~HE LIVES ABOUT AN HOUR FROM ME...I`VE SEEN HIM PERFORM IN PERSON OVER MANY YEARS NOW...HE ALWAYS GIVES THE CROWD A FANTASTIC SHOW...& WHAT A SET OF VOCAL CORDS...WOW...BEAUTIFUL, MISTY
BeMisty
Thanks!
Ruth Boykin
Great song by Narvel! Met him once in the 1960s.He opened for Ernest Tubb at a county Fair.He sure could sing, but was a bit full of himself, unlike Ernest Tubb who was super friendly and stood outside his bus , spoke and signed autographs until the show started. Thank you for sharing this great one, Bianca!
graham “Gus” bull
Must be the most unique set of vocal chords in the business!
Primrose Haran
Never heard this singer before but he is terrific thanks for this lovely post
Susie Johnson
Beautiful song.. great singer..
George Hayden
beautiful song Misty💞
BeMisty
Thank you, George!
Deborah Blades
OH MY HAPPY TO FIND THIS ONE AGAIN ..LOVE NARVEL ...THANKS
Lilmike Lilly
Nice misty, I have not heard of him here in NZ