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.
Kansas You Fooler
Ozark Mountain Daredevils Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And a cold ground
And a windmill stalled in mid-air
We head across Kansas
On our way home
Colorado, thank you, goodbye
Kansas, you fooler,
'Cause I've never seen you this way before
You sure do look better
When it's this way we're headed
Home sure will feel good to me
But I'm lookin' farther to the girl at my door
With a smile I'm waitin' to see
She makes me feel better
The instant I'm there
I forget about all of my cares
I forget that I'm even there
Ahhha, ahhha, ahhha, ahhha
Ahhha, ahhha, ahhha, ahhha
The road's OK,
If you like to play
Your music can let you have a good time
I like to stay home
And take time to grow
So it all can make a pleasant cycle
(Oooh, oooh, oooh, oooh
)
The lyrics of Kansas You Fooler by Ozark Mountain Daredevils paint a picture of a journey through the state of Kansas. The song talks about a sky that is blue, and the ground that is cold, and a windmill that is still. The singer talks about heading across Kansas on the way home with Colorado in the distance. Kansas is referred to as a fooler, as it looks better than usual. It’s a play on words as its common for visitors to have negative experiences with the state, but the singer is having a positive experience. The singer seems happy and looks forward to seeing his girl waiting for him at home. Her smile takes away all his worries and makes him feel better than anything else in the world.
The song talks about the importance of simplicity in life. The singer knows that the road can be enjoyed through music and one’s own company. However, he prefers the warmth of his home and taking time to grow the things he loves. The song presents a feeling of joy and contentment, and a suggestion of the simple life. The entire song is an ode to taking pleasure in nature and simple moments in life, including companionship, music, and the environment.
Line by Line Meaning
With a sky blue
Describing the blue sky that can be seen as they travel
And a cold ground
Describing the cold temperature of the ground as they travel
And a windmill stalled in mid-air
Describing the scene of a windmill that appears to be motionless in the air
We head across Kansas
Describing the journey that the travelers are making across the state of Kansas
On our way home
Indicating that the travelers are on their way back to their place of origin
Colorado, thank you, goodbye
Thanking the state of Colorado for the experience and saying goodbye as they continue their journey
Kansas, you fooler,
Addressing Kansas as a trickster or deceiver of sorts
You're makin' me smile
Acknowledging the pleasant aspects of traveling through Kansas despite the difficulties encountered
'Cause I've never seen you this way before
Noting that the current state of Kansas is different from what the travelers have witnessed in the past
You sure do look better
Expressing satisfaction with the current state of Kansas as compared to past experiences
When it's this way we're headed
Implying that the direction of travel has an impact on their perception of Kansas
Home sure will feel good to me
Anticipating the comfort of being back at their place of origin
But I'm lookin' farther to the girl at my door
Expressing the anticipation of seeing a loved one upon returning home
With a smile I'm waitin' to see
Describing the joyful anticipation of being reunited with someone special
She makes me feel better
Acknowledging the emotional uplift that the reunited loved one provides
The instant I'm there
Suggesting that the presence of the loved one immediately dispels any negative emotions
I forget about all of my cares
Expressing the idea that the memory of troubles dissipates upon seeing the loved one
I forget that I'm even there
Describing how the presence of the loved one can override the traveler's perception of their surroundings
The road's OK,
Commenting on the quality of the road they're traveling on
If you like to play
Suggesting that the quality of the road may be more enjoyable for those who enjoy playing music while traveling
Your music can let you have a good time
Expounding on the idea that music can enhance the enjoyment of travel
I like to stay home
Stating a personal preference for staying at home instead of traveling
And take time to grow
Describing the idea of personal growth that can come from staying in one place
So it all can make a pleasant cycle
Implying that personal growth and contentment can create a positive and fulfilling lifestyle
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LARRY M. LEE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind