I Got a Gig
Life on the Edge: Hayes Carll's Musical Odyssey
Lyrics
Eight line machine and a sailor's daughter
Refers to a eight-line slot machine and a woman with a connection to sailors.
Somethin' makes 'em crazy growin' up on the water
Suggests that growing up near water might contribute to eccentric behavior.
Playin' for my supper six nights a week
The singer earns his living by performing music six nights a week.
Hurricanes, Easter and New Year's Eve
Mentions performing during significant events like hurricanes, Easter, and New Year's Eve.
Four tin walls now there ain't much left
Describes a confined space with deteriorating conditions.
Lookin' like a homeless Cheers on meth
Compares the environment to a chaotic version of the bar "Cheers," emphasizing its disarray.
Homer's in the corner, breakin' up a fight
Homer, possibly a character, is breaking up a fight in the corner of the bar.
Good Lord, I hope I get paid tonight
Expresses the singer's hope to be compensated for his performance.
I got a gig, baby
Reiterates that the singer has a regular gig, emphasizing its significance.
Burnt fried chicken and Lone Star beer
References the menu items, highlighting a gritty atmosphere with fried chicken and Lone Star beer.
Cops and the kids drink free 'round here
Indicates that law enforcement and children receive free drinks in the establishment.
Girl, behind the bar is takin' what she's givin'
Describes a woman working at the bar who takes what she can get.
Lyin' about her past and tryin' to make a livin'
Implies that the woman lies about her past to make a living.
Broke pool table and hard luck cues
Depicts a broken pool table and poor-quality pool cues, reinforcing a tough environment.
Go tell your mama, I done paid my dues
Sends a message to inform someone's mother that the singer has overcome challenges.
Every one around here knows my name
Highlights the singer's local recognition, being known by everyone.
Six nights a week in the neon flame
Specifies the frequency of the singer's performances, surrounded by neon lights.
I got a gig, baby, I got a gig
Reaffirms the importance of the singer's regular gig.
There's an old lion tamer parked behind the bar
Introduces an unusual character, a lion tamer, and hints at illegal activities with stolen goods.
Hundred pounds of weed in a stolen car
Describes a stash of marijuana in a stolen car.
Oil patch boys and girls who went to college
Refers to individuals from the oil industry and college-educated individuals with their own set of rules.
Rules you don't break and laws that ain't acknowledged
Addresses unspoken rules and unrecognized laws in this particular community.
Barefoot shrimper with a pistol up his sleeve
Introduces a character, a shrimp fisherman, with a concealed weapon.
Some will go to Heaven, some will never leave
Philosophical reflection on the uncertain fate of people, some reaching heaven, while others never escape.
Pills in the tip jar, blood on the strings
References substances (pills) and violence (blood on the strings) associated with the music scene.
Oh Lord, I never thought I'd see these things
Expresses the singer's surprise at witnessing unexpected and unsettling events.
I gotta gig, baby, I got a gig
Reiterates the importance of the singer's gig, emphasizing its significance.
Eight line machine and a sailor's daughter
Repeats the mention of the eight-line machine and a sailor's daughter, emphasizing their symbolic meaning.
Somethin' makes 'em crazy growin' up on the water
Restates the idea that growing up near water can lead to eccentric behavior.
I'm playin' for my supper six nights a week
Reiterates the singer's routine of performing six nights a week.
Hurricanes, Easter and New Year's Eve
Recalls the singer's performances during significant events.
I got a gig, baby, I got a gig
Final affirmation of the singer's gig, closing the narrative loop.
I got a gig, baby, I got a gig
Repeats the importance of the singer's regular gig, providing closure to the song.
I got a gig
Final confirmation of the singer's ongoing gig.
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