As a chronicler and troubadour, Ovans has trod a rough and ragged musical path across the States. In the early '70s in New York City he walked the walk with a junked-out Tim Hardin and knocked-out loaded Phil Ochs. Over the years he has drifted, been homeless, stood proud, lain low, dug deep but always moved on.
Following stints on the east coast, west coast, a short spell in New Orleans and 18 long years in Nashville, Tom Ovans landed in Austin, Texas, six years ago with his painter wife Lou Ann Bardash. Together, they continue to live on the edge, away from the spotlight, fame or glare. He only rarely gigs or tours.
A self-taught musician, Ovans released his first album, 'Industrial Days,' in 1991. Attracting increasingly widespread respect and acclaim, an impressive series of raw and gritty, moving and inspired albums followed. 'Dead South' in 1997 was his first masterpiece, 1999's 'The Beat Trade' was even better. 'Tombstone Boys, Graveyard Girls' in 2003 probably topped the lot. For Ovans, integrity counts over success. He don't wave no flags for no-one, doesn't preach to the choir, and never chooses easy.
Darlin'
Tom Ovans Lyrics
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And your mama's copper kettles
Darlin'
Tell me about front porch swings
Old songs that grandpa sings
Darlin'
Tell me about them swimming holes
Fields where wildflowers grow
Darlin'
Darlin', Darlin'
Pour me one more drink
Darlin', Darlin'
I think I'm on the brink
Of loving you Darlin'
I could tell you of city streets
Hungry kids and tired feet
Darlin'
How a man has to beg for a dime
A place where love is often a crime
Darlin'
Where the skies are smoky gray
Life just gets in the way
But please go on talking to me
Darlin'
Darlin', Darlin'
Pour me one more drink
Darlin', Darlin'
I think I'm on the brink
Of loving you Darlin'
There's a shop in Paris France
That sells dresses for romancing
Darlin'
Snow covered Alps in Switzerland
Big gala party with a band that swings
Darlin'
A festival in Brazil
Lovers dancing on a hill
I know a way we can get there still
Darlin'
Darlin', Darlin'
Pour me one more drink
Darlin', Darlin'
I think I'm on the brink
Of loving you Darlin'
In the first verse, the singer is asking their partner to share stories about their upbringing and the nostalgic elements of their rural surroundings. They want to hear about the peaceful country meadows, the old-fashioned copper kettles that remind them of home, and the simple pleasure of swinging on a front porch. The singer reassures their partner that they will listen attentively and show genuine interest in their stories.
The chorus repeatedly addresses the partner affectionately as "Darlin'." It seems that the singer is already deeply infatuated with their partner, as they request another drink, suggesting they are trying to drown their overwhelming feelings of love. They feel like they are on the edge of falling completely and hopelessly in love with their partner.
In the second verse, the focus shifts to a more urban setting. The singer talks about the harsh realities of city life, where poverty is rampant and people struggle to make ends meet. They describe begging for a dime and love being challenged and scarce in this environment. The skies are depicted as "smoky gray," indicating a gloomy and polluted atmosphere. Despite the somber tone, the singer implores their partner to continue sharing their experiences, showing that they are genuinely interested in their perspective.
The chorus is repeated once more, emphasizing the singer's increasing feelings of love and their intoxication with these emotions.
In the final verse, the singer takes their partner on a poetic journey around the world. They mention a shop in Paris that sells romantic dresses and the snowy Alps in Switzerland. The mention of a big gala party with a swinging band creates an image of a lively and joyful celebration. They also evoke a festival in Brazil, where lovers dance on a hill. These descriptions are meant to express the singer's desire to experience these romantic and exciting adventures with their partner. Despite the distance, the singer believes that they can still find a way to take this journey together.
The chorus is repeated for the last time, emphasizing the singer's intense emotions and their realization that they are on the verge of completely falling in love with their partner.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell me about your country meadows
Share with me the beauty of the rural landscapes in your homeland
And your mama's copper kettles
Describe to me the sentimental value of your mother's cherished copper kettles
Tell me about front porch swings
Enlighten me about the nostalgic experiences of sitting on front porch swings
Old songs that grandpa sings
Reveal to me the treasured memories of your grandfather's melodies
Tell me about them swimming holes
Recount the joyful moments spent in refreshing swimming holes
Fields where wildflowers grow
Paint a picture of the vibrant fields adorned with blooming wildflowers
I promise I'll be listening to you
Rest assured, I will attentively lend you my ears
Darlin'
My dear
Darlin', Darlin'
Oh, my dear, my dear
Pour me one more drink
Kindly serve me another beverage
I think I'm on the brink
I believe I am on the verge
Of loving you Darlin'
Of falling deeply in love with you, my dear
I could tell you of city streets
Allow me to share stories of the bustling urban streets
Hungry kids and tired feet
The struggles of hungry children and weary feet
How a man has to beg for a dime
The unfortunate reality of men having to beg for a small amount of money
A place where love is often a crime
In a locale where love is frequently deemed unlawful
Where the skies are smoky gray
Amidst skies tainted with a smoky shade of gray
Life just gets in the way
Life simply becomes an obstacle
But please go on talking to me
Nevertheless, please continue conversing with me
There's a shop in Paris France
In Paris, France, there exists a shop
That sells dresses for romancing
Specializing in dresses designed for romantic encounters
Snow covered Alps in Switzerland
The majestic snow-covered Alps in Switzerland
Big gala party with a band that swings
An extravagant celebration featuring an exuberant swinging band
A festival in Brazil
A festive event staged in Brazil
Lovers dancing on a hill
Where adoring couples dance on a picturesque hill
I know a way we can get there still
I am aware of a method that can lead us to such places
Pour me one more drink
Kindly serve me another beverage
I think I'm on the brink
I believe I am on the verge
Of loving you Darlin'
Of falling deeply in love with you, my dear
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: TOM OVANS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind