Brian Setzer (born April 10, 1959 in New York) is an American guitarist, si… Read Full Bio ↴Brian Setzer (born April 10, 1959 in New York) is an American guitarist, singer and songwriter whose popular big band orchestra is most appreciated commercially for their swinging take on Christmas holiday classics.

Early in his career Setzer was a member of the NYC band Bloodless Pharaohs, and later fronted the popular rockabilly revival band, Stray Cats. The Stray Cats particularly caught America's attention with the 1982 album Built for Speed, which included the two Top Ten hits, "Rock This Town" (#9) and "Stray Cat Strut" (#3), as well as with the follow-up 1983 album Rant 'N Rave, which included the two successful singles "(She's) Sexy + 17" (#5), and "I Won't Stand In Your Way" (#35).

In the mid 1990s, Setzer led a comeback of sorts for swing music and big band music, when he formed Brian Setzer Orchestra. The band has released at least 5 albums to date and one live DVD. This group had one hit, "Jump, Jive, and Wail" around the same time swing revival acts like the Cherry Poppin' Daddies' "Zoot Suit Riot" had been received favorably in mainstream America.

Brian Setzer also recorded some solo albums during Stray Cats' break in the 1980s along with some in the 1990s. In 2001 he released an album titled Ignition with his band '68 Comeback Special. A new solo album titled Rockabilly Riot Vol. 1: A Tribute To Sun Records was released on July 26, 2005, in the United States.

From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Setzer

Route 66
The Brian Setzer Orchestra Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Now if you ever plan to motor west
Travel my way take the highway that's the best
Gets your kicks on Route 66

It winds from Chicago to LA
More than 2000 miles all the way
Get your kicks on Route 66

It goes through St. Louis
Joplin, Missouri and
Oklahoma City
Lookin' mighty pretty You'll see Amarillo, Gallup, New Mexico
Flagstaff, Arizona, don't forget Winona, Barstow, Reno
San Bernidino

Won't you get hip to this timely tip
When you make that California trip
Get your kicks on Route 66

Now if you ever plan to motor west
Travel my way take the highway that's the best
Gets your kicks on Route 66

Gets your kicks on Route 66 x 5.

Overall Meaning

The Brian Setzer Orchestra's "Route 66" is a vibrant tribute to the famous US highway that stretches from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. The opening lyrics of the song urge listeners to take Route 66 if they ever plan to motor west, emphasizing that this is the highway that's the best. The route is famous for its scenic views and landmarks that include the Grand Canyon and the Petrified Forest National Park. The song's lyrics take the listener on a journey along the route through various towns and cities, including St. Louis, Joplin, and Oklahoma City. The chorus, "Get your kicks on Route 66" is a nod to the fun, spontaneous nature of the road and the feeling of freedom that comes with it.

The song's playful energy is heightened by The Brian Setzer Orchestra's upbeat rockabilly sound, which features twangy guitars, swinging brass, and thumping drums. As a result, the song has become a classic road trip anthem, perfect for blasting on the car stereo while cruising down the highway. Notably, the song pays homage to Chuck Berry's 1961 hit "Route 66," which has also become a beloved classic.

Line by Line Meaning

Now if you ever plan to motor west
In case you're ever considering a trip out west

Travel my way take the highway that's the best
I suggest taking the superior highway I know of

Gets your kicks on Route 66
You'll have a great time on Route 66

It winds from Chicago to LA
The road twists and turns from Chicago to Los Angeles

More than 2000 miles all the way
Over two thousand miles from end to end

Get your kicks on Route 66
Have a great time on Route 66

It goes through St. Louis
The road passes through St. Louis

Joplin, Missouri and
Also Joplin, Missouri

Oklahoma City
And even Oklahoma City

Lookin' mighty pretty You'll see Amarillo
All of it looks really nice, especially Amarillo

Gallup, New Mexico
And Gallup, New Mexico