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.
Roscoe's Rule
Ozark Mountain Daredevils Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
he lives in a valley where a creek runs by him
every single day
nothing's around to tempt or try him
walkin back from the morning sunrise
high on top of his hill
looking out over the peace in his valley
is the best feeling that he can feel
from the tree tops way down far below
he can hear a joyous ringing singing
it's in the rafters
you can hear it blow
la, la, la, la, de, dum, da
la, la, la, la, de, dum, da
'Standing in the Dark' was his name when I met him
shining by his own golden rule
go where you want son and stay where you have to
everybody's somebody's fool
there's a pounding light coming out of the sky
and it wants to take us into the air
and set us down on a cloud passing by
la, la, la, la, de, dum, da
la, la, la, la, de, dum, da
(HARP SOLO)
don't you try to ask him
he'll just start to laugh and
never tell you what he really knows
try to sit and listen
you'll end up singing with him
la, la, la, la, de, dum, da
la, la, la, la, de, dum, da
(GUITAR SOLO)
from the tree tops way down far below
you can hear a joyous ringing singing
it's in the rafters
you can hear it blow
la, la, la, la, de, dum, da
la, la, la, la, de, dum, da
la, la, la, la, de, dum, da
la, la, la, la, de, dum, da
Lyrics are copyright 1976, Michael Granda
The Ozark Mountain Daredevils' song "Roscoe's Rule" tells the story of a man named "Standing in the Dark" who lives a simple life in a valley, surrounded by nature. The valley is peaceful, and he is content with his life despite the fact that there are no temptations or distractions to entertain him. He enjoys walking back from watching the morning sunrise from the top of his hill and looking out over the beautiful view. He hears a beautiful song coming from the treetops far below, and it fills him with joy.
The song's chorus reflects a sense of wonder and mystery. There are references to a "pounding light coming out of the sky," which might be interpreted in many ways. It could be a reference to a spiritual experience, an encounter with extraterrestrial life, or simply a metaphor for an intense feeling of awe and amazement. The song suggests that this phenomenon wants to take the singer and his listeners into the air and set them down on a passing cloud.
The lyrics suggest that Standing in the Dark is a wise man with a unique perspective on life. He has his own "golden rule" and advises people to "go where you want son and stay where you have to." He is not forthcoming with his knowledge, however, and if you try to ask him about it, he will only laugh and sing with you. The song implies that Standing in the Dark chooses to live a simple life, unencumbered by material possessions or the distractions of modern life. He is content with what he has, and the beauty of the world around him fills his heart with joy.
Line by Line Meaning
he lives in a valley where a creek runs by him
The person mentioned in the song resides in a valley where a stream flows nearby as a part of his daily life.
nothing's around to tempt or try him or get in his way
The person referred to in the song is free from any distractions or obstacles in his life that might lead him astray from his peaceful existence.
looking out over the peace in his valley is the best feeling that he can feel
The person mentioned in the song finds the greatest sense of contentment when he gazes out at the serene and tranquil beauty of his surroundings.
go where you want son and stay where you have to, everybody's somebody's fool
The person mentioned in the song lives by the wisdom of his own independence—by going wherever he wants and staying wherever he needs to, while acknowledging the universal truth that everyone can be foolish at times.
there's a pounding light coming out of the sky and it wants to take us into the air and set us down on a cloud passing by
The song alludes to a mystical, spiritual experience that the person mentioned in the lyrics has had or is currently having, where a bright light from the sky wants to lift him up and transport him to an ethereal place in the clouds.
don't you try to ask him he'll just start to laugh and never tell you what he really knows
The person mentioned in the song is a mystery and refuses to reveal any of his secrets or knowledge, choosing instead to laugh and remain enigmatic when prodded to share more.
try to sit and listen you'll end up singing with him
The person mentioned in the song is so infectious with his joy and happiness that sitting with him for a spell will cause you to start singing and harmonizing along with his childlike tunes.
from the tree tops way down far below you can hear a joyous ringing singing it's in the rafters you can hear it blow
The song concludes by repeating a line from an earlier verse that emphasizes the person's connection to nature and the harmonious sounds it produces—the joyous singing and ringing that can be heard everywhere amongst the trees and in the rafters above.
Contributed by Ellie I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Grateful Believer
love it !!
sje
FIRST