The Ozark Mountain Da… Read Full Bio ↴Alternative tag The Ozark Mountain Daredevils.
The Ozark Mountain Daredevils started in 1971 in Springfield, Missouri in an attempt by the singer/songwriter members to have a vehicle in which to display and promote their music. At first, they played in bars and on porches. However, a record executive from A&M records discovered the band, and they began their recording path.
The original members of the band consisted of:
John Dillion - (vocals, guitars, mandolin, fiddle, piano, harp, autoharp, dulcimer, jawbone, percussion, keyboards)
Mike "Supe" Granda - (vocals, bass, acoustic guitar, mandolin, percussion, chicken squawks)
Buddy Brayfield - (vocals, oboe, piano, harpsichord, organ, percussion, electric piano)
Randle Chowning - (vocals, lead electric & acoustic guitars, harp, national steel, mandolin)
Steve Cash - (vocals, harp, percussion, harpsichord)
Larry Lee - (vocals, drums, acoustic guitar, synthesizer, piano, percussion, saw, saw & board)
The Daredevils peaked commercially in 1973-1974 and were best known for "Jackie Blue" and "If You Wanna Get To Heaven", which both got national coverage. However, there was a wide range of music that the Daredevils produced that was widely missed. The influences of the locale and the talents of the band members produced some unique sounds that could be related to "rockabilly" influences. There was also a good body of music that could be classified as country, rock, ballads, folk or blues.
The band changed throughout the years, but played prevantly throughout the '70s and gained and lost members during that time. To this day, there is still a loyal and avid fan following. There are discs still being released by the group, mostly of past performances in the '70s. In addition, many of the members are currently still working on other interests including Randle Chowning, Larry Lee ("Beyond Reach") Mike "Supe" Granda, and possibly others.
A reunion concert was held in Springfield, Missouri at the refurbished Gilloiz Theatre, in May of 2007. The three nights they performed were entirely sold out, weeks in advance of the concert.
Backroads
Ozark Mountain Daredevils Lyrics
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I don't worry about the weather
I take back roads, wherever I go
And I can't take no chances
'Cause I sure ain't got no answers
I take the back roads, wherever I go
Those four-lane freeways ain't got nothing for me
And I'll be rolling
Over them back roads of my home
Over them back roads of my home
Well I don't let things get risky
'Cause I might be drinking whiskey
Out on them back roads of my home
You don't see no hitchhikers
Ain't no semi-trucks or bikers
Out on them back roads of my home
Them four-lane freeways ain't got nothing for me
And that all night rolling to be where you got to be
It ain't nowhere
Gimme them back roads of my home
Gimme them back roads of my home
I've been busted for speeding
I've been busted up and bleeding
Out on them back roads of my home
And you just might see me swimming
You might see me chase big women
Over them back roads of my home
Those four-lane freeways ain't got nothing for me
Just gimme a six pack and a fifty Mercury
And I'll be rolling
Over them back roads of my home
Over them back roads of my home
The song "Backroads" by Ozark Mountain Daredevils is a tribute to the nostalgic charm and simplicity of small towns and their surrounding back roads. The lyrics convey a sense of freedom and contentment with a life lived away from the fast-paced, stressful major highways and cities. The singer of the song seems to embrace a slower, leisurely way of life, where drinking whiskey and cruising in a vintage car over the winding roads of one's hometown is enough to find joy and fulfillment.
The opening lines "Well I sleep like a feather, I don't worry about the weather" set the tone for the song's carefree attitude. The lyrics celebrate the joy of roaming, with lines such as "I take back roads, wherever I go", and "Gimme them back roads of my home". The back roads in the song represent not just a route, but a way of life, one that is simple and cherished for its tranquility.
The song also invokes a bit of danger, with references to being busted for speeding or drinking whiskey, and chasing after women. However, these seem to be minor inconveniences in an overall idyllic life. The back roads offer a sense of escape, away from the mundanity of everyday life, and toward something more exciting and fulfilling.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I sleep like a feather
I am carefree and at peace with myself
I don't worry about the weather
I am not anxious about the future
I take back roads, wherever I go
I prefer offbeat routes to crowded highways
And I can't take no chances
I am cautious in my choices
'Cause I sure ain't got no answers
I am uncertain about the right direction to take
Those four-lane freeways ain't got nothing for me
I find little joy or adventure in mainstream routes
Just gimme a six pack and a fifty Mercury
I prefer simple pleasures and modest means of transportation
And I'll be rolling
I am content with my lifestyle
Over them back roads of my home
I find solace and familiarity in less-traveled roads
Well I don't let things get risky
I avoid dangerous situations
'Cause I might be drinking whiskey
I acknowledge my limitations and avoid temptations
Out on them back roads of my home
I feel a sense of belonging in less developed areas
You don't see no hitchhikers
There is little traffic and few people around
Ain't no semi-trucks or bikers
The area is not favored by large vehicles or individuals
It ain't nowhere
The destination is not as important as the journey
Gimme them back roads of my home
I derive comfort and pleasure from traveling on back roads
I've been busted for speeding
I have faced the consequences of my actions
I've been busted up and bleeding
I have experienced pain and suffering in my life
Out on them back roads of my home
These events happened on familiar territory
And you just might see me swimming
I enjoy outdoor activities in natural settings
You might see me chase big women
I like to have fun and also exhibit a sense of humor
Over them back roads of my home
I find joy in exploring my surroundings
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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