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.

Outside My Country Home
Ozark Mountain Daredevils Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Outside my country home, the world's done been bye
You're all in there alone even though your side by side
Say the word, the word is freedom
Show the way, the way is love
Another day, that life your leadin'
Be a bird, that's gone astray
(Yeah yeah, yeah yeah)

Outside my country home, you're runnin' 'til you die
The sadness you have known often makes me want to cry
Say the word, the word is freedom
Show the way, the way is love
Another day, that life your leadin'
Be a bird that's gone astray
(Yeah yeah, yeah yeah)

Lookin' down the well a voice says come on in
Go on and kill yourself, there's joy in the end
Then comes a song and takes me for a whirl
Music is my only faithful girl
Ah...

(Ahh, ahh, ahh)

Outside my country home, the world's done been by
You're all in there alone even though your side by side
Say the word, the word is freedom
Show the way, the way is love
Another day, that life your leadin'
Be a bird that's gone astray
Yeah yeah, yeah yeah

Ahh

Aha
Ahh

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Outside My Country Home" by Ozark Mountain Daredevils are a reflection on the societal pressures and constraints that individuals face within their own communities. The song suggests that even though people may live "side by side," they still feel alone and unable to truly express themselves. The singer emphasizes the need for freedom and love, encouraging others to break free from the chains of everyday life and be true to themselves.

The lyrics also touch upon the theme of mental health, specifically the darkness that can sometimes overwhelm individuals. The line "Lookin' down the well a voice says come on in, go on and kill yourself, there's joy in the end" portrays the internal struggle that individuals face when experiencing mental health issues. The singer recognizes the importance of finding a safe space and using music as a way to cope and heal from these struggles.

Overall, "Outside My Country Home" is a call to action for individuals to break free from societal constraints and find their own path in life. It is a reminder that even though we may feel alone, we are all connected and can find beauty and joy in the world if we choose to look for it.

Line by Line Meaning

Outside my country home, the world's done been bye
While at my rural abode, the world has moved on without me

You're all in there alone even though your side by side
You may be physically close, but emotionally distant

Say the word, the word is freedom
Speak of liberation and sovereignty

Show the way, the way is love
Lead with affection and empathy

Another day, that life your leadin'
Just another day in a mediocre existence

Be a bird, that's gone astray
Be a wanderer and explore the unknown

(Yeah yeah, yeah yeah)
Reiteration for emphasis

Outside my country home, you're runnin' 'til you die
You are tirelessly working yourself to exhaustion

The sadness you have known often makes me want to cry
The melancholic experiences you've gone through sadden me

Lookin' down the well a voice says come on in
A voice lures me into a dark place

Go on and kill yourself, there's joy in the end
Commit suicide, so you can experience liberation