Skid Row
Victoria Bailey Lyrics
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Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and Dwight Yokhams town
and all this time you thought you had to be from the South
to get a little respect for your country sound
I’m tired as hell Angelenos
But I’m gonna walk your roads
Thank God for that one Honky Tonk Bar down on skid row
It’s where Buck met his friend, that old Dusty Roades
In Bakersfield where he called his car his home
It was 1951, when the Oakies were born
And they were playin that Western swing until the break of morn’
I’m tired as hell Angelenos
But I’m gonna walk your roads
Thank God for that one Honky Tonk Bar down on skid row
We may have lost some of those early pioneers
But I can still hear Ralph Mooney pickin’ that Pedal Steel
I might have grown up in the West
But I still can tack a horse
And i’ll ride her down Sunset Boulevard
I’m tired as hell Angelenos
But I’m gonna walk your roads
Thank God for that one Honky Tonk Bar down on skid row
The song "Skid Row" by Victoria Bailey is a tribute to country music's Bakersfield sound, referencing influential artists like Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, and Dwight Yoakam. Through the lyrics, Bailey challenges the assumption that country music only comes from the South and highlights the importance of Bakersfield's contribution to the genre. She mentions the struggles of the Oakies, who migrated to California during the Great Depression and helped shape the Western swing sound of the Bakersfield scene.
The chorus of the song focuses on a honky-tonk bar on skid row. Bailey references Buck Owens' friendship with Dusty Roades and their meeting in a car that Owens called his home. This bar represents the heart of the Bakersfield sound, where the early pioneers played Western swing until the break of dawn. Bailey admires the resilience and dedication of those musicians who played their music in the face of adversity.
Overall, "Skid Row" is a homage to the Bakersfield sound and the dedication, talent, and tenacity of its early pioneers. Bailey's lyrics remind listeners that country music has a deeply rooted history in California, just as much as it does in the South.
Line by Line Meaning
Have you ever heard of the Bakersfield sound
Are you aware of the unique musical style that originated in Bakersfield, California?
Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and Dwight Yokhams town
These country music legends hail from Bakersfield.
and all this time you thought you had to be from the Southto get a little respect for your country sound
Many people believe that country music must come from the Southern United States to be considered legitimate.
I’m tired as hell Angelenos
I'm exhausted from living in Los Angeles.
But I’m gonna walk your roads
Despite my fatigue, I will continue to navigate this city.
Thank God for that one Honky Tonk Bar down on skid row
I am grateful for the one bar on Skid Row that plays the type of music I enjoy.
It’s where Buck met his friend, that old Dusty Roades
Buck Owens met his friend Dusty Roades at that same Honky Tonk Bar.
In Bakersfield where he called his car his home
Buck Owens lived in his car while playing music in Bakersfield.
It was 1951, when the Oakies were born
The Oakies, a group of musicians associated with the Bakersfield sound, came together in 1951.
And they were playin that Western swing until the break of morn’
They played a style of music called Western swing all night long.
We may have lost some of those early pioneers
Some of the early musicians who popularized the Bakersfield sound have passed away.
But I can still hear Ralph Mooney pickin’ that Pedal Steel
I can still hear the distinctive sound of Ralph Mooney playing the Pedal Steel guitar.
I might have grown up in the West
I was raised in the Western United States.
But I still can tack a horse
I know how to prepare a horse for riding.
And i’ll ride her down Sunset Boulevard
I am willing to ride my horse anywhere, even down the famous Sunset Boulevard.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Victoria Bailey
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@HoldYourBreat4
Liking that sound… I lived on Beach & PCH for a while… happy to be in the south again
@caaront
Awesome Victoria, I love it.
@johnanthonyhampton
Nice Victoria!