U.K.'s Inaugural #1 Music Album Of The Year 2… Read Full Bio ↴SOUTHERN RAIDERS BAND:
U.K.'s Inaugural #1 Music Album Of The Year 2017
The Southern Raiders Band (SRB) just completed the #1 Unsigned Artist Album of The Year in the U.K. where 21 Albums were selected World Wide in this inaugural competition. The Southern Raiders Band held the #1 position for the three weeks as voting continued based on group creativity and album production about the above standard the competition held. As being the first award giving in this U.K. Market for such an award, SRB found much notoriety from leading such a popular Music Award position. As the competition ended SRB after leading since day one came in as runner up missing the #1 Album by only one point. However, the #1 Album of The Year is now going to continue and SRB will be there, hopefully, #1 in next years event.
Formed in mid 1990, the Southern Raiders Band (SRB) developed from studio musicians that were recording at the Square Jaw Ranch in Alcoa, Tennessee and Underground Recording in Seymour, Tennessee. Although the members were totally different in genre expertise the chemistry some how created has maintained the group's cohesion and longevity. These musicians worked together on music projects until experimenting with there own original music. The end product of the two different genres created a Southern Country Rock sound that was different from each person style and experience. The two founding members, Johnny Abbott and Ronnie Kelly, had formed a group that is still together today gaining radio airplay and digital song & album downloads almost 25 years later.
SRB THE EARLY YEARS
In the beginning, the band was still performing studio work and decided to form the group that would soon become a power group out of the East Tennessee area. The group would consist of Ronnie Kelly, Johnny Abbott and Toby Smith (Johnny's Stepson since age two) on drums. Toby was only fifteen at the beginning but through 5-7 days of practice every week Toby not only became fluent but a Power Drummer as well. On bass guitar, George Burns, long time friend of Johnny and Toby and also fit the chemistry very well. The next step was to find someone to fill the second guitar position needed to free Ronnie for lead vocal for he was playing guitar as well. The group was searching for the right person for the job and after a couple of weeks Ronnie found a potential guitar player working in a local music store and ask him to audition, Rus Michael, Rus worked out great and is still around today all these years later. ==
SRB CONTINUES THE JOURNEY ~
WITH THE GOOD COMES THE BAD...VERY BAD
One of the last shows we would do with bassist George Burns -in the back- (R.I.P. Our Dear Friend...)
As SRB was becoming popular to fans and music management companies the group was performing constantly as well as writing and recording songs in the studio. However, bass player, George Burns, began having problems with his hands (Due to Diabetes) and eventually had to leave the group. (** Special note: George had came by lead guitarist Johnny Abbott's home to ask help with a cell phone at 7:00pm on a Sunday and was found, unexpectedly, dead at his home, death estimated 11:30 the same night.) SRB added new bass guitarist, Gary Perkins, an experienced guitarist who fit the band chemistry very well and the group continued their journey. Then once again another unfortunate situation arrived. While performing a, New Year's Eve, concert, Lead Vocal, Ronnie Kelly turned to Lead Guitarist Johnny Abbott and ask, "Where am I," and that would be the last show Ronnie ever performed with SRB. Ronnie had unfortunately developed a medical issue that would take a long time to recover. So now, the search began for a new front man-lead vocalist to take the helm.
NEW SINGER ARRIVES
While the searching process for a new singer, SRB had auditioned a couple of prospects, but while at practice one evening, a young man named, Lee Butcher, came in and introduced himself and said that, Ronnie Kelly former lead vocal, had told him to try out for the available position. With a little work, practice, recording and concerts young Lee worked out great. So former lead vocal Ronnie had found his own replacement and found an incredible singer that was beyond beginner status and remains all these years later.
ONE MORE HURDLE
As SRB continued to play, write and record, Gary Perkins express concern and needed to leave the group for a period of time. At this point, new lead vocal Lee, informed the group that not only did he sing and play guitar he was an accomplished bass player. WOW! We couldn't believe our ears. We, of course, tried Lee out on bass guitar and Lee has remained playing bass Guitar and fronting SRB for over 15+ years. Most note, when SRB has large audience concerts, Gary Perkins, returns to the stage freeing Lee to be more interactive with the fans. Gary is a great friend and musician creating an incredible asset to the band.
SOUTHERN RAIDERS BAND ~ THE MUSIC
The Southern Raiders Band has a full catalog of music including 10 complete albums of music. In the beginning, SRB was formed by studio musicians and didn't stop once the complete group was formed. Johnny Abbott had finished a solo album titled, "Planetary Escape," his first solo effort at the Square Jaw Ranch and had started the second one there titled, "Southern Raiders." Johnny was using a band title for his solo projects named, "Twilight Rose Band." However, the album title would become the new band name the, Southern Raiders Band. Interesting way to get the band's name. There is ten albums to date recorded by SRB. These albums are full length and contain all original Rock, Country/Rock, and Blues Rock. See below for album information:
ALBUMS (CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER)
I. PLANETARY ESCAPE:
SONGS: 10
01. Slip Away 02. You Call It Love 03. Being You 04. Twilight Rose 05. Ode To A Friend 06. Last Gun Out 07. Down At The Show 08. Shot Down 09. Time For Change 10. All I Can Be
II. SOUTHERN PRIDE:
SONGS: 08
01. Turn This Thing Around 02. Blue Jean Lady 03. Ain't Good Enough 04. Played In The Rain 05. George And Maybelle 06. Memories Of You 07. Home Town 08. Swamp Love
III. IN THE BEGINNING:
SONGS: 12
01. Marlboro Man 02. Played The Opry 03. Turn This Thing Around 04. Tip My Hat 05. One Tear Left 06. Summer Time Blues 07. Rodeo Star 08. Every Single Day 09. What Have You Got To Lose 10. Ain't Good Enough 11. Memories Of You 12. I Recall
IV. FOLLOW YOUR HEART:
SONGS: 09
01. Follow Your Heart 02. Marlboro Man 03. Play The Opry 04. Rodeo Star 05. Tip My Hat 06. Chained 07. Every Single Day 08. Turn This Thing Around 09. Summer Time Blues
V. SRB III:
SONGS: 09
01. Miss Cookie 02. Bad Whiskey & Song 03. River Of Tears 04. I Never Meant 05. Tell Me Why 06. Wanna Be Your Man 07. Price The Cost 08. Monday Morning 09. Still Today
VI. SRB IV:
SONGS: 08
01. Goodtime Country Girl 02. Wish I May 03. Unforgiving Lie 04. Never Say Good-Bye 05. Fallen For You 06. Gone To San Antone 07. Daddy's Car 08. Once Upon A Time
VII. SRB V:
SONGS: 10
01. Between The Rain Drops 02. All Dressed Up 03. Stay With Me Tonight 04. Angelene 05. Louisiana Delta 06. Our Love 07. If You're Gonna Play Country-You Gotta Rock The House 08. Gamble And Lose 09. Let's Get Married 10. My Angel Cries
VIII. SRB VI:
SONGS: 10
01. You And Me 02. Rain In A Bucket 03. Lost In You 04. I Love You 05. Family Feud 06. Rodeo Star 07. Back Roads Of My Mind 08. Chasing Dreams 09. What Your Leaving 10. Wild Heart
IX. RAISE SOUTHERN DIXIE:
SONGS: 09
01. Raise Southern Dixie 02. Moses (Old Testament) 03. Amy's Man 04. Swamp Love 05. Someone We Need 06. Gonna Make It All right 07. Without You 08. Done Somebody Wrong 09. Whatcha Find
2017-18 (REMIX) SOUTHERN RAIDERS BAND ALBUMS:
"Raise Southern Dixie," A Remix Of, Southern Raiders Band, Rock Songs.
If You're Gonna Play Country - "You Gotta Rock The House," A Country/Rock Album Written By The Southern Raiders Band.
-Although SRB has many original songs in their arsenal, the group has decided to take new and some old songs to make three albums of their original music divided in three genres, Rock, Country/Rock, and Pop Ballads. The titles of these albums are, "Raise Southern Dixie," for the rock songs. For the Country/Rock music the title is, "If you're Going To Play Country - You Gotta Rock The House." The third album is made up with more of a ballad type style tunes and is titled accordingly, "Archived Ballads." See albums below.
The album titled, “Raise Southern Dixie,” consists of 16 original tunes written by SRB. These tracks are certainly rock all the way with singer, Lee Butcher, slamming out the vocals for these rock songs. Toby Smith follows up with his Power Drums that he is known for and with the addition of Johnny Abbott and Rus Michael filling the air with smooth guitar riffs that also include Slide Guitar as well as Twin Leads. If you like Southern Rock Music, SRB has the proven talent in this original rock album. (FILL #1 UK INFO)
The second album titled, "If You're Gonna Play Country - You Gotta Rock The House," is a favorable Country/Rock album leaning toward the country roots of the group and this album contains 10 songs. This album shows the group's ability to perform in the country arenas and do it with the style of traditional Tennessee Country Music. This album is loaded with meaningful lyrics as well as country guitar licks and vocal harmonies. This album also displays the talent that each musician is blessed with and SRB hopes this trend continues for years to come.
The third of these, Remix," albums is titled, "Archived Ballads," which is for most part what it is made of, Archived, songs sitting in the studio and that had not found a home on any of the other albums that SRB had completed. This album has an array of different songs put on one album that makes it also favorable to the music enthusiast. It certainly can be surprising, for example, the opening track is a song that has a 1950's Big Band area sound that also contains the lyrics that have the, "Bop Shu Wop," in it that goes back to that awesome area. Other songs include ballads that have meaning and hopefully fans also relate to this style music. SRB tries to write something for anyone we may be fortunate to come across that enjoys songs with relative meanings.
RAISE SOUTHERN DIXIE
Southern Raiders Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She wore red ribbons in her hair
Her soft skin was brown with blonde hair hanging down
Across the horizon the sun went away
The moonlight lit the beach with the sounds of crashing waves
All down the south bridge the troops gather round
We were just lovers caught in between
A line drawn by war that never should have been
And she cried raise Southern Dixie your flag up to the sky
Must you battle till the last of you have died
I want my freedom like all the rest
But to give my life out here is not what I find best
She was a woman like none I've ever seen
She's pretty as premadona from a filthy magazine
The starlight grew fast across the sky
My fingers touched her lips a sin but pure delight
We had only moments but they seemed like hours
To hold and embrace before the bullets filled the air
And as I look in her eyes the blood runs down her face
Just another loss of life oh what a human waste
And I cried raise Southern Dixie your flag up to the sky
Must you battle till the last of you have died
I want my freedom like all the rest
But to give my life out here is not what I find best
And I cried raise southern Dixie oh.... Oh
The lyrics of "Raise Southern Dixie" by Southern Raiders Band narrate a poignant tale of love and loss set against the backdrop of war and conflict in the South. The singer describes a woman with red ribbons in her hair, a beautiful contrast of brown skin and blonde hair, under the moonlit beach. The imagery of the sun setting and the crashing waves sets a scene of tranquility before the impending chaos.
As the troops gather around the southern bridge, awaiting orders to take a village down, the singer realizes that they are just lovers caught in the midst of a war that never should have existed. The boundaries drawn by war separate them, highlighting the senselessness and tragedy of conflict on personal relationships and lives.
The woman in the song becomes a symbol of beauty and strength, unlike anyone the singer has ever seen. Despite her outer beauty, she embodies resilience and a desire for freedom amidst the turmoil of war. The fleeting moments they share hold an intense emotional weight, as they are aware of the impending danger and uncertainty that surrounds them.
The chorus "Raise Southern Dixie" carries a tone of defiance and sorrow, echoing the conflicted emotions of the singer. The desire for freedom clashes with the harsh reality of war and the loss of innocent lives. The repeated refrain of not wanting to sacrifice lives for a cause that seems futile underscores the futility and tragedy of war, where individuals are caught in a cycle of violence and loss.
In the final moments of the song, as the singer witnesses another life lost in the chaos of battle, the lyrics convey a sense of despair and helplessness. The emotional plea to "raise Southern Dixie" becomes a poignant cry for an end to the senseless bloodshed and a yearning for peace amidst the devastation of war. The song captures the emotional turmoil and the human cost of conflict, emphasizing the universal longing for freedom and peace in the face of overwhelming tragedy.
Line by Line Meaning
She wore red ribbons in her hair
Her vibrant hair accessories symbolized her spirited personality and connection to her roots.
Her soft skin was brown with blonde hair hanging down
Her unique physical appearance blended characteristics, representing a beauty that is both warm and strikingly beautiful.
Across the horizon the sun went away
As daylight fades, it signifies a transition from hope to uncertainty, reflecting the impending challenges ahead.
The moonlight lit the beach with the sounds of crashing waves
A tranquil scene where the peaceful night contrasts with the turmoil of life, hinting at the underlying chaos.
All down the south bridge the troops gather round
Soldiers congregate, harnessing their shared purpose and camaraderie, poised for the conflict ahead.
Waiting for the king's word to take the village to the ground
The soldiers are in a state of anticipation, ready to follow orders that could lead to destruction and suffering.
We were just lovers caught in between
Our romantic connection is overshadowed by the harsh realities of war, symbolizing innocence lost amidst chaos.
A line drawn by war that never should have been
The boundaries created by conflict are artificial and unjust, underscoring the pain of separation that war causes.
And she cried raise Southern Dixie your flag up to the sky
Her passionate plea for unity and pride in their identity signifies a longing for hope amidst despair.
Must you battle till the last of you have died
A poignant question reflecting the tragic consequences of relentless warfare and the desire for survival.
I want my freedom like all the rest
A universal yearning for liberation is expressed, echoing the essential human desire for autonomy.
But to give my life out here is not what I find best
The internal conflict between the call of duty and the instinct for self-preservation is laid bare.
She was a woman like none I've ever seen
Her individuality stands out vividly, emphasizing her unique qualities that leave a lasting impression.
She's pretty as premadona from a filthy magazine
Her beauty is striking yet perhaps superficial, evoking mixed feelings about appearance and reality.
The starlight grew fast across the sky
Time seems to accelerate as beauty and turmoil coexist under the vast expanse of the night.
My fingers touched her lips a sin but pure delight
A moment of intimacy is shared, blurring lines between right and wrong, highlighting the power of love.
We had only moments but they seemed like hours
Every fleeting second spent together feels significant, as if transcending time in their shared experience.
To hold and embrace before the bullets filled the air
Their last moments of tenderness are interrupted by the harsh reality of violence, shattering their peace.
And as I look in her eyes the blood runs down her face
The visualization of pain and suffering reflects the brutal consequences of conflict and loss.
Just another loss of life oh what a human waste
The tragic inevitability of death in war underscores the senselessness and sorrow inherent in such violence.
And I cried raise Southern Dixie your flag up to the sky
A resounding call for dignity and remembrance amidst turmoil serves as an emotional rallying cry.
Must you battle till the last of you have died
A deep-seated question about the sacrifices demanded by war illuminates the struggle between valor and survival.
I want my freedom like all the rest
A reassertion of the basic human desire for liberty and the fight against oppression echoes throughout.
But to give my life out here is not what I find best
The desire for self-preservation confronts the harsh toll of war, raising moral dilemmas about sacrifice.
And I cried raise southern Dixie oh.... Oh
This emotional outpouring signifies hope for unity, pride, and the painful reality of the struggle endured.
Lyrics © TUNECORE INC, Your Label Here
Written by: Johnny Abbott
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind