Long Way to Hollywood
Journey to Stardom: Hank Williams Jr.'s Anthem of Hope and Determination
Lyrics
Oh babe, I hate to leave you here
Expressing reluctance to leave the person behind.
Down in this one horse town
Describing the town as small and uneventful.
Where the train runs through
Highlighting the presence of a train in the town.
Your early mornin' dreams
Referring to dreams experienced in the early morning.
Just to leave that ol' wailin' sound
Mentioning a sorrowful or mournful sound.
Oh, but I'm comin' back, I will return
Promising to return to the person.
Now woman, you wait for me
Asking the woman to wait patiently.
I'm bound to travel the USA
Expressing the intention to travel across the USA.
From the desert unto the sea
Describing the journey from the desert to the sea.
I've got another song about the South
Referring to another song about the South.
You know it's white now and it's black
Highlighting racial diversity with "white" and "black."
There ain't no banjo on my knee
Contrasting with the traditional banjo imagery.
But that song is still on my back
Indicating a burden or responsibility associated with the song.
It's a long, long way to Hollywood
Emphasizing the distance and difficulty of reaching Hollywood.
And it's a short, short chance for fame
Highlighting the slim chances of achieving fame.
All them slicks people talkin' back home
Referring to people back home expressing skepticism.
But I'll make it just the same
Confidently asserting the ability to succeed despite doubts.
Oh, I'll make it just the same
Reiterating determination to succeed.
I've got a new song for all them old people
Introducing a new song for an older audience in Georgia.
Hoverin' down in the Georgia night
Describing the night in Georgia with hovering old people.
Lord, I know their wings are heavy now
Recognizing the challenges faced by the elderly.
'Coz they been on a lonesome flight
Suggesting a metaphorical "lonesome flight" of the elderly.
All them poor old depression people, babe
Referring to people affected by the Great Depression.
You know they took a might heavy load
Describing the heavy burdens carried by depression-era individuals.
All the children, kinfolks, cousins too
Mentioning family members still struggling on Tobacco Road.
Still walkin' down Tobacco Road
Emphasizing the enduring impact of difficult times.
Well, if you'll tell me about Hank Williams
Asking for information about Hank Williams, possibly comparing situations.
Lord they're clingin' onto his fame
Noting the enduring fame and influence of Hank Williams.
I'm of the same race
Claiming a shared racial and geographical identity with Hank Williams.
I'm from the same place
Asserting a commonality with Hank Williams.
Got the same lonesome blood in my veins
Stating a shared sense of loneliness or melancholy.
It's a long, long way to Hollywood
Reiterating the challenging journey to Hollywood.
And it's a short, short chance for fame
Repeating the slim chances of achieving fame.
All them slicks people talkin' down home
Referring to critics or skeptics back home.
But I'll make it just the same
Confidently stating the determination to succeed despite criticism.
Oh, I'll make it just the same
Reiterating the determination to succeed.
It's a long, long way to Hollywood
Emphasizing the long and challenging journey to Hollywood.
And it's a short, short chance for fame
Repeating the slim chances of achieving fame.
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