About the song
Steve Earle’s debut studio album, “Guitar Town,” released on March 5, 1986, marked a significant milestone in country music history. A blend of rock-infused country, the album quickly ascended to the top of the Billboard country charts and established Earle as a formidable singer-songwriter. Recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, using cutting-edge digital technology, “Guitar Town” showcased Earle’s distinctive voice and lyrical prowess across its ten tracks, each penned or co-written by Earle himself.
The album’s title track became a standout hit, reaching number 7 on the country singles charts and solidifying Earle’s reputation as a skilled storyteller. His exploration of themes like hard living in the Reagan-era America resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. Earle’s work on “Guitar Town” earned him nominations for Best Male Country Vocalist and Best Country Song at the 1987 Grammy Awards, underscoring its critical acclaim and commercial success.
Over the years, “Guitar Town” has continued to garner accolades and recognition. In 2003, Rolling Stone included it on their prestigious list of the 500 greatest albums of all time, reaffirming its enduring impact on music history. Its raw energy and narrative depth have influenced countless artists and reshaped the boundaries of country music.
The album’s legacy extends beyond its initial release, with subsequent accolades such as its inclusion in CMT’s “40 Greatest Albums in Country Music.” In 2016, a 30th Anniversary Edition of “Guitar Town” was released, accompanied by a commemorative tour that celebrated Earle’s enduring contribution to the genre.
Notably, tracks from “Guitar Town” have been covered by artists like Emmylou Harris and The Proclaimers, further cementing its status as a cornerstone of Americana music. With its blend of heartfelt ballads and gritty narratives, “Guitar Town” remains a testament to Steve Earle’s artistry and continues to captivate listeners with its timeless appeal.
Video
Lyrics
Hey pretty baby, are you ready for me
It’s your good rockin’ daddy down from Tennessee
I’m just out of Austin bound for San Antone
With the radio blastin’ and the bird dog on
There’s a speed trap up ahead in Selma Town
But no local yokel gonna shut me down
‘Cause me and my boys got this rig unwound
And we’ve come a thousand miles from a Guitar Town
Nothin’ ever happened ’round my hometown
And I ain’t the kind to just hang around
But I heard someone callin’ my name one day
And I followed that voice down the lost highway
Everybody told me you can’t get far
On 37 dollars and a jap guitar
Now I’m smokin’ into Texas with the hammer down
And a rockin’ little combo from the Guitar Town
Hey pretty baby don’t you know it ain’t my fault
I love to hear the steel belts hummin’ on the asphalt
Wake up in the middle of the night in a truck stop
Stumble in the restaurant wonderin’ why I don’t stop
Well, I gotta keep rockin’ why I still can
Got a two pack habit and a motel tan
When my boots hit the boards I’m a brand new man
With my back to the riser, I make my stand
Hey pretty baby, won’t you hold me tight
I’m loadin’ up and rollin’ out of here tonight
One of these days, I’m gonna settle down
And take you back with me to the Guitar Town