Country D.J.
Behind the Airwaves: Life, Laughter, and Loneliness of a Country DJ
Lyrics
I'm gettin' up when my next door neighbor's
I wake up early when my neighbor is going to bed after watching a late-night TV show.
Turnin' off the late show and hittin' the hay
The late-night show ends, and my neighbor is going to sleep.
I've got to sign on the radio station I'm what's known as a country DJ
I work as a radio DJ for a country music station.
Nothin' in the house but some instant coffee doughnuts left from early yesterday
I have only instant coffee and leftover donuts from yesterday in the house.
Ain't exactly what you call a gourmet breakfast but rich boys don't play country DJ
My breakfast isn’t fancy because rich people don’t do what a country DJ does.
Earphones microphones telephones backbones just about to break now any day
I have various equipment like earphones, microphones, telephones, feeling overwhelmed, and close to breaking.
Phonographs photographs autographs belly laughs epitaphs sure gettin' wtitten this way
There's a mix of different experiences - music, capturing moments, laughter, and potential endings (epitaphs).
Lord have mercy on a country DJ
A plea or request for mercy or help for a country DJ in this demanding job.
Two fan letters in my box this mornin' one from the boss says cut down the gab
I received two letters: one from the boss wanting less talking, and another asking for a song for someone else.
Woman wrote in and asked for a song for another woman's husband drivin' a cab
A listener requested a song for someone who drives a cab, possibly not her husband.
News machine must've run out of paper last thing I have is the midnight report
My news reports ended early; the weather prediction contradicts the current snowy conditions.
Weather forecast says warm and sunny funny it was snowin' when I came in the door
The weather forecast contrasts with the actual snowfall when I arrived.
Earphones microphones...
Similar to line #6, referring to the challenging and exhaustive nature of the job.
Another discjockey taught me the business showed me how to talk and the things to do
Another DJ mentored me, but he passed away at a young age of 22.
Poor ol' boy passed away last Monday old age got him at the age of 22
The anticipation for the music to start after a brief countdown.
Thirty more seconds and the fiddles start playin'
Ready to play music with the turntable and records.
Turntable's ready got my records at hand
I feel excited and happy when I greet the listeners in the morning.
I still get a thrill every mornin' when I tell 'em
Similar to line #6 and #14, expressing the overwhelmed feeling and the workload.
Howdy there friends out in the radio land
Questioning if established radio personalities like Ralph Emery and Charlie Douglas started similarly.
Earphones microphones...
Expressing frustration at having to manage multiple tasks alone.
Are you sure that Ralph Emery and Charlie Douglas got started this way
Feeling overworked and responsible for everything at the station.
I tell you I have to do everything around here
Listing the various duties involved in managing the radio station.
Sign on sign off pick up records pick up trash cut commercials
Feeling burdened with responsibilities and having to handle numerous tasks.
Cut the grass carry out orders carry out garbage answer to the boss
Answering the phone professionally and handling inquiries from listeners.
Answer the phone good mornin' radio station
Responding politely to a listener's question about a country music couple.
No ma'm Porter Wagoner is not married to Dolly Parton thank you for calling
Expressing frustration and contemplating a different, more stable job like pumping gas.
I tell you what I'm gonna get a real job
I'm gonna pump gas that's where my money is anyway radio boo on radio
Feeling disillusioned about the radio job and considering an alternative career path.
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