Detour

Patti Page

About Detour

"Detour (There's A Muddy Road Ahead)" is a Western swing ballad written by Paul Westmoreland in 1945. The original version was by Jimmy Walker with Paul Westmoreland and His Pecos River Boys, issued around the beginning of November 1945. The title comes from the repetition of detour in the chorus: Written in the first person, the song tells of the singer's regrets for the choices made in life. Spade Cooley (Columbia 36935), with Tex Williams on vocals, had a big hit with it in 1946, spending 11 weeks on the country charts, reaching number two. Other artist scoring big with the song in 1946 included Wesley Tuttle, number three Elton Britt, number five, and Foy Willing, number six. A well-known version of the song was the popular recording by Patti Page in 1951. It was released by Mercury Records as catalog number 5682, and first entered the Billboard chart on August 4, 1951, staying for 16 weeks and peaking at number five. Notable cover versions were recorded by Bill Haley & His Comets for the album Haley's Juke Box (1960; not released as a single), Ella Fitzgerald with Herb Ellis, Dean Martin on his 1965 album Houston and an Instrumental version by Duane Eddy, on his album Have 'Twangy' Guitar Will Travel (1958). 


Year:
2005
1:58
54 
#1

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Detour, there's a muddy road ahead, detour
Paid no mind to what it said
Detour, oh these bitter things I find,
Should have read
That detour sign

Headed down life's crooked road, lots of things I never knowed
Because of me not knowin', I now pine
Trouble got in the trail, spent the next 5 years in jail
Should have read (should have read) that detour sign

Detour, there's a muddy road ahead, detour
Paid no mind to what it said
Detour, oh these bitter things I find,
Should have read
That detour sign

When I got right to the place where it said "About Face"
I thought that all my worries were behind
But the farther I go, more sorrow I know
Should have read (should have read)
That detour sign

Detour, there's a muddy road ahead, detour
Paid no mind to what it said
Detour, oh these bitter things I find,
Should have read
That detour sign

When I got stuck in the mud all my hopes dropped with a thud
I guess that my heart strings are made of twine
Have no willpower to get from the hole that I'm in yet
Should have read (should have read) that detour sign

Detour, there's a muddy road ahead, detour
Paid no mind to what it said
Detour, oh these bitter things I find,
Should have read
That detour sign

Should have read that detour sign
Should have read that detour sign (that detour sign)

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Patti Page

Clara Ann Fowler (born November 8, 1927), known by her professional name Patti Page, is an American singer, one of the best-known female artists in traditional pop music. She was the best-selling female artist of the 1950s, and has sold over 100 million records. Her nickname is The Singin' Rage (a phrase commonly followed by "Miss Patti Page"). more »

3 fans

Written by: PAUL WESTMORELAND

Lyrics © Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Original Creator
"Detour" was originally recorded by country music singer Paul Westmoreland in 1945. It was later covered by multiple artists, including Bill Haley, Patti Page, and Dean Martin.
Bill Haley Version
Bill Haley and His Comets recorded their version of "Detour" in 1956, between their hits "Rock Around the Clock" and "See You Later, Alligator." This version adds a rock-and-roll sound to the country classic.
Dean Martin Version
Dean Martin, known for his smooth crooning vocals, covered "Detour" in 1951. His rendition showcased a more swing-influenced, pop style as opposed to Westmoreland's and Haley's versions.
Patti Page Version
Patti Page's version of "Detour" came out in 1951 and went on to become a major hit. Unlike the others, Page's cover of the song includes a lush orchestral accompaniment.
Haley's Signature
The Bill Haley version of "Detour" is notable for incorporating the band's signature rock and roll twist and energetic performances, making it more relatable to youngsters at that time.
High Chart Performance
Patti Page's melodious version of "Detour" did exceptionally well on the Billboard charts, climbing up to the No.5 spot.
Diverse Genres
The fact that "Detour" was covered by a rock-and-roll band (Bill Haley and His Comets), a pop crooner (Dean Martin), and a pop-country singer (Patti Page) illustrates the song's broad appeal across diverse musical genres.
Award-winning Version
Patti Page's version was recognized for its excellence, earning her a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 2002.
Staying Power
Despite being originated in 1945, "Detour" remains popular and continues to be covered by artists even today, clearly showcasing its timeless appeal.
A Part of Martin's Album
Dean Martin's version of "Detour" is a part of his 1965 album "Houston", showcasing the song's wide use across different years in the music industry.

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