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.
Followin' the Way That I Feel
Ozark Mountain Daredevils Lyrics
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Like I do when that moon's gettin' full
Is there a change in the air or the way that I care
How can I explain how I feel
Wish I knew me better
And I would if I half-tried
Following the way that I feel
No my love ain't dead it just got to my head
And I need a little space to feel free
Lately, I've gone a lot of places
And seen a lot of things I didn't need to see
Maybe I followed a star a little bit too far
And lost something along the way
Or maybe I needed to lose
Something I shouldn't have had
But it feels so good to take a second look
Following the way that I feel
No my love ain't dead it just got to my head
And I need a little space to feel free
I feel loose and contented
Like to go where I want, when I can
If I set too much, my thoughts begin to rush
And nothin' is clear that I hear
I guess I'm a mover
Just travelin' through my life to somewhere
But it feels so good to take a second look
Following the way that I feel
No my love ain't dead it just got to my head
And I need a little space to feel free
While following the way that I feel
While I'm following,
Following the way that I feel
While I'm following,
Following the way that I feel
In "Followin' the Way That I Feel," the Ozark Mountain Daredevils present a reflection on feeling lost or uncertain in one's life journey. The singer admits to feeling a bit crazy, especially when the moon is full, and wonders if there has been a change in the air or in how they care about things. They wish they knew themselves better, but feel propelled forward by a strong will that leads them to follow the way that they feel. It is suggested that perhaps they have lost something along the way, or maybe needed to lose something that they shouldn't have had, but in the end, they feel contented and free by taking a second look and following their feelings.
The song's message resonates with many who have felt lost or uncertain in their path in life. The theme of needing to take a step back to reassess one's situation or feelings is a universal sentiment. The lyrics are enhanced by the band's instrumentation, which blends elements of country, rock, and folk music to create a sound unique to the Ozark Mountain Daredevils. The guitar and harmonica riffs, along with the subtle use of a string section, add layers of emotion and depth to the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Lately I've felt a little crazy
Recently, I have been feeling quite irrational
Like I do when that moon's gettin' full
Similar to my behavior during a full moon period
Is there a change in the air or the way that I care
Am I sensing a difference in the atmosphere of my surroundings or in my own demeanor?
How can I explain how I feel
It is quite difficult for me to express what I am currently feeling
Wish I knew me better
I desire to have a greater self-awareness
And I would if I half-tried
I believe that even with minimal effort, I could attain such knowledge
But my will is strong and it just carries me on
However, I am quite resolute and capable of forging ahead without such understanding
Following the way that I feel
Therefore, I will continue making decisions based on my current emotional state
No my love ain't dead it just got to my head
While I may seem to have lost my passion or enthusiasm, it is simply clouded by my confusion
And I need a little space to feel free
I require some time and distance to experience a sense of liberation
Lately, I've gone a lot of places
Recently, I have traveled to many different locations
And seen a lot of things I didn't need to see
Yet, I have witnessed events or sights that were not necessary or helpful to me
Maybe I followed a star a little bit too far
Perhaps I pursued a goal or aspiration to an excessive degree
And lost something along the way
Thus, in the process of pursuing said goal, I may have sacrificed or given up something important
Or maybe I needed to lose
Alternatively, it is possible that the loss was necessary and beneficial
Something I shouldn't have had
I may have possessed or held onto something that was not truly valuable or constructive
But it feels so good to take a second look
Regardless, I am now able to reflect and reconsider my choices
I feel loose and contented
Currently, I am experiencing a sense of relaxation and satisfaction
Like to go where I want, when I can
I desire to have the freedom to make decisions about my actions and movements
If I set too much, my thoughts begin to rush
However, if I plan or overthink too much, my mind becomes overwhelmed
And nothin' is clear that I hear
Thus, I struggle to make sense of any information or input I receive
I guess I'm a mover
Overall, it seems that I am someone who is constantly moving and changing
Just travelin' through my life to somewhere
Merely journeying through my existence with some destination in mind
While following the way that I feel
Though I may not always know where I am heading, I will continue to follow my current emotions along the way
While I'm following,
As I continue to pursue this path,
Following the way that I feel
I will stay true to my heart and instincts
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LARRY M. LEE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jerry Guthrie
I saw this band at Longwood University in about 1981 and they kicked ass!!!
MJD
I like all of their songs but this is my favorite. It did not get a long time on the radio though. Saw and met them at Red Rocks Ampitheatre in Colorado.
Mike L
This is my favorite also. Just a nice feel good song.
hategrinder
best country- rockband of the planet
Bob O'Connor
100% right on that, my friend. Check out Heartsfield too.