The band, whose name is derived from the bumpy Oklahoma toll-roads and their hard lived folk singing heroes, are proof that isolation can be the mother of originality. Cutting their teeth in roadside dance halls and honky-tonks has made a serious impact on the band’s musical style, which walks the line between Woody Guthrie and Waylon Jennings. “Bossier City,” the band’s debut album, is testament to the small towns in which they were raised. It combines Folk, Country, Cajun, and Bluegrass with stories of longing, humor, tragedy, and general life in rural America.
Breaking down traditional barriers between the audience and the stage is something in which they excel. Fast, gritty, and often drenched in beer, the Troubadours perform to both their fans and new audience members with an genuine sincerity about them. They continually gather ground both literally and figuratively as they travel up, down, and across the Midwest.
Their follow-up album, “Diamonds & Gasoline”, was release 2010 with veteran producer and songwriter Mike McClure and legend Joe Hardy (ZZ-Top, Steve Earle). They relentlessly play shows in Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Texas.
Evan Felker - Lead Vocals, Acoustic
R.C. Edwards - Bass, Backing Vocals
Kyle Nix - Fiddle, Backing Vocals
Ryan Engleman - Lead Guitar
Giovanni Carnuccio - Drums, Backing Vocals
Quit While I'm Ahead
Turnpike Troubadours Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Since there aint no peaches falling from the tree that I've been shaking
And it′s solitary sleeping in this bed that I've been making
Well maybe I should quit while I'm ahead
Well my intent was being handed I never laid a hand
And the kindness of my gesture was a good far cry from grand
They were awful well intended, they were all that I can stand
Ah maybe I should quit while I′m ahead
And now darlin if I called you, could you love me like a kid
Could you love me like you loved me way back when you really did
Well Darlin if I called you could you just pick up the phone
Lord, I′ve been dancing with damnation and I'm drinking all alone
And I am busted broke and bent and beat and ′bout halfway to dead
Ah maybe I should quit while I'm ahead, oh Lord, well maybe I should quit while I′m ahead
Well West Texas in the morning, little darling are you down
And if I told you how I felt, well you'd say boy get out of town
Well maybe I should quit while I′m ahead
Chorus 2:
Now darlin if I called you, could you love me like a kid
Could you love me like you loved me way back when you really did
Well Darlin if I called you would you even talk to me
When I am lit up like a star atop your favorite Christmas tree
And I am busted broke and bent and beat and 'bout half way to dead
Ah maybe I should quit while im ahead, oh Lord well maybe I should quit while I'm ahead
Chorus 1:
Now darlin if I called you, could you love me like a kid
Could you love me like you loved me way back when you really did
Well Darlin if I called you could you just pick up the phone
Lord, ive been dancing with damnation and I′m drinking all alone
And I am busted broke and bent and beat and ′bout half way to dead
Ah maybe I should quit while I'm ahead, oh lord well maybe I should quit while I′m ahead
In the lyrics of Turnpike Troubadours's song "Quit While I'm Ahead," the singer reflects on his past experiences and current struggles, contemplating whether it may be time to walk away from a situation before things get worse. The opening lines convey a sense of disillusionment and resignation, as the singer acknowledges that he may have missed out on opportunities and finds himself in a situation that is far from ideal. He compares his efforts to shaking a tree for peaches, only to find none falling – suggesting that his attempts at finding success or happiness have been unfruitful.
The singer then reflects on a past gesture he made, emphasizing that despite his good intentions, it may not have been as impactful or grand as he had hoped. This realization leads him to wonder if it's best to stop pushing forward and instead consider quitting while he's ahead. The repetition of the phrase "maybe I should quit while I'm ahead" in the chorus highlights his internal struggle and the uncertainty he feels about his current path.
The chorus delves into themes of love and nostalgia, as the singer longingly wonders if a past love interest could still care for him as they once did. He questions whether they could love him like they used to, capturing a sense of yearning for a connection that may have faded over time. The imagery of being "dancing with damnation" and "drinking all alone" paints a picture of despair and loneliness, further fueling his contemplation of giving up before things deteriorate further.
As the song progresses, the singer mentions West Texas and alludes to a conversation with someone who may not appreciate his feelings. He considers the possibility of quitting while he's ahead once again, as he grapples with uncertainties and doubts about his future. The repetition of the choruses and the refrain to quit while he's ahead underscores the inner turmoil and self-reflection that the singer is experiencing, ultimately leaving the listener with a poignant portrayal of someone grappling with their past, present, and potential future.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I wont lie and say I didn′t think the good ones all were taken
I have to be honest and admit that I believed all the good people had already been taken
Since there aint no peaches falling from the tree that I've been shaking
There are no easy opportunities coming my way despite my efforts
And it′s solitary sleeping in this bed that I've been making
I am facing the consequences of my actions alone in this situation
Well maybe I should quit while I'm ahead
Perhaps it's time for me to stop before things get worse
Well my intent was being handed I never laid a hand
I meant well but didn't follow through with my actions
And the kindness of my gesture was a good far cry from grand
My attempt at being kind fell far short of what was needed
They were awful well intended, they were all that I can stand
Despite good intentions, it was all I could handle
Ah maybe I should quit while I′m ahead
Perhaps it's best for me to stop before it gets any worse
And now darlin if I called you, could you love me like a kid
If I reached out to you now, could you care for me the same as before
Could you love me like you loved me way back when you really did
Would you still have the same love for me as you once did
Well Darlin if I called you could you just pick up the phone
If I tried to contact you, would you even answer
Lord, I′ve been dancing with damnation and I'm drinking all alone
I have been dealing with serious consequences and drinking alone
And I am busted broke and bent and beat and ′bout halfway to dead
I am completely broken and worn out, nearing the end
Well West Texas in the morning, little darling are you down
Thinking about you in the morning in West Texas, are you feeling the same
And if I told you how I felt, well you'd say boy get out of town
If I expressed my feelings, you would likely dismiss them
Now darlin if I called you, could you love me like a kid
If I reached out to you now, could you care for me the same as before
Could you love me like you loved me way back when you really did
Would you still have the same love for me as you once did
Well Darlin if I called you would you even talk to me
If I tried to contact you, would you even engage in conversation
When I am lit up like a star atop your favorite Christmas tree
Even in my most shining state, would I still be special to you
Ah maybe I should quit while im ahead
Perhaps it's best for me to stop before things get worse
Oh Lord well maybe I should quit while I'm ahead
Perhaps it's best for me to stop before things get worse
Writer(s): Evan Felker
Contributed by Aaliyah T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Stuart
on Down on Washington
The song is literally about the drunk narrator falling in love with a stripper/prostitute... No more depth than that. "Awkward occupation", "steal you... if the choice were up to me", "what's a poor boy to do?" The effort is appreciated though!