Long Line Rider
Bobby Darin
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Wettin' it down, boss Wet it down Wipin' it off, boss Wipe it off. Doin' ten to twenty hard Swingin' twelve pounds in the yard Every day Every day. I came in with a group of twenty There ain't left but half as many In the clay In the clay. Long line rider, turn away. There's a farm in Arkansas Got some secrets in its floor In decay In decay. You can tell where they're at Nothin' grows, the ground is flat Where they lay Where they lay. Long line rider, turn away. All the records show so clear Not a single man was here Anyway Anyway. That's the tale the warden tells As he counts his empty shells By the day By the day. Hey, long line rider, turn away. Somone screams investigate 'scuse me sir it's a little late Let us pray Let us pray. This kinda thing can't happen here 'specially not in an election year Outta my way Outta my way. Hey, long line rider, turn away. There's a funny taste in the air Big bulldozers everywhere Diggin' clay Turnin' clay. And the ground coughs up some roots Wearin' denim shirts and boots Haul 'em away Haul 'em away. Hey, long line rider, turn away. Well I heard a brother moan Why they plowin' up my home In this way In this way. I said, buddy, shake your gloom They're just here to make more room In the clay. U.S.A.
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12 facts about this song
Musical Genre"Long Line Rider" is a song that falls under the folk rock genre, which largely dominated the 1960s music scene.
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ArtistThe song is performed by Bobby Darin, an American singer, songwriter, and actor who gained recognition with a wide range of styles that included genres like pop, jazz, folk, and country.
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Album"Long Line Rider" is from Bobby Darin's 1969 album, called "Directions."
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Social CommentaryThe song is notable for its profound social commentary. It painted a picture of the injustices rampant in the Cummins State Farm prison in Gould, Arkansas and acted as a powerful condemnation of the system.
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CompositionThe song was written by Bobby Darin himself, showing off his skill as a lyricist in addition to being a singer.
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Impact"Long Line Rider" was critical in exposing the inhumane conditions inmates were living under in the mentioned prison, making the public aware and leading to further investigation.
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ReceptionThe song received favorable reviews for Darin's powerful and emotive vocal performance, as well as for the brutally honest lyrics.
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RecognitionThe song is considered one of Darin's most powerful and politically charged songs.
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Historical ContextFor its open indictment of prison conditions and corruption, it was a stark departure from his earlier, more mainstream hits like "Splish Splash" and "Dream Lover".
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LyricsThe phrase "Long Line Rider" is thought to refer metaphorically to a prisoner working on a chain gang.
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Live Performances"Long Line Rider" was frequently performed live by Darin, including on the "Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." His performances often included an introduction explaining the song's emotional and political message.
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InfluenceThe song solidified Bobby Darin's place in the folk rock genre and showed his commitment to using music as a platform for social activism.
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Citation
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"Long Line Rider Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 11 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/34027525/Bobby+Darin/Long+Line+Rider>.
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