And I’ve got swinging doors a jukebox and a barstool
And my new home has got a flashing neon sign
This is country music I love. I’ve always been a bit jealous of the Country music genre in one area. I’m not sure they still have this but at certain times of year the musicians and artists are out and about and you can meet them. It was really big in Nashville through the years.
It was called Fan Fair. It’s basically like a job fair but with country stars. Can you imagine Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, and others in a building meeting and talking to their fans? How about going up to Bob Dylan and slapping him on the back…” Hey Bob” how are ya? No that would not happen.
I remember this happening in Nashville where you could go and meet Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, and more. Rock and Roll doesn’t have anything like that. Maybe it’s because Country is centered in Nashville where Rock is spread throughout the world? I think it was a great way to spread their music.
In 1966 Merle Haggard traveled to Nashville to record his first-ever collaboration project with The Strangers. They would later on become his backing band. At first, it just didn’t work but Haggard and the band continued. The album ended up with 12 tracks and Swinging Doors was the title track. Haggard wrote all of the tracks on the album. The album peaked at #1 on the Billboard Country Charts. His first number-one album. He would go on to record 66 studio albums and 8 live ones.
The song peaked at #5 on the Billboard Country Charts in 1966. Another song off of this album peaked at #5…The Bottle Let Me Down.
This song takes me back to being a kid. Early morning rides with my dad and him having a country station on.
Swinging Doors
This old smoke-filled bar is something I’m not used to
But if gave up my home to see you satisfied
And I just called to let you know where I’ll be living
It’s not much but I feel welcome here inside
And I’ve got swinging doors a jukebox and a barstool
And my new home has got a flashing neon sign
Stop by and see me anytime you want to
Cause I’m always here at home till closing time
I’ve got everything I need to drive me crazy
I’ve got everything it takes to lose my mind
And in here the atmosphere’s just right for heartaches
And thanks to you I’m always here till closing time
And I’ve got swinging doors a jukebox and a barstool
And my new home has got a flashing neon sign
Stop by and see me anytime you want to
Cause I’m always here at home till closing time
Yeah, I’m always here at home till closing time
…
Discover more from PowerPop... An Eclectic Collection of Pop Culture
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Pretty good song. That Country fest sounds like a good idea. Did they all perform, or just have booths and stand around and talk to people coming by or what?
They did a little of both…hand shaking and yes there were some performances…they broke that barrier down betweet artist and fan…I’m not sure if they still have it now.
I have memories of my dad taking me to the bar with him on weekends. He always gave me quarters to play Shuffle Bowl where you use a hockey puck to knock pins over.
My dad and I were in a few bars together…mostly when I was playing in them…
Curious, do you dig any of that new country rock stuff like Eric Church?
I’ve heard good things about him but I haven’t heard much at all.
Anything out of scope of the country top 10 I would listen to and give a chance.
Great song Max. I hadn’t seen that clip with Dwight. There’s nothing like the connection between Country musicians and their fans.
Dwight really connected with Owens and Haggard. I like how Dwight shuffles to the mic.
He is so cool. Wonderful he carried on their tradition.
Interesting we both have Dwight in our post today!
I was going there next so cool!
Yes! That was just perfect.
Yes back to very start with Merle. He sounds young because he was. The clip with Yoakam still has him in fine voice. The Strangers were such a good band. They could play anything and well. Good stuff Max.
While the city of Bakersfield isn’t among my favorites, these two guys do a lot to make up for it. While I saw each of them, I never got to see them together.
I missed my chance on Merle which I regret. I’ve seen Earl but not Yoakum.
He might have recorded it in Nashville, but that’s all Bakersfield…
Yes it is….I agree.
Proto Country lyrics, a guy with a broken heart and a Bud to cry into, but it isn’t too cloying- which is where too many Country songs goes to, at least for me.
I totally agree with you too many go that way. Merl always had a balance.
You have to listen to “Seeds and Stems Again” by Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen. It is the ultimate crying in your beer song while simultaneously a parody of the genre.
Thanks, Belf, I’ll take a moment to sit back and soak that one in.
As recently as six years ago, I probably would have dismissed “Swinging Doors” as hillbilly music simply because it’s country. I’m really glad I’ve since changed my perspective and finally realized there’s nothing inherently wrong with country. Just like pretty much any other genre, you can find great music there. I like how this song sounds, specially the guitarwork.
The band he had was top notch it really was…oh I didn’t like country when I was in my teens…believe me…but I noticed that it was very close to blues and folk and I started to like it.
Exactly. Plus, in my case, the funny thing is I always liked Johnny Cash who undoubtedly was a country artist. Sometimes genre labels can get you a bit trapped.
Yea but Johnny did cross genres…hell I know heavy metal guys that liked him.
There was just a coolness factor about Cash. And he had a great ability to deliver songs, which I think got even better close to the end of his life. And, yes, you’re also right, he did cross over genres.
He was a rebel also….I think Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, and Willie Nelson can cross genres at time also.
I grew up with this old time country, and an eclectic mix of all music really, and I have my mom to thank for it. Thanks Mom <3
To have them both on stage, and singing harmony with each other, puts me in honky tonk heaven. GREAT SONG and Merle has one of those voices you don’t soon forget, and Dwight is like his younger clone. I love these guys.
Yea I had to include that one…I never knew it happened.
I wonder if those 2 and Buck ever played together?
I would think so yes. I do remember that Merle married Buck’s ex-wife….Bonnie I believe.
Those two were his guys.
Oh wow, that is getting a little too close. I guess Bonnie really liked that Bakersfield sound 🙂
LOL….
p.s. I get a real kick out of the cleverness of the lyrics of the old country tunes. This song is a prime example.