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.
Better Days
Ozark Mountain Daredevils Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
for days on days
I've seen your game
and it takes away my joy
where the fair winds blow
his knowledge, he employs
I know that fast, the end shall come
the writing's on the wall
but better days are comin'
for us all
brother, be your own
for the faults we moan
still gather at our door
and the journey we walk
the talk we've talked
won't help us anymore
the sea bird's flown so far away
you can't hear his voice's call
better days are comin' for us all
(GUITAR & HARP STUFF)
do what you will
when you climb that hill
your rise shall be your fall
'cause better days are comin' for us all
'cause better days are comin' for us all
Lyrics are copyright 1975, Lost Cabin Music
The Ozark Mountain Daredevils' song "Better Days" seems to be a reflective tune about life's journey and the inevitability of change. The songwriter probably wrote this song as a reminder to himself or others that even though we may experience tough times, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
The first verse communicates frustration with someone or something that is stealing the happiness or joy of the singer, and references a sea bird that knows where the fair winds blow. This bird symbolizes knowledge of direction, perhaps even a guiding force in life.
The chorus proclaims that the writing is on the wall; the end is coming soon but there is hope for positive change. The singer speaks to their brother, encouraging him to be his own person rather than dwelling on faults. The journey they have been on and the talk they've shared cannot help them anymore.
The final verse bids farewell to the sea bird, who has flown too far to hear, and advises the listener to do what they will on their life journey, but acknowledges that their rise to success may lead to their downfall. Nevertheless, the song concludes with the hopeful affirmation that better days are coming for all.
Line by Line Meaning
for days on days
I have observed your actions for an extended period.
I've seen your game
I understand the tactics you use.
and it takes away my joy
Your actions have a negative effect on my happiness.
the sea bird knows
A bird that spends its life at sea has knowledge.
where the fair winds blow
It knows where the wind will take it.
his knowledge, he employs
The bird uses its knowledge to navigate the sea.
I know that fast, the end shall come
I am aware that things will soon come to an end.
the writing's on the wall
There are signs that indicate the end is near.
but better days are comin'
Despite the approaching end, there is hope that things will improve.
for us all
These improvements will affect everyone.
brother, be your own
Do not follow others blindly.
for the faults we moan
We complain about the things that we are responsible for.
still gather at our door
These problems still affect us.
and the journey we walk
The path we are traveling.
the talk we've talked
Talking will not solve our problems.
won't help us anymore
Our words will not provide a solution.
the sea bird's flown so far away
The bird has moved beyond our reach.
you can't hear his voice's call
We have lost the bird's guidance.
better days are comin' for us all
There is still hope for improvement.
do what you will
Make your own choices.
when you climb that hill
When you face an obstacle.
your rise shall be your fall
Your success may lead to your downfall.
'cause better days are comin' for us all
Despite the challenges, there is still reason for hope.
'cause better days are comin' for us all
Hope prevails.
Contributed by James T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
tom
One of the biggest over looked bands of all time, they're awesome if not great, I seen them in Northern Michigan, I was broken hearted, their was only 20 people in the audience, I got a picture of Dillon and Cash in "94" they put on a fabulous concert !
raymond thorkildsen
..me to ... there is a good and positive spirit , with every song they gave us ... it's floating like a feather from the wings of an angel...
Alex Gonzaga de Oliveira
BRASIL LOVE OZARK !!!!!!!
halbie71
Very Good Song!!!! Thanks For Posting!!!
Mountain Rock
Ozark Daredevils and Hot Tuna! What a show that would of been!
Ashley Hummel
I believe this in Jesus Christ Holy Name!
Scott Bunch
Always makes my blood pressure go down..
Eladio Hernandez
Una de las mejores inversiones de mi vida a los 13. Lado A: Jackie Blue, Lado B: Better faya todo por menos de 1 dolar
Nelson Rhea
Damn Sally you sure know how to please a man, when this song plays.
drdoutrina
Congratulations from south of Brazil.