The bottom line’s been snortedThe bottom card’s been dealtNo one knows like you know right nowHow truly bad it felt
Ever since I posted the Canadian band The Blue Shadows I’ve been in an Americana listening mood. I was looking for more alt-country or Americana bands and this one popped up. It’s not one of their singles but as you know…I don’t care about that. I liked its feel and mood right away.
There was something REALLY familiar with this song but I couldn’t put my finger on it but then I found out. While touring through central Illinois, lead singer Rhett Miller began writing new lyrics to familiar melodies during long drives without his guitar. Inspired by a road sign for Champaign, he penned new words to the Bob Dylan song Desolation Row, resulting in this song Champaign, Illinois.
Initially, the band performed the song live but would not record it due to copyright concerns. However, through their manager’s connection with Dylan’s managing team, they obtained Dylan’s approval to release the song, with Miller and Dylan sharing songwriting credits. The song came out in 2010 on The Grand Theatre, Volume One.
The band formed in Dallas, Texas, in 1993. They were a big part of the alt-country genre, blending country, rock, and even punk influences. They are still going strong today. They just released an album last year called American Primitive.
A TRIVIA question. Without searching…can you guess what famous rock band is from Champaign, Illinois?
Champaign, Illinois
The bottom line’s been snortedThe bottom card’s been dealtNo one knows like you know right nowHow truly bad it felt
All your life you wastedOn dreamin’ about the day,Worker bees kill off their queenand carry all her eggs away
Oh and if you die fearin’ GodAnd painfully employedYou will not go to heaven,You’ll go to Champaign, Illinois
Up north in ChicagoWhere booze makes no one blushMemories come back to youIn a double bourbon rush
But memories aren’t all badYeah and neither, my friend, are youthere is an argument there must be some heaven leftfor hearts that are half true
Oh and if you spend your whole lifeDriving horses into TroyYou will not go to heavenYou’ll go to Champaign, Illinois
No you will not go to heavenYou’ll go to Champaign, Illinois
Roll on blacktop highwayIn circles towards the sunSpringfield’s in the distance,and that’s the last big one
After that comes judgment,Yeah and judgment will be swiftYou will be eliminated,But here’s a parting gift:
Oh and if you die fearing GodAnd painfully employedNo you will not go to heavenYou’ll go to Champaign, Illinois
No you will not go to heavenYou’ll go to Champaign, Illinois
No you will not go to heavenYou’ll go to Champaign, Illinois
…
PowerPop... An Eclectic Collection of Pop Culture 