West Nashville Boogie
Steve Earle & The Dukes Lyrics

The lyrics of Steve Earle & The Dukes's song West Nashville Boogie are a powerful commentary on the struggles faced by working-class families in urban areas. The song opens with the singer reflecting on his birth and upbringing in the city, highlighting his sense of belonging to the community. However, the next three lines paint a bleaker picture - his father is in the workhouse, and his mother believes he will never come home. This sets the tone for the rest of the song - a series of memories and emotions that reflect the difficult experiences of growing up in a marginalized community.

As the song progresses, the singer recalls going to school with wealthy children and being ostracized by his peers, who labeled him and his family "white trash" and "no count." He copes with his difficult circumstances by frequenting a street corner where the boys of the community gather at midnight, seeking some form of release from their frustrations. However, the singer is acutely aware of his own despair, and the lines "Sometimes I feel like I'm drowning / And I don't know what I'm gonna do" convey a deep sense of hopelessness.

The final lines of the song express a desire to escape from the constraints of West Nashville, a place where the singer feels trapped and at risk. The repeated plea to the Lord to "get me out of West Nashville" represents a dream of leaving behind the hardships and struggles of his youth and finding a place where he can thrive.

Overall, West Nashville Boogie is a haunting reflection on the experience of growing up in poverty and facing systemic barriers that limit one's opportunities for success. The lyrics express a sense of desperation and longing for a better life, while acknowledging the difficulties of trying to escape one's circumstances.