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.
Train Train
Ozark Mountain Daredevils Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Runnin' all day
Chicken train
Runnin' all day
Chicken train
Runnin' all day
I can't get on
I can't get off
Laser beam
In my dream
Laser beam
In my dream
Laser beam
In my dream
I can't get on
I can't get off
Laser beam's like a sawed off dream
Chicken train
Runnin' all day
Chicken train
Runnin' all day
Chicken train
Runnin' all day
I can't get on
I can't get off
Chicken train take your chickens away, whew!
The lyrics of Ozark Mountain Daredevils’ song Chicken Train are a playful and somewhat nonsensical reflection on an elusive train. The repeated line “chicken train, running all day” is accompanied by the frustration of the singer who can neither get off nor get on the train. The train takes away the chickens, leaving the singer on the platform, bewildered.
As the song progresses, the singer’s imagination starts to run wild, and now he mentions a “laser beam” that appears in his dreams. The “laser beam” symbolizes something that the singer cannot attain, much like the “chicken train,” which perpetually evades him. The lyrics, “laser beam's like a sawed off dream” suggest an extraordinary experience that can never be fully realized.
Overall, the lyrics of Chicken Train are a mix of whimsy and frustration, describing a dream-like world where the singer is unable to reach or catch hold of the things that hold meaning for him.
Line by Line Meaning
Chicken train
The constant repetition and routine of the everyday, much like a train that runs without rest.
Runnin' all day
The monotonous nature of life and how it can seem to go on without end.
I can't get on
The struggle to insert oneself into the flow of life, to become an active participant.
I can't get off
The feeling of being stuck in the same routine, with no escape or relief.
Chicken train take your chickens away
Being relieved of one's duties and responsibilities by someone or something else, as if being freed from the burden of carrying around a flock of chickens.
Laser beam
The sudden and powerful force of change that can disrupt the monotony of life.
In my dream
The idea of change presented in one's subconscious, perhaps as a means of coping with the constant routine of life.
Laser beam's like a sawed off dream
The fleeting nature of the powerful force of change, which can feel like a dream cut short by the harsh reality of life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: STEVE CASH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@leegraf2066
I grew up in the Midwest. Omaha, to be specific.
I now live in the southwest and really miss this kind of music.
There is folk, country, progressive genre's and all the like -
But nothing touches this side of the home I grew up in and love to this day.
--- > And I have to get it of the net ..
Enjoyment is long but life is short. Take what you get and enjoy!
@jacobshonkwiler9081
2022 and still jamming this song. Now and forever!!
@DerfJagged
This used to be my favorite song when I was a kid lol. Thank you KSHE for being so awesome!
@MrKDB001
Cleveland; real rock radio
@thomashudson5805
I worked in Saudi Arabia from 1981-1984 and found this way cool cassette (It'll Shine When It Shines) of OMD in a tiny music store in Yanbu, a small northern pilgrimage port on the Red Sea. Fell in love without hesitation. Saw them in Marion, Kansas in the 90's and hope to see them again soon.
@brettsmith5903
Can I just say this is the most hillbilly song ever! And I love it! Makes me want to dance and drink moon shine!
@MrKDB001
Laser beams in my dreams
@mozzarellatherat9687
My Dad is a chicken farmer and absolutely loves this song
@glendakansas
In the early '70s we took our 2 year old daughter with us to see OMD several times at Cowtown Ballroom in KC; this was her favorite song back then. Over the years she's collected every OMD album, switched "favorites" severals times and caught them in concert many times. And I'm proud to say, here she is 38 years later headin' over 400 miles on the back of a Harley to see them in Springfield 9-10-10. True quality never goes out of style!
@alreadyamemberman
This song is amazing. We need more like this these days.
@dominikveraguth6423
I cant describe how much i appreciate this track.
Me and my friends are on exactly that train since over 5h now