Story Behind The Song
I was drinking in Saloon #10 in Deadwood SD a few years back. Wild Bill Hickock had a run of bad luck while playing poker at Saloon #10. He was shot in the back of the head holding Aces and Eights in his hand, thereafter called the Dead Man's Hand. Up till then, he was on top of his game. I guess he would ask, "What the Hell is Happenin'?"
Song Description
Shit happens! Sometimes for no apparent reason, or so we think. My guy in the song has a wife, girlfriends and drinks too much. He was up to date on his alimony and was a model 'citizen' for 6 months before he did something that put him in jail. He figures "It's all about luck, and I'm sorely lacking, makes you wonder, What the Hell is Happenin'?"
| Song Length |
2:55 |
Genre |
Country - Honky Tonk, Country - Contemporary |
| Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Irritated, Distressed |
Subject |
Luck/Coincidence, Frustration |
| Similar Artists |
Brad Paisley, Billy Currington |
Language |
English |
| Era |
1990 - 1999 |
| |
Lyrics
WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENIN?
By
Howard Levinson
I got a great life, got a trophy wife,
I've got money for guns, girls and liquor
I even got a stash, put away for bail
So tell me how come, I'm sitting in jail
I've been payin my bills, alimony,
child support, I'm eatin baloney
I've been a model citizen, for a half a year
I'm sittin in jail, sure could use a beer
Its heads or tails, red or black
Aces and Eights will get you shot in the back
Its all about luck, and I'm sorely lackin
Makes you wonder, what the hell is happenin.
Did my stretch, got out of jail,
Went on home, the house was for sale
The old lady left me, without a note
Took the money and kids, she took my bass boat
Its heads or tails, red or black
Aces and Eights will get you shot in the back
Its all about luck, and I'm sorely lackin
Makes you wonder, what the hell is happenin.