Playin' In The Band
The Stampeders Lyrics


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I could have been a rambler
Don't want to be alone
I might have been a gambler
But I done stayed at home

I had a good thing goin'
A-playin' my guitar
I had no way of knowin'
That I would get this far,

I'm playin' in the band
Give the boy a hand
I'm playin' in the band
All across the land

Now I'm a rock 'n' roller
I ran away from home
I hope I don't get over
This feelin' I have known

There's always in the meantime,
Now boy, that ain't the way
There's always in between time
That's where I want to stay

I'm playin' in the band

I'm playin' in the band
Give the boy a hand
I'm playin' in the band




All across the land
I'm playin' in the band

Overall Meaning

The Stampeders' song Playin' In The Band speaks about the journey of a musician whose passion for music eventually led him to success. The song begins with the singer questioning about the potential paths he could have taken in his life, including being a rambler, gambler, or simply staying at home. However, his love for music and a good thing going on with his guitar made him realize that he had to follow his dreams, which led him to eventually become a successful rock 'n' roller playing across the land in front of cheering crowds.


The singer expresses his joy and appreciation for his journey by repeating "I'm playin' in the band, give the boy a hand," further highlighting his contentment with the path he has chosen. The lyrics also touch on the uncertainty that comes with choosing a career in music, where the singer ran away from home and hopes he never gets over the feeling he has known. In essence, Playin' In The Band is a celebration of the freedom and fulfillment that comes with pursuing a passion, even when it feels uncertain.


Line by Line Meaning

I could have been a rambler
I had the opportunity to lead a wandering lifestyle


Don't want to be alone
I didn't want to be isolated from others


I might have been a gambler
I had the potential to take risks in life


But I done stayed at home
Instead, I chose to remain in one place and not venture out


I had a good thing goin'
I had established a successful career in music


A-playin' my guitar
By playing my instrument, I was able to make a living and achieve a level of success


I had no way of knowin'
I couldn't have predicted how far my music career would take me


That I would get this far,
I never imagined achieving the level of success that I currently have


I'm playin' in the band
I am currently a member of a musical group


Give the boy a hand
Acknowledging the hard work and talent that went into my music career


All across the land
My music is being heard and enjoyed by people all over the country


Now I'm a rock 'n' roller
I am now recognized as a musician who performs rock and roll music


I ran away from home
I left my childhood home to pursue my musical dreams


I hope I don't get over
I don't want to lose the passion and drive that led me to pursue music in the first place


This feelin' I have known
The thrill and excitement that comes with performing music is something I am familiar with


There's always in the meantime,
While waiting for something new to happen, there is always something to occupy my time


Now boy, that ain't the way
I know that constantly filling time is not the way to achieve long-term success


There's always in between time
Instead, there is value in taking time to reflect and plan for the future


That's where I want to stay
I strive to find balance between staying busy and taking time to focus on personal growth




Contributed by Carson N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

j. tw

I saw the Stampeders play at the Calgary Stampede in the late 1970s. This song has withstood the test of time. It still sounds great.

Ed Driver

damn right it does !!!

JEFF REID

Just saw them play this live last week in North Bay. When Ronnie sang the line, "now I'm a rock and roller" he ripped off a wicked rock lick and slipped right back into the groove like it was nothing. These guys are still great, and really funny and entertaining.

hasslefree

 
A cool sounding song if ever there was.
Why is it there are very few bands now a days that can come up with simple but inspiring music such as this.

hasslefree

@Ed Driver
Some hip hop is OK.
Most Rap is irritating to listen to.
But I have listened to Rap music evolve in respect to the many variations of what is still argued as being under the Rap Music Genre.
Some Hillbilly Rap or Southern Rap or Country Rap is interesting with some catchy and creative lyrics and instrumentals that will entertain you and have you reevaluating what is known as Rap Music and all the possibilities.
Cheers

Ed Driver

@hasslefree ........... and that HIP HOP sgyt

hasslefree

I blame it on Rap Music...lol

Coach Rob Wille

Yes great song

Jeff

These boys make me proud to be a Canuckian representing in the U.S. of A.

Ed Driver

the trumpets make the song .............

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