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.
It's How You Think
Ozark Mountain Daredevils Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Their lives are just misery
Can't get enough relief
There are children needing some food to eat
Shoes on their little feet
Lookin' to you and me
Why do we look away
I think it's only fair
That we should all be asked to share
There are men among us who rule our land
And though they're just fools in bands
Hold us all in their hands
There are people preaching their gods to me
Saying that I can't see
Yet they give me books to read
They say more's wrong than right
Some say more dark that light
I say it's how you think
That makes you swim or sink
The Ozark Mountain Daredevils' song "It's How You Think" is a commentary on the state of the world and the attitudes of people towards social issues. The opening verse describes the struggles of poverty and the lack of help available to those who suffer. The line "Can't get enough relief" speaks to the inadequacy of government aid systems which leave marginalized people struggling to survive.
The second verse takes aim at the corrupt politicians and leaders who hold power over the masses. The metaphor of fools in bands ruling the land highlights the absurdity of those in power, suggesting that they are ignorant and lacking in competence. The line "They give me books to read" suggests that despite their claims of knowing better, they are just as flawed as the rest of us.
The chorus connects the ideas presented in the verses, urging listeners to question their own attitudes towards social issues. The line "I say it's how you think that makes you swim or sink" highlights the power of beliefs and mental attitudes in shaping our actions and responses.
Overall, the song suggests that we need to take responsibility for our attitudes and actions if we want to create a better world. It urges us to move away from apathy and towards actively engaging with social issues and working towards positive change.
Line by Line Meaning
There are people livin' in poverty
There are individuals who are very poor and struggling to make ends meet
Their lives are just misery
These individuals are living a life filled with sadness and hopelessness
Can't get enough relief
They are unable to receive any kind of assistance or support that will alleviate their situation
There are children needing some food to eat
There exist kids who are hungry and in need of nourishment
Shoes on their little feet
Some of these kids do not have proper footwear
Lookin' to you and me
They are hoping that those who are better off will help them out in their struggle
Why do we look away
Why do we choose not to acknowledge these people in need?
Think it will go away today
Do we assume that the problem will resolve itself automatically?
I think it's only fair
It is only reasonable and just
That we should all be asked to share
All of us, including the wealthy, should be expected to contribute towards helping the less fortunate
There are men among us who rule our land
We have leaders who govern over us
And though they're just fools in bands
Some of these leaders may not be intelligent, and may just be part of a group or clique
Hold us all in their hands
However, they have a great deal of control and power over our lives
There are people preaching their gods to me
There are those who try to impose their religious beliefs onto others
Saying that I can't see
They argue that those who do not follow their religion are blind or misguided
Yet they give me books to read
They provide religious texts and scriptures to support their claims
They say more's wrong than right
According to these people, there are more things that are immoral or incorrect than those that are good or just
Some say more dark that light
Others insist that the world is more evil and corrupt than it is pure and wholesome
I say it's how you think
However, I believe that it is all a matter of perspective and mindset
That makes you swim or sink
One's thoughts and beliefs will determine whether they succeed or fail in life
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LARRY M. LEE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Art ist
This band takes me back to a simplier time in my life. Living off the land and raising my family. Sometimes I wish those days would come back again.
Trueman Friend
I always get goose bumps! In 1975, I was14yo and growing up in Greenfield MO on a farm. This defines my "heart anthem," ever since then and to this day. Love you OMD and always have! Greg in Atlanta
TheTartanSoldier
This song is absolutely incredible. From the first listen it was thrust into my favourite songs of all time.
Drew Pflueger
Is it just me or is this the most underrated OMD song ever. My personal favorite.
St Pauli
Drew Pflueger My favorite OMD song also.
4678dl
Drew Pflueger Mine, too, Drew!
Spud Johnsonn
I think they are one of the biggest over looked band of all time, They belong In the song writers Hall Of Fame at the very least !
Spud Johnsonn
Drew Pflueger Hey Drew, You should check out "Mountain Range" and "Colorado Song" And one that didn't make It on a album called "Rainbird"
brent97555
and Leatherwood, and Whippoorwill, and You Made it Right!
akibaforyou
this band saved my life more than once they brought me out of the depths of despair and depression with their down home selfless love of everything