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.

Moon On the Rise
Ozark Mountain Daredevils Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

When that moon is on the rise
And the light gets in your eyes
And stirs somethin' that used to lie
Inside you 'till you ask why

Why ain't I just passin' by
Like that moon that's on the rise
It shouldn't come as no surprise

I been back here time and time

Like that sun that brings the spring
I know I'll be back again
If you don't know what you do
When it's over and we're through

Watch what happens every spring
What was dead is live again
So why should you be odd man out
You should forget all your doubts

While some people look for purpose
Their life passes by
Right before their eyes
And if the purpose is to do good
That's an easy way to live everyday
If you would

So when the moon is on the rise
And that light gets in your eyes
And stirs something' that used to lie
Inside you 'till you ask why

Why ain't I just passin' by
Like that moon that's on the rise
It shouldn't come as no surprise
I been back here time and time

Like that sun that brings the spring
I know that I'll be back again
Like that moon that's on the rise
I know I'll be back in time
I know I'll be back in time

I know I'll be back in time
I know I'll be back in time

Overall Meaning

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils' "Moon on the Rise" is a contemplative tune that encourages listeners to take stock of their lives when the moon is out. The song's hook is a metaphor for chasing after something you know isn't right for you, and it is reminiscent of the recurring cycles of nature. The opening lyrics suggest a metaphorical light that enters the singer's eyes when the moon is filling the night sky. This, in turn, conjures up thoughts or feelings that they were previously unaware of or had suppressed.

The singer is questioning their current desires and decisions in life and wonders why they continue to follow the same path despite the consequences. They liken their situation to that of the moon, but they strive to be like the sun, a powerful force that brings something positive with it. They acknowledge that change is inevitable and the hope that it brings, that what was once dead will live again, strengthening their resolve to follow a positive path.

Overall, "Moon on the Rise" is a song of self-reflection that ultimately encourages the listener to take charge of their life and not become complacent. The lyrics speak to the idea of cycles and cycles of life that recur, which is why the moon, with its regularly occurring phases, is such a powerful metaphor.

Line by Line Meaning

When that moon is on the rise
When things are looking up

And the light gets in your eyes
And you see things in a new way

And stirs somethin' that used to lie
And reminds you of something that you used to feel

Inside you 'till you ask why
Inside you until you question why you ever let it go

Why ain't I just passin' by
Why am I still here when I could just move on

Like that moon that's on the rise
Like the moon that comes and goes

It shouldn't come as no surprise
It's no surprise that I keep coming back

I been back here time and time
I keep returning to the same place

Like that sun that brings the spring
Like the new beginnings that come with spring

I know I'll be back again
I know I'll come back again

If you don't know what you do
If you don't know what to do