Best known for his wry humor, Snider has been a fixture on the Americana, alt-country, and folk scene since his debut on MCA, entitled Songs for the Daily Planet, named for the bar where Snider used to play regularly in Memphis. On that album were the minor hits "Talkin' Seattle Grunge Rock Blues", a folk song about the early '90's grunge scene, featuring a band that "refused to play", and "Alright Guy", which later became the title cut of Gary Allan's 2001 album.
He released two more albums for MCA, Step Right Up and Viva Satellite, the latter often sparking colorful debate amongst fans for its comparisons to Tom Petty. He moved to John Prine's Oh Boy Records where he made Happy to Be Here, New Connection, Near Truths and Hotel Rooms, and East Nashville Skyline. That Was Me: The Best of Todd Snider 1994–1998 was released on the Hip-O label in August 2005.
Todd Snider's next studio album, The Devil You Know, was released in August 2006. It marked Snider's return to a major label, as he is now recording for New Door Records, a subsidiary of Universal Records.
The Devil You Know was named to several critics' year-end "best" lists, including a No. 33 ranking in Rolling Stone magazine's top 50 albums of the year, a No. 25 ranking by No Depression magazine, and No. 14 by Blender magazine.
Snider's songs "Late Last Night" and "I Believe You" have been recorded by the Oklahoma country-rock band Cross Canadian Ragweed. He co-wrote the song "Barbie Doll" with country star Jack Ingram.
Snider's new album, Peace Queer, is set to be released on October 14th, 2008, and will be available as a free download from Oct. 11 to Oct. 31 at http://www.toddsnider.net/store/product/1/Peace-Queer .
Cowboy Jack Clement's Waltz
Todd Snider Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
AS EVERYONE IS PLAYING IT RIGHT
READ ALL ABOUT IT IN THE THREE QUARTER TIMES
NO COMET EVER BURNED HALF AS BRIGHT
COWBOY JACK CLEMENT BELIEVE YOU ME
SHARP AS A TACK PIANO KEY
THIS TOWN WILL NEVER BE THE SAME
IN SPITE OF WHAT ALL OF THESE EXPERTS MAY SAY
THESE EXPERTS ARE OFTEN TIMES WRONG
IT SHOULDN'T TAKE MORE THAN
THREE OR FOUR MINUTES
TO RECORD YOUR NUMBER ONE SONG
COWBOY JACK CLEMENT I GUARANTEE
SHARP AS A TACK PIANO KEY
THIS TOWN WILL NEVER BE THE SAME
NOW THAT HE'S GONE
BUT THERE'S STILL A LITTLE BIT
OF SHAKING
GOING ON
In the song "Cowboy Jack Clement's Waltz" by Todd Snider, the lyrics speak about the beauty and simplicity of a waltz. The waltz is portrayed as a graceful dance, with the notion that as long as everyone is following the rhythm and playing it right, there is nothing wrong with it. The mention of "three quarter times" refers to the time signature of the waltz, adding to the elegance and traditional feel of the dance. The comparison to a bright comet suggests that a well-executed waltz can be a dazzling and unforgettable experience.
The lyrics then shift focus to the legendary Cowboy Jack Clement, who is described as sharp-witted and talented, likened to a piano key that is always on point. The town is said to never be the same since his passing, highlighting his impact and influence in the music industry. Despite any criticisms from supposed experts, the song reflects the belief that a great song doesn't need to be complicated or lengthy to become a hit, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and simplicity in music creation.
The repetition of the lines emphasizing Cowboy Jack Clement's sharpness and the statement that the town will never be the same without him further underline his significance in the music community. The line "there's still a little bit of shaking going on" could allude to the lingering effects of his presence and the ongoing impact he has left behind even after his passing. It suggests that his legacy continues to reverberate within the music industry, keeping his spirit alive through the music he created and the influence he had on others.
Overall, the lyrics of "Cowboy Jack Clement's Waltz" pay tribute to the timeless appeal of a waltz, celebrate the talent and legacy of Cowboy Jack Clement, and reflect on the enduring impact of a true musical innovator. The song honors the power of simplicity and authenticity in music, and highlights the lasting influence that great musicians like Cowboy Jack Clement have on the industry and those who follow in their footsteps.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: TODD DANIEL SNIDER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind