Billy Sherill changed one additional lyric, from 'cowboys, queers and Christians.'
Lacy's cut made it to #2, that it wasn't #1 seems impossible. Was explained to me by a music type, very few country consumers know what 16th Avenue is. Close friend, you'd know his name, wife did needlepoint of the lyrics, that's how authentic he thinks it is.
I recently discovered the verse that he sings that hasn't been included on subsequent versions: "Some will make a million, and others just get by . . .".
The verse ends with "In terms of songs the world belongs to 16th Avenue". Versions by Lacy J Dalton and Sunny Sweeny don't use it. Even Thom's later performances don't have the verse.
he worked there at a house on 16th. ave.construction or handyman for eddie rabbit's group thats where he was discovered by the office mangr./secretary she heard one of his tapes when he left it on the counter one day at lunch.She told the big boy's about him and tha's when he was discovered as a singer song writer on 16th AVE.
In musical terms, a "turnaround" is an instrumental part at the end of a phrase or section that leads it into another (similar) section. It is sometimes repeated to tie parts of a song together.
When he says "turnaround", it is probably from the "scratch" vocal, and is telling the band which part comes next. (the "turnaround")
Notice that after he says it, it is always followed by the walking-down repetition of the song's "intro".
Correction: "Nashville is Rough on the Living." :-)
BaronEmpain 4 months ago
One of the best, most honest songs about fame and songwriting ever done.
It's a pity it's been sanitized over the years; the original lyrics are so cutting and true.
Thom sang it on the "Homecoming" songwriters show, and he didn't include the "some will make a million..." line.
If you have to be remembered for one song only, it's good that it is a masterpiece.
This one and "Nashville is Hard on the Living" are perfect bookends.
Thanks for posting this.
BaronEmpain 4 months ago
Billy Sherill changed one additional lyric, from 'cowboys, queers and Christians.'
Lacy's cut made it to #2, that it wasn't #1 seems impossible. Was explained to me by a music type, very few country consumers know what 16th Avenue is. Close friend, you'd know his name, wife did needlepoint of the lyrics, that's how authentic he thinks it is.
ledearn 6 months ago
I recently discovered the verse that he sings that hasn't been included on subsequent versions: "Some will make a million, and others just get by . . .".
The verse ends with "In terms of songs the world belongs to 16th Avenue". Versions by Lacy J Dalton and Sunny Sweeny don't use it. Even Thom's later performances don't have the verse.
2r3e4p7 7 months ago
you won't believe me, i've searched for this version for over 20 yrs. u don't know how happy i am. thanks a million!!
bijupadamadan 10 months ago
@bijupadamadan, @nebraskacouger - me tooo ! m happy tht i found it !!!
kartzrip 9 months ago
My friend, I have searched for this song for 12 years and I'm hearing it now believe me, You have made me happy, Thanks for the post
nebraskacouger 1 year ago
Thanks so much for this find!!
ruralvoice 1 year ago
This is one of my very favorite hidden-gem albums. It is absolutely long out of print. I've tried to protect mine as long as I could.
tluerman 1 year ago
he worked there at a house on 16th. ave.construction or handyman for eddie rabbit's group thats where he was discovered by the office mangr./secretary she heard one of his tapes when he left it on the counter one day at lunch.She told the big boy's about him and tha's when he was discovered as a singer song writer on 16th AVE.
joewrstler 1 year ago
This song is fabulous. I thought that Lacy J. Dalton's cover was teriffic but there is nothing like the real deal. It is real poetry, perfect.
I get the whole song but what is the repeated line "turn around" all about?
rhjaeger 1 year ago
@rhjaeger
In musical terms, a "turnaround" is an instrumental part at the end of a phrase or section that leads it into another (similar) section. It is sometimes repeated to tie parts of a song together.
When he says "turnaround", it is probably from the "scratch" vocal, and is telling the band which part comes next. (the "turnaround")
Notice that after he says it, it is always followed by the walking-down repetition of the song's "intro".
tluerman 1 year ago
@tluerman
Thanks for the music lesson. "Turnaround" makes perfect sense now.
rhjaeger 1 year ago
Cool, I never knew a earlier version was out there. Once again thanks for finding these rare gems.
BensonNE 1 year ago