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.
Tidal Wave
Ozark Mountain Daredevils Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A piece of pie hit me in the eye
Tidal wave got me on the run
Now I'm out lookin' for an answer
Got a date with a Spanish dancer
Butter weighs half a ton
[Chorus]
I'm in love and I'm never gonna look back now
Oh, Lord, you don't need a reason,
Whoa to be saved
Walked in turned on the light
I didn't know I turned on the night
Cadillac set to roll
Now I'm doin' double back-flips
Turned the key but the fan belt slips
Saddle packs a heavy load
[Chorus]
Runnin' fast climbin' to the sky
A piece of pie hit me in the eye
Tidal wave got me on the run
Now I'm out lookin' for an answer
Got a date with a Spanish dancer
Butter weighs half a ton
[Chorus]
The Ozark Mountain Daredevils's song "Tidal Wave" is an upbeat rock country track that speaks to the notion of being swept away by love or passion. It is the story of a person who is moving fast and climbing high, but a sudden change in direction hits them and changes everything. The title of the song itself speaks to the idea that the character is being carried away by an overwhelming force or feeling, just like a tidal wave.
The lyrics of the song are filled with metaphorical imagery that connects the experiences of the character with the profundity of oceanic power. In the first verse, a piece of pie hitting the character in the eye is a comedic image that subverts expectations and catches the listener off guard. This could represent getting blindsided by something they weren't expecting, or perhaps being hit with the intensity of emotion that they weren't prepared for. This is followed by the tidal wave, which is a metaphor for the overwhelming feeling of being in love, which is now pushing them in a different direction. The character is then said to be out looking for an answer, perhaps trying to figure out how to deal with these new emotions.
The chorus of the song is an anthem to the idea of being in love and never looking back. The character is so overcome with emotion that they feel as if they have been saved from something, perhaps a life without passion or meaning. The repeating phrase "Oh, Lord, you don't need a reason, whoa to be saved" is ambiguous in its meaning but encourages the listener to interpret it as finding salvation in whatever they feel passionate about. The song is an uplifting celebration of life and love, with a spirited melody that matches its enthusiastic lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Runnin' fast climbin' to the sky
Moving quickly and ascending rapidly, with high ambitions and aspirations.
A piece of pie hit me in the eye
Unexpected obstacles or setbacks can disrupt progress, even if seemingly small or insignificant.
Tidal wave got me on the run
Overwhelming or unexpected events can trigger panic and a sense of urgency to escape or take action.
Now I'm out lookin' for an answer
Trying to find a solution or explanation for the situation or problem at hand.
Got a date with a Spanish dancer
Anticipation or excitement for a new adventure or experience.
Butter weighs half a ton
Feeling weighed down or burdened by challenges and uncertainty.
I'm in love and I'm never gonna come back down
Experiencing intense emotions and a feeling of invincibility or being above it all.
I'm in love and I'm never gonna look back now
Fully committed to the present and future without dwelling on the past.
Oh, Lord, you don't need a reason, Whoa to be saved
Expressing a desire for spiritual salvation or guidance without requiring justification or explanation.
Walked in turned on the light
Entering a new situation or environment and bringing illumination or knowledge to it.
I didn't know I turned on the night
Unintentionally causing chaos or turbulence in what was once stable or peaceful.
Cadillac set to roll
Having the means and opportunity to pursue desires and aspirations with style and confidence.
Now I'm doin' double back-flips
Overcoming challenges or pushing oneself beyond previous limits with ease and flair.
Turned the key but the fan belt slips
Encountering unexpected obstacles or setbacks while trying to initiate or maintain progress.
Saddle packs a heavy load
Feeling the weight of responsibility or obligations that must be carried forward.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN DILLON, STEVE CASH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind