Story Behind The Song
I wrote this song while working as a pro. clown...on the circus train...with Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus....This was a title track for a very popular album recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker.
Song Description
Over the shoulder look at an independent life well lived.
| Song Length |
4:00 |
Genre |
Folk - Country, |
| Tempo |
Medium Slow (91 - 110) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Joyful, Peaceful |
Subject |
Life, Joy |
| Similar Artists |
John Denver, Willie Nelson |
Language |
English |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
Contrary To Ordinary
w/mBillyJBakerBMI
Never lived my life
Through other people's eyes
I'm still riding
Through a storm twice my size
Always been a drifter
I guess I always will
Drifting off to see a sunset
On the other side of the hill
Been a rag-tag band
Been one man traveling circus
Finding every piece
Of the puzzle has a purpose
Live the life of gypsy
Is a dreamers fate
Grinning down the devil
When your holding aces & 8's
CHORUS
I was contrary to ordinary
Even as a child
Fast freights made me wonder
Full moons drove me wild
Stories do come true
If you live life in episodes
I got one eye on the ladies
And one eye on the open road
When I die forget the tombstone on my grave
Give me a honky tonk jukebox
And the songs we always played
Don't send a preacher down
Or a fancy epitaph
Say that I liked to live
Lord, did I love to laugh
CHORUS/TAG/OUT