“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
There’s something thrilling about a good story of escape, and “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight” by The Oak Ridge Boys captures that sense of urgency and excitement perfectly. From the first note, you’re drawn into a tale of someone on the run, fleeing a situation that’s become too dangerous, too confining. But this isn’t a somber or dark story. Instead, it’s a rollicking, up-tempo anthem filled with the kind of energy that makes you want to hit the road yourself.
What makes this song so special isn’t just the narrative, though that’s part of it. It’s the way The Oak Ridge Boys deliver it—harmonies so tight you can feel the tension and drive behind every word. When the chorus kicks in, it’s impossible not to feel swept up in the momentum. This is one of those songs that grabs you by the hand and pulls you along for the ride, no questions asked.
But let’s take a step back and talk about the story itself. The song tells the tale of a girl who’s forced to flee Louisiana, “in the broad daylight,” no less. The urgency of her escape is clear, but we never learn exactly why she’s running, and that’s part of the magic. Is it love gone wrong? Trouble with the law? Whatever the reason, it leaves enough to the imagination for listeners to fill in the blanks, making the song feel personal no matter who you are.
One of the most compelling aspects of “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight” is its duality. On one hand, it’s a fun, lively tune with infectious rhythm. On the other, there’s a bittersweetness to it. After all, this is a story about leaving behind a place you’ve known—maybe even people you’ve loved—because you simply have no other choice. The line, “Lord, she never knew what she’s gonna find out there, but she sure did leave here in a hurry” speaks to that tension between freedom and uncertainty, a feeling we can all relate to at some point in our lives.
Musically, The Oak Ridge Boys’ performance is electric. Their vocal harmonies have always been their signature, and this song showcases them at their best. The upbeat country rock rhythm paired with those soaring voices gives the song its infectious, almost rebellious feel. You don’t just listen to this song—you feel it. The driving tempo mirrors the urgency of the lyrics, and before you know it, you’re singing along, caught up in the momentum of the story.
What’s interesting is how this song has endured over the years. Released in 1979, it became one of The Oak Ridge Boys’ signature hits, a fan favorite that still gets audiences on their feet during live performances. Its appeal lies in the way it mixes timeless themes—freedom, escape, uncertainty—with a sound that’s both classic and fresh. The song feels like an adventure, and every time you hear it, you’re reminded of the thrill of taking a leap into the unknown, even if it’s a little scary.
In a way, “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight” is more than just a song. It’s a reminder that sometimes, when things get too heavy, when the world seems to close in, it’s okay to pack up and leave, to chase after the unknown. There’s power in that decision, and The Oak Ridge Boys capture it perfectly.
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