JPF Home Page Forums Lyric and MP3 Feedback Lyric Feedback Forum 2 Broke Down Buick Blues

Had the first verse of this one simmering in my head for several days but never sat down to work on it till today. Thanks for the help on this one, Dawggy. Just a simple bluesy one.

Broke Down Buick Blues
(c) 2002 Lyrics by Bobbie Gallup ASCAP

Been walkin' these streets for mo' than a week
Rain's seepin' through the holes in my shoes
A man can't get far without any car
An' I got them broke down Buick blues
Yeah, them broke down Buick blues

My lady done gone and left me alone
Never even made no excuse
Now I'm missing my honey, my car and my money
An' I got them broke down Buick blues
Yeah, them broke down Buick blues

Ain't collected no pay since she went away
The boss man done tole me I'm through
Can't get to work on time, down to my last dime
An' I got them broke down Buick blues
Yeah, them broke down Buick blues

BRIDGE:
I used to cruise this town
With the ragtop down
Now all I got's this ol' car that don't run
She took my black Cadillac
An' she never looked back
Guess my cruisin' days are done

Cause Detroit City ain't got no pity
For a man with no wheels it's true
No sympathy for the likes of me
With them broke down Buick blues
Yeah, I got them broke down Buick blues

Mighty fine job, Bobbie. Boy, first Graham's lyric, and now this one-- two solid blues songs in one day. Just a couple nits-- "An' I got them..." is kind of a weak way to keep getting to the hook. You wanna substitute a "Deep in the..." or something else a few times for variety's sake. And strictly speaking, that should probably be "Didn't (or couldn't) get to work on time..." in that one line, but no biggie.

Great job overall. I liked the "Detroit City" line the best, hometown pride notwithstanding.

Anthony


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Anthony's BeSonic site-- Open 24 hours!

Howdy Anthony,

Geeze, I better look this one over again...shook me right up getting a kudos from the Anthony man. Thanks..I really do appreciate that. I have to admit I am no student of blues structure, but I thought you were supposed to use the same lines repeated which was the reason I stuck to that same intro there..."an' I got them", though it does change for the repeated line.."yeah, them.." I would have to defer to someone who knows more than I do for sure about the blues. I also understand your issue with the word "can't", however, I was using it to mean that even though it was the reason he got fired, it is a continuing condition which means he still can't get to work on time with no vehicle. It accounts for why he is still not working. A man who is used to driving a nice Caddy is probably too proud to ride a bus..and even the bus costs money. Sort of a no-win on-going situation which is usually the point of the blues I think.

I sorta wondered if you would like this one about ol' DEETROIT. <G> Hey, I used to live not that far away you know. Never went there anymore than I had to, however, since I am not overly fond of big cities. They are usually enough to give me the blues. LOL

Thanks so much for taking time to read and remark on this one.

Bobbie

Hi Bobbie

I saw your post earlier, I couldn’t resist this Check out the link below:

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/samara_music.htm

My phrasing could be better, but it’s just a bit of fun, hope you don’t mind

Cheers

Nige

Yeah Bobbie. Shoulda shifted to Chicago instead of Nashville writing stuff like this.
No nits from me. Singer will sing them "left Anthony wondering" bits to suit themselves.
Soon as i get Corey's downloaded I will grab Nige's offering toward it.
The modem will be smokin' I tell ya.
I got one caled My Caddie Up and died where the woman took off in the car and the car was mthe big worry for the guy too.
REgards.
Graham


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http://www.soundclick.com/bands/grahamhenderson_music.htm

Nice one, Bobbie. I don't remember seeing any blues lyrics from you, but it looks like you have no problem writing them. Very solid. I'll have to give Nige a listen later on.

Corey

Hi Bobbie,
I like it I like it it's cute

God bless
ClaireJeanne

Well Smokey Mountain Blues Lady. Ya got my attention.
Listening to this now and Maybe because I got into delta mode yesterday and haven't been able to shake it off, I am realy into this one. Needs some harp. What key Nige?
Is on the home at sunday morning play cycle in our place.
Reagards.
Graham

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http://www.soundclick.com/bands/grahamhenderson_music.htm

Bobbie Lou,

I'm not sure what kinda rules are s'posed to be followed when writing a blues tune, but it looks to me like you pulled this one off just fine, even though the title/hook seems to be a bit of a mouthful to say, let alone sing.

That said, I've gotta also say that Nige did a pretty darn good job on giving this the right feel. Great music to great lyrics.

Nice work, the two of ya.

Greg

Howdy Nige!

What a hoot!! I sure didn't expect to come back here and find MUSIC already! That'll teach me to be gone all day after posting something. I am missing all the fun here. I sure do appreciate the music...sorta a cross between the blues and the Beach Boys. Thanks So much!!

Bobbie

Howdy Big G,

No thanks as far as living in Chicago town. I used to have to go thru there when I was living in MN and my family was all in MI. I would work all day and leave after work just so I would be passing thru Chicago during the middle of the night. Never failed to run into bad weather there too. Seemed to be freezing rain or a blizzard half the time. (Don't let Bob Young see this. ) I sorta think I got a reason to stick around Nashville these days. Thanks so much for dropping in on this one.

Bobbie

[This message has been edited by Bobbie Gallup (edited 08-17-2002).]

Howdy Corey,

Well, I haven't written a lot of blues things before...just a couple that a few folks here might recall: The Blues Don't Look So Blue In Black & White; and Slippin' Off The Curb. Every once in awhile, I have to try something a bit different though, so I don't let myself get in that old rut. Thanks for the kind words and for taking a read of this one.

Bobbie

Howdy Mz ClaireJeanne,

Thank you so very much for taking time to read this over and share your thoughts. I do appreciate it.

Bobbie

Howdy again Graham,

Sure appreciate the look and listen from the bluesman himself. Any suggestions are always welcome. You know that. Thanks so much.

Bobbie

Hi Bobbie – so glad you didn’t mind, it was very much off the cuff.

Hi Graham – you’ll probably kill me for this but it’s in C#, maybe I should have done it D

Cheers

Nige

This is why I love music so much !

I'm reading Bobbies words and hearing a real "traditional"blues melody..lots of 7ths and "blue notes"

Then I play Niges track and BINGO !
All major feel no blue notes or 7ths !

Just goes to show how many different ways folks can interperet "blues"

The melody is nice Nige but honestly it does feel a bit "poppish" for these words.(to me, anyway)

Good call Bobbie...

the music has a sort of "Little Deuce Coupe"
feel to it !

Bob

ps as to your comment about chicago's weather..
Hell...you must have been here on a good day !



[This message has been edited by bob young (edited 08-18-2002).]

Wanna change last Bridge Line to This:
"And left me her Dead Buick, for Fun."

There ya go, HOW he got the Dead Buick after his Caddie departed. Then change "Cause" to "This" Detroit City & away ya go!

"KUDOS" on a Fun Blues Bit...(No Mention of the Bear Claw marks or the Horse Hoof Dents from the Buick's Colorado Days...?
That Car of Yours has More Character than a Fellini Movie...heh-heh!)

BPH
Stan

Hello Good Blues tune!
..........Vincent........

Howdy Nige!!

That was so sweet of you to write music for this. I sure wouldn't worry about the key it is written in, cause I am not about to sing it. LOL Heck, I had a head tune running for this one and even the cats ran out of the room!

Thanks so much,
Bobbie

Hey Bobbie,

I like this one. Don't know much about blues but the words work for me Nice writing Trudi

Howdy Bluesmeister Bob,

Thanks much for taking time to read and comment on this one. You know that I am musically challenged, but I think you hit the nail on the head. Not being a blues person, I only know what feels like blues when I hear it. Yeah, I have managed to hit Chi-town on its best days I suspect. Any further thoughts or suggestions for this will be gratefully appreciated.

Bobbie

Howdy TampaStan,

Thanks for the kind words! I was sorta leaving the question open whether she left him her old car or if it was just another one he already had that wasn't running. Wasn't sure it mattered. All I know is you don't wanna leave a car sitting very long on the street in Detroit (or any other big city) or it wouldn't be running anyway. They have a way of getting "stripped".

Yeah, the old Buick here ain't dead but she ain't far from it. LOL She's sorta like the Energizer bunny. I call her my animal totem car these days. But you are right regading the inspiration for this 'un. LOL
Thanks big guy,

Bobbie

Howdy Greg,

Sorry I missed answering your post. Thank you kindly for reading and listening. Sure am glad you enjoyed this one. Hope all is well with you and yours these days. Nice to see you back around here.

Bobbie

Howdy Vincent,

Thanks so much for taking a peek at this one and the kind comments. Loved that Blues primer you sent me! Sooo funny!

Thanks again,
Bobbie

Really like the lyric, Bobbie. Nice job! I'm with Bob, that Nige's music is not the more traditional blues kinda sound I would've expected -- and would've preferred (no slight to you Nige, I very much like most of what you do) -- a little too 'poppy-blues' for my own taste. 'Tho, I know there are folks who like this style.

Tom

Howdy Trudi,

I am with you...the blues are not my normal style, so I only know what I like, not how things should be. I am glad you enjoyed this one. Appreciate the kind comments.

Bobbie

Hi Bobbie,

What grabbed me first was your terrific title. Great one.

Then came your lyrics - good stuff even tho I'm not a blues guy.

But I thought the flow of the subject on the Bridge could do with a change. I had thought you were through discussing the ex when suddenly I am led back to her ...that didn't add to your story.

"BRIDGE:
I used to cruise this town
With the ragtop down
Now all I got's this ol' car that don't run
She took my black Cadillac
An' she never looked back
Guess my cruisin' days are done"

Hope you know what I mean.

Great job. You got a winner here IMO.

Hello Bobbie,

Hey...........cool song !
And Nige, you did a great job.
I can dig it !

Calvin (red guitar) Stewart

Hi everyone

I saw Bobbie’s lyrics on Saturday and just thought I would have a quick play with them. I think that is one of the beauties of this board, the fact that things can happen quickly. This was just a bit of fun on my part and I thought that it might be an interesting exercise for JPF to see (a bit like Bobbie’s two hour lyric workshop a while back). I realise that this may not have been what Bobbie had in mind and under normal circumstances I would always consult with the lyricist before producing such a thing.

Special note to Bob and Tom, with my background it’s no surprise that this sounds poppy and I realise that it’s not traditional blues. However, next time……..

Cheers

Nige

Atta boy Nige..

truth be told that little melody you came up with is pretty cool...

You oughta fashion a lyric to go with it !

It's a good one !

Bob

Hey Tom,

I sure do appreciate you stopping by on this one and the nice comments. This board is an amazing place, you know. Everyone has a slightly different perspective on things and that makes for a mighty healthy slice of input...pretty close to what to expect from the "general public". With your musical talents, I especially appreciate it when you stop in and comment on my work, since I am sorta musically challenged as you know!

Thanks much!
Bobbie

Howdy Lagusaya,

Don't think we've yet had the pleasure of an introduction...so please let me welcome you to the board. Apparently, I have been a bit lax, since I see you already have a number of posts under your belt! I sure do appreciate you taking time to check out one of my songs and offer your insights. This is a great place with great folks and hope you will stick around. I do understand what you are saying with that bridge. I will certainly consider reworking that to add some new information. Blues is not my forte' either...so this probably has a ways to go.

Thanks again,
Bobbie

Howdy Calvin (red guitar) Stewart...

Thanks so very much for the kind comments. I really do appreciate you taking time to check out this one..both lyrics and music!

Bobbie

Bobbie,

Must be my age...where do I get to listen to your stuff?

Thanks for the welcome.

Let me know please. Likewise, could you give me your insights on my stuff - http://www.mp3.com/stan_loh. Thanks.

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Having Fun!!!!

AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME!!!!!!! This is one of the BEST damn blues lyrics I've read (or heard) ANYWHERE Bobbie!! This just SINGS!! I sure hope you're getting music for this, it's art, it's really really ART!! I'm diggin the blues cause I watched "The Color Purple" yesterday for the umpteenth time, so I read this at a great time!!

Wonderful stuff, girl!!!
Tink

Howdy again Nige!

Well, look what you started here! I daresay your musical treatment here has all the traditionalists grabbin' their axes to see what they can do to this. Pulled ol' Bob Young right outta his corner to whip something together. That'll git posted right quick so's folks can have a listen to that one too. What a hoot! You are a dear...and I do hope you'll give a ponder to those other lyrics I sent you. Thanks so much.

Bobbie

Howdy Lagusaya,

I promise to go listen to your stuff. I still haven't mastered the art of doing my own MP3s onto my website but thankfully, Pam Hurley (bless her heart) did a site for me...so if you'd like to take a listen to the ones that are up there, it is at: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/bobbiegallup_music.htm

Appreciate you dropping by here.
Bobbie

Hi Bobbie,

Listened to Nige and read the lyric and thread. really enjoyed all. And more from Bob Young later?...Doesn't get any better then that. Thank you!

Bean

Hey Bobbie & Bob!

This just smokes! Great lyric, great music, great performance! Awesome!

Uncle Chuck

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http://www.soundclick.com/bands/athabaxtra.htm

[This message has been edited by Athabaxtra (edited 08-20-2002).]

Hey Tink...

So you thought this was ok, huh? Thanks so much for that lavish praise, sistah! That means a lot to me...hope you know that. Thanks again. Check out the Bobster sound too now. http://www.soundclick.com/bands/bobbiegallup_music.htm

Bobbie

Hi there Bean,

This was sure fun...couldn't believe my little lyric spawned such greatness in both Nige and Bob. I am thrilled!! Might just inspire more blues outta me. Now I CAN be happy had write the blues, can't I? As long as I don't write about Tiffany wearin' out her Vera Wang and cruisin down the Malibu strip? Thanks for a pop in on this one!

Bobbie

Uh......wow, am I ever late getting here. I would do this......CHANGE NADA. Solid through and through with a great hook to boot. Just get music and stir for two minutes!

Howdy Blake...

Ummmm...I sorta figure you have an excuse these days for being late to most anything. Hope the little one is doing well..and that both you and Steph are managing to get SOME sleep. Thanks for the read and remarks!

Bobbie

Hi Bobbie & Bob

Just had a listen to BDBB al la BobYoung – yes definitely more traditional! Good job. Well done! I must stop Brian Wilson interfering with my arrangements in future

Incidentally, I just checked the times from Bobbie’s initial post on the 17th. The lyric was posted at 11:20, I posted my song at 14:24. That’s three hours and four minutes (that included me eating fish and chips! – cause that’s all we ever eat in the UK ) – not bad me thinks!

I wonder if there will be any more renditions?

Cheers

Nige

Bob's musical experience certainly shows through on this but i can't see anyone who listens to alot of blues viewing this as more than an extremely basic and cliched song. and yes, blues is a basic, simple musical form but it's a matter of what you do WITH the form that makes it. to just run through some vss about a guy who's car broke down or who lost his woman is just as cliched as writing a country song around the phrase T for texas, T for Tennessee. but that's just one man's opinion.

Howdy Unca Chuck,

Geeze, I musta missed you in all this company! Coming from Mr Axeman, those comments are very special! So glad you had time between performances to come take a listen.

Thanks so much,
Bobbie

Howdy Nige!!

I suspect that 3 hrs and 4 minutes is some kind of record!! You are one fasssttt guitar guy! Yeah..I suspect you have been channeling Brian Wilson. I've heard that fish is brain food so maybe all that fish and chips has been going to your head. I admit you Brits do a great job with fish & chips.

Hugs...
Bobbie

Howdy Couch,

Yep, simple, basic and cliched. That be me. Maybe next time I'll stretch myself and do A's for Arizona, A's for Alabam. I wouldn't mind a chunk of the money that T's For Texas brought in. Appreciate you taking time to listen and share your opinion.

Bobbie

damn, I hoped I'd get back here before anyone else did. my last post was way too harsh. I do think it's a run of the mill blues but my critique wasn't worded very diplomatically.

Bobbie, T for Texas was great 80 years ago, but now it's cliche. it's doubtful anyone would get anywhere with it unless they bent it with a clever turn of phrase. similarly the down on my luck blues is old hat. Blind Willie McTell's Broke Down Engine Blues is 75 years old and even then he used it as a metaphor for himself. without one sharp line or some hellacious guitar licks, a blues about a busted Buick doesn't have much to offer. again, that's just me.

Ya' know Robert...

I've been guilty of saying some not-so-nice things to and about you in the time I've been at JPF.
I'd like to apologize for that...it was
wrong....and I'm sorry.
You and I see alot of things very differently
and that's OK.

I am truly saddened that you seem unable to shift into a lower gear and enjoy a little bit of fun with some of the the rest of us.
That's all this song is you know..just a bit of fun.
When I read the words...I smiled.
Simple as that...I smiled.
Picked up my guitar and just chuckled my way thru a couple of chords and shuffled Bobbies words around a bit and tried to make some music that would be as light as the words.
When I was done..I played it back and smiled again.
Same kinda smile when I listen to "Roll and Rhumba" by Jimmie Reed...or some other piece of silliness.
Are Bobbie and I gonna get a Grammy for this...prob'ly not.
Is Monument records gonna pick this up as the new single for the Dixie Chicks...my guess would be no.
Did this bit of fun make almost everybody that read it and heard it smile...yes it did.
Well..guess what...that makes it a winner.
By a "winner" I mean that it's doing all that it was called on to do...make some people smile..and honestly..in these times, that's a good thing.
Now, I'm gonna guess that you probably don't think there's much you can learn from me..but let me say this anyway....

Most people don't really know why they like a song....
A successful song and by successful I don't mean a "hit"..I mean a song that works at one or a variety of levels...is a magical combination of words, melody..textures..just all kinds of things..including the prevailing temperament of the listener(s).
Successful songs defy analysis..the proof of that is the variety of songs that have become successful.
My wife knows Jack about music..she loves "Louie Louie"..she loves the soundtrack from "Evita"..she loves The Gypsy
Kings, Keith Whitley and the Pogues for Crissakes.
She just likes that stuff...she can't tell you why..But..She and most people can tell you exactly why they DON'T like something !


My point is...this little song is a good example of one of those little accidents...
What folks hear in this is a bit of fun.
That's all...that's enough !

I'm sad that you feel the need to look at this so closely...when you do...the magic goes away !
This little song is for all the folks who like to think that maybe David Copperfield really can make that elephant disappear !

I wish, that like me, you could be one of those people....it makes smiling real easy !

Melodically, this came out more Western Bop than blues..although when I listen to it I can tell the singer has listened to alot of Delta and country blues in his life..

I'm happy with the way it turned out...I'm sorry you don't enjoy it as much as alot of the rest of us...and I'm sorry cos' I think you would do well to smile a bit easier !

Bob Young