Nichols and Williams first met around 1967, at which time Williams served as frontman and principal songwriter for short-lived psychedelic outfit The Holy Mackerel. Together, they composed the Mackerel's first single, "Bitter Honey", a pure pop affair that diverged from that album's general sound. With a memorable melody and euphoric chorus joined with Williams' bittersweet and morose, yet ultimately optimistic lyrics, it was hugely indicative of Nichols and Williams' future collaborations.
In 1969, Williams was hired as a songwriter for Santa Monica-based A&M Records where Nichols also worked. They quickly composed numerous songs, of which several would become future hits for other artists, and recorded demo versions with Williams and Nichols as the sole performers. The demos were eventually compiled onto a 1970 LP, We've Only Just Begun, intended only for distribution to interested artists and labels. That same year saw the release of Nichols/Williams' first notable hit singles, elevating Nichols and Williams into the upper echelon of U.S. songwriter partnerships in short order.
As Williams begun a career as a songwriter and performer in his own right (whose 1970 debut album, Someday Man, consisted exclusively of Nichols/Williams compositions), collaborations with Nichols grew less and less frequent until they reached a complete halt roughly around 1973. 2001 saw a public reissue of We've Only Just Begun on compact disc, whose liner notes state that Nichols and Williams still write songs together, though these have yet to be heard by the listening public.
Out in the country
Roger Nichols & Paul Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Or feel the need to get away-ay-ay
I find a quiet place, far from the human race
Out in the country
Before the breathin' air is gone
Before the sun is just a bright spot in the night-time
Out where the rivers like to run
Whenever I feel them closing in on me
Or need a bit of room to move
When life becomes too fast, I find relief at last
Out in the country
Before the breathin' air is gone
Before the sun is just a bright spot in the night-time
Out where the rivers like to run
I stand alone and take back somethin' worth rememberin'
Before the breathin' air is gone
Before the sun is just a bright spot in the night-time
Out where the rivers like to run
I stand alone and take back somethin' worth rememberin'
Before the breathin' air is gone
Before the sun is just a bright spot in the night-time
Out where the rivers like to run
I stand alone and take back somethin' worth rememberin'
Before the breathin' air is gone
Before the sun is just a bright spot in the night-time
"Out in the Country" by Roger Nichols is a song that speaks about finding solace and peace away from the hustle and bustle of the world. The lyrics express the need to escape from the fast-paced lifestyle and find a place where one can breathe easy without constant distraction. The singer of the song describes how they go to a quiet place where the rivers flow, and the sun is just a beautiful spot in the night-time. This is where they stand alone and take back something worth remembering. The lyrics show that the singer finds inspiration in the quietness of nature, which helps them escape from the constant buzz of the city.
The song's verses are repeated, emphasizing the importance of finding inner peace in the solitude of nature, where the air is still pure, and the sun is just a spot in the night that reminds you of the beautiful day that has passed. The song expresses how you can disconnect and focus on things that matter most by seeking the quietness of the countryside.
In conclusion, Roger Nichols's song "Out in the Country" is a song that encourages us to seek peace away from the noise of the world. It reminds us to find solace in nature and to surround ourselves with things that matter most in life. Only by taking a break from our busy lives can we appreciate the beauty of the natural world and remember what truly matters.
Line by Line Meaning
Whenever I need to leave it all behind
At times when I feel burdened, stressed, or overwhelmed, I seek to escape it all.
Or feel the need to get away-ay-ay
When I want to take a break, take time for myself, or experience something new.
I find a quiet place, far from the human race
I seek out a location that is serene, peaceful, and free from the bustle of city life.
Out in the country
In rural areas, farmland or grassy meadows far from cities.
Before the breathin' air is gone
Before pollution takes over the air and makes it difficult to breathe.
Before the sun is just a bright spot in the night-time
Before the sun is no longer visible in the daytime sky and only a small radiance is seen at night.
Out where the rivers like to run
In places where rivers are abundant, flowing freely and unencumbered by dams or other human-made obstacles.
I stand alone and take back somethin' worth rememberin'
While by myself, I reflect, think and ponder about meaningful experiences, which I can savor and cherish long into the future.
Whenever I feel them closing in on me
When I feel pressure, stress, or negativity from the people around me.
Or need a bit of room to move
When I feel confined or restricted, and want freedom or space to act.
When life becomes too fast, I find relief at last
When life becomes too overwhelming or chaotic, finding solace in the peace and stillness of nature.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PAUL H. WILLIAMS, ROGER S. NICHOLS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind