The Gourds, an American alternative country band, formed in Austin, Texas i… Read Full Bio ↴The Gourds, an American alternative country band, formed in Austin, Texas in 1994.
Evolving, in part, from the Picket Line Coyotes and the Grackles, the Gourds original line-up consists of Kevin Russell (vocals, guitar, mandolin), Jimmy Smith (vocals, bass, guitar), Claude Bernard (accordion, guitar, vocals), and Charlie Llewellin (drums, percussion). Llewellin was replaced by current drummer Keith Langford shortly after the second album was recorded, and multi-instrumentalist Max Johnston officially joined after being invited to play on their third album. By the following album, Johnston had also become the band's third songwriter, though Russell and Smith have continued to share the bulk of those responsibilities.
Despite a sizable amount of original material, the Gourds are probably best known for a song they did not write, and for which they initially did not receive credit. A full twelve years after its live debut, fans can still be heard calling out for the band's cover version of Snoop Dogg's "Gin and Juice", often before they have even taken the stage. This has led some to consider it an albatross, but the band continues to play the crowd pleaser, adding various impromptu covers to its mid-section as a way of expanding its appeal.

While the Gourds studio efforts have all been well received, their high-energy live performances and constant touring have earned them the reputation of a band that must be seen to be appreciated. As a result, they enjoy a dedicated fan base, that is happy to follow them from town to town, and have become a favorite among those who tape live music

Members

* Kevin Russell - vocals, mandolin, guitar
* Claude Bernard - accordion, organ, guitar
* Jimmy Smith - vocals, guitar, percussion, bass, water bowl
* Keith Langford - drums, harmonica, washboard, toy guitar
* Max Johnston (of Uncle Tupelo & Wilco) - banjo, fiddle, guitar, vocals

Discography

Studio albums
Dem's Good Beeble – 1997
Stadium Blitzer – 1998
Ghosts of Hallelujah – 1999
Bolsa de Agua – 2000
Cow Fish Fowl or Pig – 2002
Blood of the Ram – 2004
Heavy Ornamentals – 2006
Noble Creatures – 2007
Haymaker! – 2009

Studio covers and live originals
Gogitchyershinebox – 1998
Shinebox – 2001

Soundtracks
Growin' a Beard – 2003
Something's Brewin' in Shiner – 2004

Country Gal
The Gourds Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I've been sitting down here so long I composed a song
I wanna meet you Country gal

Every time she dance I wish I had the chance
There's a river flowing in every man
All the trees do sway when she dance that way
I wanna meet you country gal

I swear she must have been born from that blossom's breeze
She got diamonds all around her ankle bone
She got her gals gathered round and the boys can't make no time
She's like a ruby rolling round in a bucket of dimes

She got skin like chocolate milk-make a married man feel no guilt
The way she moves when she moves and she groove

Somebody slap my face and throw me under the jail
'Cause I can't stop thinking about that country gal

Overall Meaning

The Gourds's song "Country Gal" is a love letter to a woman who embodies a certain kind of country charm and beauty that inspires the singer to compose a song just for her. Throughout the song, the singer describes the woman's physical beauty, her smooth dance moves, and her ability to capture the attention of all the men around her. He praises her for her grace and her confidence, and he can't help but be drawn to her.

In the second verse, the singer suggests that this woman is almost supernatural in her beauty and power, with diamonds encircling her ankle and her friends gathered around her in awe. The singer's attraction to her is palpable, as he describes her skin as "chocolate milk" and confesses that he can't stop thinking about her. Yet there is also a hint of danger and forbidden desire in the song, as the singer jokes that he deserves to be punished for his thoughts.

Overall, "Country Gal" is a song that celebrates the beauty of rural life and the allure of a confident, charismatic woman who captivates everyone around her. The lyrics are both poetic and playful, and they evoke a sense of longing and desire that is both innocent and a little bit mischievous.

Line by Line Meaning

I've been sitting down here so long I composed a song
I have been idle for a long time and ended up writing a song

I wanna meet you Country gal
I yearn to know the girl from the countryside

Every time she dance I wish I had the chance
When she dances, I desire to dance with her

There's a river flowing in every man
Every man has lust for her

All the trees do sway when she dance that way
She possesses captivating dancing skills that affect the environment

I swear she must have been born from that blossom's breeze
I cannot believe she is from this world considering her captivating beauty and movements

She got diamonds all around her ankle bone
She is adorned in beautiful jewelry

She got her gals gathered round and the boys can't make no time
Her friends surround her and keep off the boys who try to woo her

She's like a ruby rolling round in a bucket of dimes
She is a rare beauty amongst the many ordinary people

She got skin like chocolate milk-make a married man feel no guilt
Her skin is tempting and irresistible even to married men

The way she moves when she moves and she groove
Her moves are exceptional and irresistible