Alternative tag The Ozark Mountain Daredevils.

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.

Feelin' Good
Ozark Mountain Daredevils Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

(Guitars & piano intro w/ guitar solo)

How many times, I been to the river
How many times, my throat been dry
How many times, I been to the mountain
How many times, I passed on by

When you're livin' in harmony

Anyone can take a drink from the spring
Ain't no strangers in the company
Feelin' good is just a natural thing

(Guitar ditty)

How many years, I just been dreamin'
How many fears, got in the way
How many years, I just been screamin'
How many tears, I've seen on your face

When you're livin' in harmony
Anyone can take a drink from the spring
Ain't no strangers in the company
Feelin' good is just a natural thing

(Solo)

Ah-ah-eh-ah
(Guitar ditty)

When you're livin' in harmony
Anyone can take a drink from the spring
Ain't no strangers in the company
Feelin' good is just a natural thing

(Piano ditty)

Natural thing ... natural thing ...
Natural thing ... natural thing ...
Natural thing ... natural thing ...

Natural thing ... natural thing ...
Feelin' good is just a natural thing

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Ozark Mountain Daredevils' song "Feelin' Good" describe the feeling of being in harmony with one's surroundings and feeling happy and content. The singer mentions going to the river and the mountain many times but never truly experiencing the beauty and tranquility of these places until he found harmony within himself. The repetition of the question, "how many times?" emphasizes the feeling of repetition and stagnancy in life before finding harmony. The chorus emphasizes the importance of being in harmony and how it can lead to a natural sense of feeling good without any need for external factors.

The lyrics suggest that life can be difficult and full of fears and tears, but finding harmony within oneself and with others can help to overcome these challenges. The repeated line, "Feelin' good is just a natural thing," reinforces the idea that happiness and contentment are achievable and not dependent on any external factors.

Overall, the lyrics of "Feelin' Good" encourage the listener to find harmony and contentment within themselves and with others, and to appreciate the simple pleasures of life.

Line by Line Meaning

How many times, I been to the river
I have been to the river many times

How many times, my throat been dry
My throat has been dry many times

How many times, I been to the mountain
I have been to the mountain many times

How many times, I passed on by
I have passed the mountain many times

When you're livin' in harmony
Living in harmony

Anyone can take a drink from the spring
Drinking from the spring is possible for everyone

Ain't no strangers in the company
There are no strangers around

Feelin' good is just a natural thing
Feeling good is a natural occurrence

How many years, I just been dreamin'
I have been dreaming for many years

How many fears, got in the way
Many fears have gotten in the way

How many years, I just been screamin'
I have been screaming for many years