Country Music

Classic Country Music Hits

Country Music

Roy Clark – “Thank God And Greyhound”

“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”

Introduction

Have you ever had a moment where you felt an overwhelming sense of relief and gratitude at someone’s departure? It’s a feeling that Roy Clark masterfully captures in his song “Thank God and Greyhound.” This song, with its humorous yet poignant storytelling, became an anthem for those moments of bittersweet goodbyes. Roy Clark, known for his exceptional guitar skills and engaging personality, delivered this song with a perfect blend of wit and emotion, making it a memorable piece in his repertoire.

About The Composition

  • Title: Thank God and Greyhound
  • Composer: Larry Kingston, Ed Nix
  • Premiere Date: 1970
  • Album/Opus/Collection: I Never Picked Cotton
  • Genre: Country

Background

“Thank God and Greyhound” was released in 1970 as part of Roy Clark’s album “I Never Picked Cotton.” Written by Larry Kingston and Ed Nix, the song narrates the story of a man who feels an unexpected joy when his partner leaves him. The Greyhound bus, a symbol of departure, becomes a metaphor for freedom and relief. When the song was released, it resonated with many listeners who had experienced similar emotions, making it a standout track in Clark’s career. The song’s initial reception was positive, with audiences appreciating its clever lyrics and relatable theme. It holds a special place in Roy Clark’s discography, showcasing his ability to blend humor with heartfelt storytelling.

Musical Style

The musical elements of “Thank God and Greyhound” are quintessentially country, characterized by its straightforward melody, prominent guitar riffs, and Clark’s distinctive vocal delivery. The structure of the song follows a traditional verse-chorus format, allowing the story to unfold seamlessly. The instrumentation is typical of country music from that era, featuring acoustic guitars, bass, drums, and subtle use of steel guitar, which adds a layer of melancholy to the otherwise upbeat tune. Clark’s performance is both lively and emotive, capturing the dual feelings of humor and genuine relief.

Lyrics/Libretto

The lyrics of “Thank God and Greyhound” are a masterclass in storytelling. The song opens with a man recounting the turmoil and strife in his relationship, building up to the climactic moment when his partner leaves. The chorus, “Thank God and Greyhound you’re gone,” is both a sigh of relief and a triumphant declaration of newfound freedom. The themes of liberation and the end of a tumultuous relationship are central to the song, resonating with anyone who has ever felt trapped and then liberated by someone’s departure.

Performance History

“Thank God and Greyhound” has been performed by Roy Clark on numerous occasions, with each performance capturing the song’s blend of humor and poignancy. Notable performances include his appearances on “Hee Haw,” where Clark was a co-host, and various live concerts. The song’s reception has remained positive over the years, with audiences appreciating its timeless theme and Clark’s engaging delivery. It continues to be a favorite in Clark’s repertoire, often requested by fans during his performances.

Cultural Impact

The song’s influence extends beyond the realm of country music, as it has been referenced in various media and covered by other artists. Its relatable theme of bittersweet goodbyes has made it a cultural touchstone, often cited in discussions about humorous yet heartfelt songs. The Greyhound bus, as a symbol of departure, has also been cemented in popular culture partly due to this song. “Thank God and Greyhound” showcases how a simple story, told well, can resonate across different contexts and generations.

Legacy

“Thank God and Greyhound” remains an enduring piece in Roy Clark’s legacy. Its relevance today is evident in the continued appreciation it receives from audiences old and new. The song’s clever lyrics and Clark’s masterful performance ensure that it remains a staple in country music playlists. It continues to touch audiences with its humor and relatability, proving that the themes of liberation and relief are universal and timeless.

Conclusion

“Thank God and Greyhound” is more than just a country song; it’s a narrative that captures a universal human experience with wit and charm. Roy Clark’s performance brings the story to life, making it a memorable and enduring piece. I encourage you to explore this song further, whether through Clark’s original recordings or live performances. Each listen reveals new layers of humor and emotion, making it a delightful and enriching experience.

Video

Lyrics

I’ve made a small fortune
And you squandered it all
You shamed me
Till I feel about one inch tall
But I thought I loved you
And I hoped you would change
So I gritted my teeth
And didn’t complain
Now you come to me
With a simple goodbye
You tell me you’re leaving
But you won’t tell me why
Now we’re here at the station
And you’re getting on
And all I can think of is
Thank God and Greyhound you’re gone!
Thank God and Greyhound you’re gone!
I didn’t know how much longer
I could go on
Watching you take
The respect out of me
Watching you make
A total wreck out of me
That big diesel motor
Is a-playin’ my song
Thank God and Greyhound you’re gone!
Thank God and Greyhound you’re gone!
I didn’t know how much longer
I could go on
Watching you take
The respect out of me
Watching you make
A total wreck out of me
That big diesel motor
Is a-playin’ my song
Thank God and Greyhound you’re gone!
Oh, thank God and Greyhound you’re gone!
That load on my mind got lighter
When you got on
That shiny old bus
Is a beautiful sight
With the black smoke a-rollin’
Up around the tail lights
It may sound kinda cruel
But I’ve been silent too long
Thank God and Greyhound you’re gone!
Thank God and Greyhound you’re gone!

Related Post

Country Music

Brooks & Dunn’s “The Long Goodbye” captures the heart-wrenching reality of a relationship that’s slowly falling apart despite genuine love still lingering between two people, with Ronnie Dunn’s emotional vocals perfectly conveying the pain of knowing when it’s time to walk away even when your heart isn’t ready; originally written by Irish songwriters Paul Brady and Ronan Keating, this poignant country ballad became a #1 hit on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart in 2001 and reached #39 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing the duo’s ability to transform deeply personal emotions into universal experiences; the song’s enduring appeal lies in its honest portrayal of that difficult space between knowing a relationship is over and actually finding the strength to end it, with Dunn himself initially finding Brady’s demo “intimidating” before discovering his own connection to the material; whether you’ve experienced the slow dissolution of a once-promising love or simply appreciate masterful storytelling through music, “The Long Goodbye” remains one of country music’s most authentic explorations of heartbreak that continues to resonate with listeners who understand that sometimes the hardest goodbyes are the ones that take the longest to say.

Country Music

Mo Pitney’s “Country” stands as one of the most authentic explorations of what it truly means to be country, going far beyond the typical clichés to capture the essence of a lifestyle and mindset that resides in the heart rather than on a map; co-written with legendary songwriter Bill Anderson and Bobby Tomberlin during a profound five-hour conversation about the meaning of country music and life, the song emerged as Pitney’s debut single in 2014 and immediately established him as a torchbearer for traditional country values; what makes this track special is Pitney’s genuine delivery and the thoughtful lyrics that remind us “country ain’t even a place on the map, it’s a place in your heart,” a sentiment that resonates deeply with anyone who understands that being country is about values, community, and authenticity rather than geography; the Illinois native brings a refreshing sincerity to the genre, drawing inspiration from icons like Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, and Ray Price while creating something that feels both timeless and necessary in today’s musical landscape; directed by Wes Edwards, the music video cleverly uses a white backdrop to emphasize that “country” is about the person, not the scenery, further reinforcing the song’s message that true country spirit can exist anywhere; whether you’re a longtime fan of traditional country or just discovering its rich heritage, Pitney’s “Country” serves as a heartfelt reminder of what makes this genre so enduring and meaningful to millions of people around the world.

Country Music

Brooks & Dunn’s iconic hit “That Ain’t No Way To Go” perfectly captures the raw emotion of an unexpected breakup with its unforgettable opening line about lipstick letters on a mirror, released in March 1994 as the fifth and final single from their Grammy-winning album “Hard Workin’ Man” and quickly climbing to #1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, becoming their sixth chart-topper; co-written by Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn, and Don Cook, the song stands out as a quintessential 90s country classic with its blend of traditional instruments like steel guitar and fiddle creating a rich, melancholic backdrop for the story of someone blindsided by their lover’s sudden departure; what makes this track particularly special is how it balances emotional vulnerability with a sense of righteous indignation, as the narrator grapples with the shock of being left without even a proper goodbye, resonating deeply with anyone who’s ever felt they deserved more closure than they received; the song’s enduring popularity earned it the #11 position on Billboard’s year-end country chart for 1994 and helped solidify Brooks & Dunn’s status as one of country music’s most successful duos, with its timeless message about respect and dignity in relationships continuing to connect with listeners three decades after its release, proving that some heartbreak anthems never lose their emotional impact.

You Missed

Country Music

Brooks & Dunn’s “The Long Goodbye” captures the heart-wrenching reality of a relationship that’s slowly falling apart despite genuine love still lingering between two people, with Ronnie Dunn’s emotional vocals perfectly conveying the pain of knowing when it’s time to walk away even when your heart isn’t ready; originally written by Irish songwriters Paul Brady and Ronan Keating, this poignant country ballad became a #1 hit on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart in 2001 and reached #39 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing the duo’s ability to transform deeply personal emotions into universal experiences; the song’s enduring appeal lies in its honest portrayal of that difficult space between knowing a relationship is over and actually finding the strength to end it, with Dunn himself initially finding Brady’s demo “intimidating” before discovering his own connection to the material; whether you’ve experienced the slow dissolution of a once-promising love or simply appreciate masterful storytelling through music, “The Long Goodbye” remains one of country music’s most authentic explorations of heartbreak that continues to resonate with listeners who understand that sometimes the hardest goodbyes are the ones that take the longest to say.

Country Music

Mo Pitney’s “Country” stands as one of the most authentic explorations of what it truly means to be country, going far beyond the typical clichés to capture the essence of a lifestyle and mindset that resides in the heart rather than on a map; co-written with legendary songwriter Bill Anderson and Bobby Tomberlin during a profound five-hour conversation about the meaning of country music and life, the song emerged as Pitney’s debut single in 2014 and immediately established him as a torchbearer for traditional country values; what makes this track special is Pitney’s genuine delivery and the thoughtful lyrics that remind us “country ain’t even a place on the map, it’s a place in your heart,” a sentiment that resonates deeply with anyone who understands that being country is about values, community, and authenticity rather than geography; the Illinois native brings a refreshing sincerity to the genre, drawing inspiration from icons like Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, and Ray Price while creating something that feels both timeless and necessary in today’s musical landscape; directed by Wes Edwards, the music video cleverly uses a white backdrop to emphasize that “country” is about the person, not the scenery, further reinforcing the song’s message that true country spirit can exist anywhere; whether you’re a longtime fan of traditional country or just discovering its rich heritage, Pitney’s “Country” serves as a heartfelt reminder of what makes this genre so enduring and meaningful to millions of people around the world.

Country Music

Brooks & Dunn’s iconic hit “That Ain’t No Way To Go” perfectly captures the raw emotion of an unexpected breakup with its unforgettable opening line about lipstick letters on a mirror, released in March 1994 as the fifth and final single from their Grammy-winning album “Hard Workin’ Man” and quickly climbing to #1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, becoming their sixth chart-topper; co-written by Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn, and Don Cook, the song stands out as a quintessential 90s country classic with its blend of traditional instruments like steel guitar and fiddle creating a rich, melancholic backdrop for the story of someone blindsided by their lover’s sudden departure; what makes this track particularly special is how it balances emotional vulnerability with a sense of righteous indignation, as the narrator grapples with the shock of being left without even a proper goodbye, resonating deeply with anyone who’s ever felt they deserved more closure than they received; the song’s enduring popularity earned it the #11 position on Billboard’s year-end country chart for 1994 and helped solidify Brooks & Dunn’s status as one of country music’s most successful duos, with its timeless message about respect and dignity in relationships continuing to connect with listeners three decades after its release, proving that some heartbreak anthems never lose their emotional impact.

Country Music

That moment Jelly Roll’s voice breaks in ‘Only’ sent chills down my spine – now I understand why 41 million people can’t stop listening to this raw, honest anthem about overcoming life’s darkest moments.