Compared to Southern rock pioneers and label-mates The Allman Brothers Band, Marshall Tucker had a more country and western feel, with the flute being a key lead instrument in their sound. "Can't You See", "Fire on the Mountain", and "This Ol' Cowboy" are among their songs that received appreciable FM radio airplay, while "Heard It in a Love Song" made it to #14 as a single on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1977.
Original bassist Tommy Caldwell died in a car crash on April 28, 1980. His brother, guitarist Toy Caldwell, died of respiratory failure on February 25, 1993.
There was no band member named "Marshall Tucker". Originally, the band called itself The Toy Factory (named after lead-guitarist Toy Caldwell). But by the time the band released its first album they had become the Marshall Tucker Band. During a radio interview in Hempstead, NY in 1973, Tommy Caldwell explained the origins of the band's name:
"There's an old blind dude [in Spartanburg, SC] that tunes pianos, and his name is Marshall Tucker... We didn't name the band after him, but we just kind of liked that name and stuck with it."
01 Stay In The Country
The Marshall Tucker Band Lyrics
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Raised in the country that have old country stores
Chasing shadows down the road I remember well
Every story that my mama told in a house near the well
So I'll stay in the country, that's where I was born
Live my life by in Carolina, that's where I belong
With all my uncles and my daddy by my side
We played those old songs too, we brought the night in
At the house in the country air I remember then
So I'll stay in the country, that's where I was born
Live my life by in Carolina, that's where I belong
So I'll stay in the country, that's where I was born
Live my life by in Carolina, that's where I belong
So I'll stay in the country, that's where I was born
Live my life by in Carolina, that's where I belong
Stay in the country
The Marshall Tucker Band's "Stay In The Country" is a nostalgic song about the singer's past experiences growing up in the rural South. The lyrics convey a strong sense of attachment to the country way of life, and a desire to preserve the memories and traditions of that time. The singer reminisces about his childhood spent in the countryside, surrounded by country stores and the stories told by his mother. The song also highlights the importance of family and community, with references to Sunday evenings spent playing music with his father and uncles.
Overall, "Stay In The Country" is a tribute to the simplicity and authenticity of rural life, and a plea to hold onto these values in the face of modernization and progress. By choosing to stay in the country, the singer is reaffirming his identity and roots, and asserting his belief that there is something valuable and worth preserving in the rural way of life.
Line by Line Meaning
I remember long ago when I was just a boy
I reminisce about my childhood days as a young boy.
Raised in the country that have old country stores
I grew up in a rural area surrounded by antique country stores.
Chasing shadows down the road I remember well
I have vivid memories of following shadows along the dusty road.
Every story that my mama told in a house near the well
I recall every tale my mother shared with me while we sat near the well inside our house.
So I'll stay in the country, that's where I was born
I am determined to remain in my hometown where I was born and raised.
Live my life by in Carolina, that's where I belong
North Carolina is my true home where I intend to spend the rest of my life.
I remember Sunday evening sitting outside
I recollect spending Sunday evenings outside in the fresh air.
With all my uncles and my daddy by my side
I loved spending time with my uncles and father who were always there for me.
We played those old songs too, we brought the night in
We enjoyed singing and playing old classic songs together as the sun went down.
At the house in the country air I remember then
I have fond memories of my childhood home set in the country air.
Stay in the country
My heart is set on staying in the rural countryside.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: TIM LAWTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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on Desert Skies
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