“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Imagine the sweltering heat of a Southern morning as you drive through winding backroads, Louisiana’s landscape unfolding before you in all its rugged charm. The Oak Ridge Boys’ hit “Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight” perfectly captures this atmosphere with its lively, storytelling style. Originally recorded by Emmylou Harris and later made famous by The Oak Ridge Boys, this song takes listeners on a journey through heartache, love, and escape, all wrapped in the vibrant pulse of Southern country music.
About The Composition
- Title: Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight
- Composer: Rodney Crowell and Donivan Cowart
- Premiere Date: 1978 (original recording by Emmylou Harris)
- Album/Opus/Collection: The Oak Ridge Boys Have Arrived (1979)
- Genre: Country
Background
“Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight” was penned by Rodney Crowell and Donivan Cowart, two figures deeply embedded in the country music scene. The song first appeared on Emmylou Harris’s Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town album in 1978, but it was The Oak Ridge Boys who took it to new heights a year later. As part of their 1979 album The Oak Ridge Boys Have Arrived, the song became a fan favorite and helped to solidify the group’s transition from gospel music into mainstream country success.
The song’s tale of a woman fleeing in broad daylight from a troubled love speaks to themes of freedom, risk, and self-determination, common in the storytelling tradition of country music. Its catchy melody and vivid lyrics allowed it to resonate with audiences who were swept up in the vibrant narratives of Southern life.
Musical Style
The Oak Ridge Boys’ version of “Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight” features the hallmarks of classic country: a lively beat, prominent guitars, and rich vocal harmonies. The arrangement is upbeat and rhythmic, with a steady tempo that feels like it could accompany the very escape the song describes. The use of steel guitars and fiddles gives it a Southern flair, while the band’s signature harmonies add warmth and depth to the narrative. It’s a high-energy song that contrasts with its theme of fleeing love, creating a sense of excitement and urgency.
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrics of “Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight” tell the story of a woman who is “tired of those big city lights” and is running away from a love that has gone sour. The song’s narrative approach is typical of country storytelling, where the themes of escape, danger, and independence are central. The repeated line “this is down in the swampland, anything goes” suggests a lawless, unpredictable environment, adding tension to the story. The music reflects this sense of movement and urgency as the protagonist leaves behind her troubles, quite literally in the broad daylight.
Performance History
After Emmylou Harris recorded the song in 1978, The Oak Ridge Boys’ version in 1979 brought it widespread attention. The group’s energetic performance on the track became a staple of their live shows, often igniting enthusiasm in crowds. Over the years, the song has remained a favorite in their repertoire, showcasing their versatility and ability to bring dynamic harmonies to a wide range of country songs. The Oak Ridge Boys’ version also charted on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles, helping them cement their place in the country music landscape of the late ’70s and early ’80s.
Cultural Impact
“Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight” has become a key part of The Oak Ridge Boys’ legacy, representing their successful shift from gospel into mainstream country. Its infectious energy and vivid storytelling continue to influence other artists who cover it, showcasing the staying power of its themes and melody. The song also serves as an important reminder of Rodney Crowell’s songwriting prowess, as he would go on to become a major figure in country and Americana music.
Legacy
The enduring appeal of “Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight” lies in its ability to tell a compelling story while keeping the energy high. More than four decades after its release, the song still resonates with audiences, both for its musical vibrancy and its timeless themes of love, freedom, and escape. It remains a testament to the versatility of The Oak Ridge Boys and their contribution to the genre of country music.
Conclusion
“Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight” is a song that perfectly marries narrative and rhythm, pulling listeners into the story of a woman on the run, yet leaving them feeling exhilarated rather than heavy-hearted. The Oak Ridge Boys’ harmonies and energy make it a song that continues to live on, inviting new generations of country music lovers to take the journey once again. If you’ve never heard it, start with The Oak Ridge Boys’ live performances—you’ll get a sense of the excitement and joy this song brings every time it’s played.
Video
Lyrics
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