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

Ladies Choice
The Gourds Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Flyin down this hill on my schwin
Well I guess this is where it all begins
Go in sandburg come out like ray charles
An odor of jasmine for yer flowers
Sometimes on my bicycle rides
These pleasantries fall from the trees
Little Quixote's fished out like floaties
From the bevy of yer choice

Ladies choice

Flyin down this hill on my schwin
Well I guess it all could have ended then
Unlike consternation's quagmire above
The streets firmly paved ways
Coupled with speed and gravity
And the craniums tendency

To leak vital information
All over the road to recovery

Overall Meaning

The Gourds’ song “Ladies Choice” is a high-energy, up-beat tune that is the perfect representation of the band’s signature sound that is often described as Americana or roots-rock. This song paints a picture of a fun and carefree bike ride through a small town, passing trees, homes, and stopping to admire fragrant flowers along the way. The lyrics provide us with an opportunity to explore the vivid imagination of the songwriter and the way he observes every little detail and turns them into poetic verses.

The song boasts a quintessential phrase, “Ladies Choice”, which suggests the singer being surrounded by a bevy of women who are all eager and active participants in what seems like a bike race. The phrase “Ladies Choice” could also have a metaphorical meaning as it could symbolize the freedom to choose and be free. The lyrics discuss the concept of enjoying the journey of life and embracing every moment, just as a rider enjoys the ride and everything that surrounds him.

The song is characterized by a fast-paced and energetic melody accompanied by an acoustic guitar, harmonica, and various percussion instruments. The catchy chorus of “Ladies Choice” emphasizes the joy of life and the excitement of the journey. This song is a celebration of living the good life and taking it all in: the sights, the sounds, the smells, and those heart-pumping moments that make us feel alive.

Line by Line Meaning

Flyin down this hill on my schwin
Riding downhill on my bike, feeling alive and reckless

Well I guess this is where it all begins
Starting a journey, not sure of what's to come

Go in Sandburg come out like Ray Charles
Going into something one way, coming out a completely different version of oneself

An odor of jasmine for yer flowers
A pleasant scent that accompanies beauty

Sometimes on my bicycle rides
Reflecting on life during solo moments

These pleasantries fall from the trees
Beautiful moments presented unexpectedly

Little Quixote's fished out like floaties
Discovering small, wonderous things during life's events

From the bevy of yer choice
From the wide range of possibilities life offers

Ladies choice
Expressing an appreciation for women and their influence

Flyin down this hill on my schwin
Repeating the earlier feeling of recklessness and excitement

Well I guess it all could have ended then
Acknowledging the small chance that things could have gone wrong earlier