Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight

The Oak Ridge Boys

About Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight

"Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight" is a song written by Rodney Crowell and Donivan Cowart. The song was initially covered by Emmylou Harris (in whose band Crowell had played during the late 1970s), who included it on her 1978 Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town album. The Oak Ridge Boys released the song in December 1979 as the third single from their album The Oak Ridge Boys Have Arrived. "Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight" was The Oak Ridge Boys' second number one country single, remaining at number one for a single week, and spending a total of eleven weeks on the chart.  


Year:
1979
3:01
444 
#4

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Mary took to running with a travelin' man 
Left her momma crying with her head in her hands 
Such a sad case, so broken hearted 
She say, momma, I got to go, gotta get outta here 
I gotta get out of town, I'm tired of hanging around 
I gotta roll on between the ditches 
It's just an ordinary story 'bout the way things go 
'Round and around nobody knows but the highway 
Goes on forever, that ol' highway rolls on forever.

Lord, she never would've done it if she hadn't got drunk 
If she hadn't started running with a travelin' man 
If she hadn't started taking those crazy chances 
She say, daughter, let me tell you 'bout the travelin' kind 
Everywhere he's goin' such a very short time 
He'll be long gone before you know it 
He'll be long gone before you know it.

She say, never have I known it when it felt so good 
Never have I knew it when I knew I could 
Never have I done it when it looked so right 
Leaving Louisiana in the broad daylight.

This is down in the swampland, anything goes 
It's alligator bait and the bars don't close 
It's the real thing down in Louisiana 
Did you ever see a Cajun when he really got mad 
When he really got trouble like a daughter gone bad 
It gets real hot down in Louisiana 
The stranger better move it or he's gonna get killed 
He's gonna have to get it or a shotgun will 
It ain't no time for lengthy speeches 
There ain't no time for lengthy speeches.

She say, never have I known it when it felt so good 
Never have I knew it when I knew I could 
Never have I done it when it looked so right 
Leaving Louisiana in the broad daylight 
It's just an ordinary story

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The Oak Ridge Boys

The Oak Ridge Boys are an American country and gospel vocal quartet. more »

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Written by: DONOVAN COWART, RODNEY CROWELL

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, TRAVELLERS HOLLOW MUSIC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


17 facts about this song

Songwriter Details
"Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight" was written by acclaimed songwriters Rodney Crowell and Donivan Cowart.
Multiple Artists
Three notable music acts have recorded this song - The Oak Ridge Boys, Emmylou Harris, and Rodney Crowell himself.
Oak Ridge Boys' Success
The Oak Ridge Boys' version was the most successful of the three, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1979.
It was also a Single
Rodney Crowell released the song as a single from his 1978 album "Ain't Living Long Like This".
Emmylou's Album
Emmylou Harris included the song in her 1978 album "Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town".
Grammy-Winning Songwriter
Rodney Crowell, one of the song's co-writers, won the 1988 Grammy Award for Best Country Song for writing the Johnny Cash hit "After All This Time."
Topping Country Charts
The song marked the second number-one hit for The Oak Ridge Boys on the country chart.
Multiple Genres
The song crosses several genres including country, pop, and folk.
Song's Popularity
Despite being over 40 years old, the song remains popular and is still played on many classic country radio stations.
The Song's Topic
The song tells the story of a woman who leaves Louisiana, aiming for better opportunities elsewhere.
The Oak Ridge Boys' Recognition
With their rendition of "Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight", The Oak Ridge Boys secured their reputation as one of the leading country vocal groups in the late 20th century.
Memorable Lyrics
The opening line "Mary took to running with a traveling man" is often cited as one of the most memorable lines in country music.
Song Collaboration
Rodney Crowell and Emmylou Harris later collaborated on several other projects, further solidifying their reputation in the country music scene.
Continued Performance
Despite decades passing since its initial release, this song continues to be a staple in the live performances of The Oak Ridge Boys.
Song Interpretations
Critics and the audience have often considered the song as an anthem for female independence and empowerment.
Regular AirPlay
Due to its popularity, the song "Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight" enjoyed regular airplay on country music stations, further boosting the careers of The Oak Ridge Boys and Emmylou Harris.
Subsequent Cover Versions
The song's success has led to its adaption and cover version feats by several other artists in the music industry.

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