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.
Commercial Success
Ozark Mountain Daredevils Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I want to be a commercial success
So I can be just like that rest
I want to be a commercial success
So I can be just like that rest
Fame and fortune and a brand new car
I won't be having 'til they call me a star
I'll buy a Lincoln and a New York bar, so there
I want to be in a rock 'n roll band
Smokin' dope in the back of a van
I want to be in a rock 'n roll band
Smokin' dope in the back of a van
Rollin' joints and snortin' cocaine
I'm goin' to Dallas on a big jet plane
I hear 'em screamin' an' shoutin' my name, so there
(ELECTRIC PIANO SOLO)
(SLIDE SOLO)
I want to be an American dream
And make a million while I'm still in my teens
I want to be an American dream
And make a million while I'm still in my teens
I'll comb my hair 'till it's touching my knees
I'll call my banker whenever I please
I'll have a groupie wipe my nose when I sneeze, so there
(sing along fer us)
I want to be a commercial success
So I can be just like that rest
I want to be a commercial success
So I can be just like that rest
Fame and fortune and a brand new car
I won't be having 'til they call me a star
I'll buy a Lincoln and a New York bar, so there
The Ozark Mountain Daredevils’ song “Commercial Success” is a tongue-in-cheek take on the desire for fame and fortune in the music industry. The lyrics express the desire to be a “commercial success” in order to have a lifestyle similar to that of other successful musicians. The first verse mentions the desire for “fame and fortune and a brand new car” and a “New York bar,” while the second verse depicts the image of a rock ‘n roll lifestyle, complete with “smokin’ dope in the back of a van” and “rollin’ joints and snortin’ cocaine.” The final verse touches on the idea of the “American Dream” and making a million dollars while still in one’s teens, with the added detail of having a groupie wipe one’s nose when sneezing.
Despite the playful tone of the song, there is an underlying critique of the music industry and the focus on commercial success over artistic expression. The refrain of “I want to be a commercial success so I can be just like that rest” highlights the pressure to conform to a certain image in order to achieve success, rather than staying true to one’s own creative vision. The song ultimately suggests that the pursuit of fame and fortune can come at the cost of artistic integrity.
Overall, “Commercial Success” is a commentary on the music industry’s fixation on commercial appeal and the pressures placed on musicians to conform to a certain image in order to achieve success.
Line by Line Meaning
I want to be a commercial success
I desire to achieve commercial success
So I can be just like that rest
To become like the others who have achieved commercial success
Fame and fortune and a brand new car
The desire for fame and wealth, enjoying luxurious privileges
I won't be having 'til they call me a star
Commercial success is significant only after one attains celebrity status
I'll buy a Lincoln and a New York bar, so there
Celebrating success with extravagance by purchasing pricey items
I want to be in a rock 'n roll band
Desiring to create rock music by involving in a band
Smokin' dope in the back of a van
Indulging in drug abuse while touring with the band
Rollin' joints and snortin' cocaine
Abusing marijuana and cocaine while on tour
I'm goin' to Dallas on a big jet plane
Travelling via an expensive mode of transportation
I hear 'em screamin' an' shoutin' my name, so there
Experiencing the euphoria of fans' outburst due to popularity
I want to be an American dream
The quintessential success story of American Dream is the ultimate goal
And make a million while I'm still in my teens
Earning substantial wealth at a very young age
I'll comb my hair 'till it's touching my knees
Desiring to possess long hair, an attribute of the generation
I'll call my banker whenever I please
Ownership and usage of personal banking services
I'll have a groupie wipe my nose when I sneeze, so there
Owning financial and sexual power by hiring groupies for mundane tasks
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: STEVE CASH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ronnie Boucher
many years ago = wow i was a rock n roll roadie for a few years what a great time !
NLTDB3S
Great Band . Love this song so much .. I heard it once at friend’s house , when I was still a pup . I had not heard it for 40 years. Thanks to YouTube for making my life more fun and interesting. 👍✌🏻🦖🐈🐶🎶👽🙏🏻😎
winninginarizona
Deserves waaaay more hits that 4,800.
Pam Richmond
I partied with them in Minneapolis a bazillion years ago.....what a blast!!!!!
Pam Richmond
I am jealous
Tony Phillips
I first saw them in 1974, have seen them several more times over the years!
Tony Phillips
and actually have more fun than the audience when they are playing live!!!
Grateful Believer
the guys got humor too .... :)))))
Tony Phillips
the Ozark Mountain Daredevils : Commercial Success
Grateful Believer
yeah Tony - I saw them in Norway in the eighties - with Rune Walle and one propella with a washing-board for rythm - you chould see him doen the laondrey !! sorry for my broken english ... i am over 123 years old - the oldest dust-hippie here in scandinavia ...