Tear It Down Old Crow Medicine Show Lyrics
If you're a fan of bluegrass and country music, chances are you've heard of Old Crow Medicine Show. This Tennessee-based band has been entertaining audiences with their unique blend of old-time music, folk, and bluegrass for over two decades. One of their most popular songs is "Tear It Down," a rousing tune that has become a staple in their live shows. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the lyrics of "Tear It Down" and explore its meaning.
The Story Behind the Song
"Tear It Down" was written by Old Crow Medicine Show frontman Ketch Secor. The song was inspired by a visit he made to the city of Bristol, Virginia, which is known as the "Birthplace of Country Music." In the early 1920s, Bristol was the site of a recording session that is considered to be the "Big Bang" of country music. A record producer named Ralph Peer set up a recording studio in Bristol and invited local musicians to come and record their songs. The resulting recordings, which featured artists like the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers, helped to popularize country music and bring it to a wider audience.
However, when Secor visited Bristol in the early 2000s, he found that the site of the recording session had fallen into disrepair. The building that had once housed the recording studio was in danger of being demolished. This inspired Secor to write "Tear It Down," a song that urges listeners to preserve the history and culture of Appalachia.
The Lyrics
Here are the lyrics to "Tear It Down," with some analysis of their meaning:
Well it's Bristol town and the year's '23
I'm walking down main with my hat caved in
Ain't got but a dime in my pocket
But I'm a wealthy man cause I'm carrying a union card
These opening lines set the scene for the song. The narrator is in Bristol, Virginia, in the year 1923. He's a union worker, which was a common occupation in the Appalachian region at the time. The reference to his "hat caved in" suggests that he's not well off, but he still feels rich because he has a job and a sense of purpose.
Well my foreman says son, I know you're broke
But the good Lord gave you hands and a voice to smoke
So I'll see you at the station at a quarter past four
We're going to Bristol town to make some more
These lines suggest that the narrator's foreman is sympathetic to his financial situation and is willing to help him out. He encourages the narrator to use his talents to make some money, and they plan to head to Bristol to take advantage of the recording session that's happening there.
Well I got a little gal I call Sal
She's a queen of the hills, buddy she's a pal
She's got eyes like diamonds, teeth like pearls
And she's the prettiest thing in the whole wide world
Here, the narrator introduces us to his girlfriend, Sal. He describes her as beautiful and kind, and clearly cares for her deeply.
Well we drove into town in my 2-door Ford
My foreman and Sal and a big load of boards
We're going to build us a shack, we're going to make it right
We're going to be there all day and we're going to work all night
These lines suggest that the narrator and his companions are hardworking people who are willing to put in the effort to improve their lives. They plan to build a home for themselves and work tirelessly to make it happen.
Tear it down, tear it down
We've got to tear it down
Tear it down, tear it down
We've got to tear it down
This is the chorus of the song, and it's the most well-known part of "Tear It Down." The repeated phrase "we've got to tear it down" might seem counterintuitive, given that the song is about preserving history and culture. However, as we'll see, the meaning behind these words is more complex than it first appears.
Well they're parking their cars on the courthouse lawn
And they're flying their flags from dusk till dawn
And they're tearing up streets, man they're tearing up lines
And they're tearing down statues and they're tearing down signs
These lines suggest that the narrator is witnessing the destruction of his community. The reference to "tearing down statues and signs" might be seen as a commentary on the current political climate in the United States, where there are debates about whether to remove statues of Confederate leaders and other controversial figures.
Well I've got a little gal I call Sal
She's the queen of the hills, buddy she's a pal
And she's got eyes like diamonds, teeth like pearls
And she's the prettiest thing in the whole wide world
The narrator repeats the verse about Sal, emphasizing his love for her and his connection to his community.
Tear it down, tear it down
We've got to tear it down
Tear it down, tear it down
We've got to tear it down
The chorus is repeated again, and the song ends on a somewhat ambiguous note. It's clear that the narrator is calling for something to be torn down, but it's not entirely clear what that something is.
The Meaning Behind the Song
So what does "Tear It Down" actually mean? On the surface, the song seems to be about preserving history and culture. The narrator is proud of his Appalachian roots and wants to protect the traditions of his community. However, the repeated phrase "we've got to tear it down" suggests that there's more going on here than a simple call to preserve the past.
Some interpretations of the song suggest that the "it" that needs to be torn down is actually the narrator's own shack. In this reading, the song is a commentary on poverty and the struggle to improve one's life. The narrator is torn between his desire to preserve his community and his need to tear down his own home in order to build something better.
Another interpretation is that the "it" that needs to be torn down is actually the current political system. The reference to tearing down statues and signs might be seen as a call for radical change and a rejection of the status quo. In this reading, the song is a protest anthem that urges listeners to take action and fight for what they believe in.
Ultimately, the meaning behind "Tear It Down" is open to interpretation. What's clear is that the song is a powerful piece of music that speaks to the struggles and triumphs of the Appalachian region. Its message of perseverance and determination resonates with audiences to this day.