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.
Walkin' Down the Road
Ozark Mountain Daredevils Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
well, I'm walkin' down the road with my hat on my head
had to leave my mama in my big brass bed
well, sun is shinin' on me and you know it sure feels fine
Lord, I made it to the station with my suitcase in my hand
walked up to the window like a nat'ral born man
said I sure do hope that choo-choo train runs on time
Lord, I sure do hope that choo-choo train runs on time
well, these two dollar shoes, Lord, they hurt my feet,
but that fifty-cent liquor, well it could not be beat
and I see no reason, reason to be sad
'cause I'm goin' where them cold, cold winds don't blow
where the streams and rivers, Lord, they all run slow
ain't no use in cryin', cryin' over what you had
Lord, ain't no use in cryin', cryin over what you had
(NATIONAL STEEL SOLO)
(ahhh, ahhh)
well, I'm walkin' down the road with my hat on my head
had to leave my mama in my big brass bed
well, sun is shinin' on me
and you know it sure feels fine
Lord, I made it to the station with my suitcase in my hand
walked up to the window like a nat'ral born man
said I sure do hope that choo-choo train runs on time
(choo-choo, choo-choo
The lyrics of "Walkin' Down the Road" by Ozark Mountain Daredevils are a tale of a man who is leaving his past behind and embarking on a journey to a better place. As he walks down the road with his hat on his head, he reminisces about leaving his mother in his big brass bed and hopes that the train he is about to catch runs on time. Despite the discomfort he feels from his two-dollar shoes, he takes solace in the fifty-cent liquor he purchased and sees no reason to be sad. He is headed for a place where the winds don't blow cold, and the streams and rivers run slow, and there is no use in crying over what he had left behind.
The song captures the essence of the 1970s folk rock movement, which emphasized storytelling and introspection. The lyrics are simple but poignant, and the music is understated, with a guitar and piano introduction and a steel guitar solo. With its easy-going melody and contemplative tone, "Walkin' Down the Road" has become a classic of the genre.
Line by Line Meaning
well, I'm walkin' down the road with my hat on my head
I am strolling down the path while perfectly dressed, ready for my journey.
had to leave my mama in my big brass bed
I have to depart from my mother who may be asleep in her lavish place of rest.
well, sun is shinin' on me and you know it sure feels fine
The sunlight is radiating on me, and it feels great.
Lord, I made it to the station with my suitcase in my hand
Thankfully, I arrived at the station carrying my bag with me.
walked up to the window like a nat'ral born man
Confidently, I approached the window like I was born to do so.
said I sure do hope that choo-choo train runs on time (choo-choo, choo-choo)
I expressed my optimism that the train would arrive promptly.
well, these two dollar shoes, Lord, they hurt my feet, but that fifty-cent liquor, well, it could not be beat
Although my cheap shoes are causing pain, I am comforted by the delicious and affordable liquor I had.
and I see no reason, reason to be sad
I do not have any justifiable explanation to feel sorrowful.
'cause I'm goin' where them cold, cold winds don't blow
I am traveling to a place where the harsh, chilly winds do not exist.
where the streams and rivers, Lord, they all run slow
Where I am headed, the waterways have a calmer flow.
ain't no use in cryin', cryin' over what you had Lord, ain't no use in cryin', cryin over what you had
There is no point in weeping over what you lack now.
well, I'm walkin' down the road with my hat on my head had to leave my mama in my big brass bed well, sun is shinin' on me and you know it sure feels fine
The sun still shines brightly as I make my way, wearing my hat and leaving my mother behind.
Lord, I made it to the station with my suitcase in my hand walked up to the window like a nat'ral born man said I sure do hope that choo-choo train runs on time (choo-choo, choo-choo)
Once more, I arrived at the train station with my baggage, approached the window like a natural and hoped for its punctuality.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN DILLON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@justmep61
Smoking some weed in my sister's farmhouse in the '70s and listening to the Ozarks. Good times.
@WVFreebyrd
One of those hidden treasures the "masses" will never hear. Shame. But good for those of us who seek out good music vs. accepting what radio dishes out on a daily basis.
@brendamilloy2557
Amen.
@nickgugie9673
Pure and real which thankfully is actually making a comeback
@mrchildgrownold3852
10-4
@filowbetdo5772
A hidden gem. What a great tune!
@madeleinesuzette
Absolutely !!
@nelliejewell2665
Still get that great feeling when I hear this even after nearly 50 years.
@user-zy5qt9qx5h
I was the one that commented three months ago and I'll say it again I used to know a band that played this and they rocked
@musiccollector
Thanks, Herb Alpert and A&M Records, for bringing them to us.