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Introduction
“Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight” by The Oak Ridge Boys is one of those songs that sweeps you up, drops you in the middle of a vivid story, and doesn’t let you go until you’ve felt every twist and turn. This song is a perfect blend of storytelling, rhythm, and emotion—one that makes you feel like you’re right there with the protagonist, heading down the road to leave everything behind in the bright light of day.
What’s striking about this track is its energy. There’s something unstoppable in the tempo, an almost reckless spirit woven into every line. It captures that wild, impulsive feeling of escaping troubles, running from something that can’t quite be seen but can surely be felt. Written by Rodney Crowell and Donivan Cowart, “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight” dives deep into the emotions of someone desperate to break free, balancing a sense of hope and freedom with a hint of danger. There’s a thrill in the verses as we hear about a world filled with characters, crooked deals, and quick escapes—the kind of world that could be just as thrilling as it is treacherous.
When the Oak Ridge Boys got ahold of this song, they took it to a whole new level. Known for their distinctive harmonies and unmatched energy, the group injects an incredible liveliness into each lyric. Their voices build off each other, creating a sound that feels as full of life as the story itself. The result is a tune that doesn’t just tell a story—it feels like an experience in itself, like a window into another life. Listening to it, you can practically feel the Louisiana heat and picture the dusty roads and swampy backdrops where the story unfolds.
The song has become a staple for The Oak Ridge Boys, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a perfect vehicle for their vocal range, their harmonies, and their knack for spinning tales with their music. The song was released during a time when country music was embracing the outlaw themes that spoke to rebellion, freedom, and grit, and “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight” fits right into that legacy. It’s a song about running away, but it’s also about survival, about doing whatever it takes to make it out and move on.
And it’s that raw, adventurous spirit that resonates with so many listeners. Who hasn’t felt the urge to just pack up and leave, to hit the road and see where it takes you? This song captures that universal feeling in a way that only country music can—down-to-earth, unfiltered, and full of heart. When The Oak Ridge Boys sing this song, it’s like they’re giving you permission to let loose, to take risks, and maybe, just maybe, to run toward something better.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of The Oak Ridge Boys or new to this classic, “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight” is the kind of song that invites you to listen closely, to let the story and the music take you along for the ride. It’s a reminder of the freedom that comes with stepping out into the unknown, even if you’re not sure where you’ll end up. With its lively beat and unforgettable lyrics, this track is bound to make you want to hit the road—or at least dream of doing so.
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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