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James McMurtry — Good Life
Album: Candyland
Avg rating:
6.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 323









Released: 1992
Length: 3:38
Plays (last 30 days): 0
(no lyrics available)
Comments (72)add comment
Bumping this to 10.  McMurtry tells it like it really is - then and now.
{#Snooty}
The drums strongly remind me of that new song from Tom Petty (which is great btw)...


Not vouching for the lyrics here...

Got two cars and a chainlink fence
Got insurance for accidents
Nevermind what I don't know
I dream of places I won't ever go
But I lead a good life
Yeah, I lead a good life
'N every Sunday we're out at the lake
Teachin the kids how to jump the wake
We drag em on two skis they kick one loose
They don't know it, they hadn't got a clue
That they lead a good life
Yeah, they lead a good life
Don't complain to me
We're alright far as I can see
Keep it to yourself
Take that garbage somewhere else
Yeah, we lead a good life
You know, we lead a good life
Grandpa died back in '85
Now they won't let Grandma drive
Bankers took everything he made
He lost his fingers to a Bush Hog blade
But he led a good life (he told me so)
Yeah, he led a good life
I've had about enough of you
Tryin to tell us what to do
We're gonna do just what we please
Sell it all to the Japanese
So we can lead a good life
So we can lead a good life

 

I love James McMurtry's lyrics - he pulls no punches.  I'd love to see him, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young on a venue together - they'd be pissing people off right and left, even as they united others...


Oh, this is just great. I love McMurtry, and this has a bit more spark than some of his stuff. I'm deliberately ignoring the political comments, because I'm frickin' SICK of politics. I just wanna rock.  {#Dancingbanana_2}
anniebear wrote:
Hell yeah! This song goes out to all the wingnuts, Glen Beck, Bill O'Riley, Rush Limbaugh. Ann Coulter, Dick Cheney, etc!
First Amendment, US Constitution. An inconvenient document?

Love McMurtry's songwriting, humor and intellect. Doesn't shy away from discourse and paradox.


Mark knopfler called and.. guess what?
 Excelsior wrote:
Boring as hell.
 
Go there.

 anniebear wrote:
Hell yeah! This song goes out to all the wingnuts, Glen Beck, Bill O'Riley, Rush Limbaugh. Ann Coulter, Dick Cheney, etc!
 
James would love that comment.

This is a great album, but his "Live in '03" is my favorite. The back and forth with the crowd, and the warmth of his voice is just great.

Oh, yeah: I agree with you 100%! {#Wave}
Hell yeah! This song goes out to all the wingnuts, Glen Beck, Bill O'Riley, Rush Limbaugh. Ann Coulter, Dick Cheney, etc!
 ChicoCyclist wrote:
Saw James at the Palms Playhouse in Winters last Saturday and, once again, an outstanding show.  The guy isn't one to do much talking, but he can sure pen a good song and pick that guitar.  Nothing like being 5 feet away as he's working his magic...great night!
 
Last time I saw him, I wouldn't have wanted to be that close to him.  He was, literally, filthy.  It was very odd.

His vocal quality is very Knopfler-esque - mix of Knopfler-nasal and Steve Earle swagger.  I'd listen to more of his without objection.
 Excelsior wrote:
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORING
  Not nearly as boring as someone who hates everything.{#Shhh}


BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORING
Funky groove - LOVE IT! Nice guitar work too...
Saw James at the Palms Playhouse in Winters last Saturday and, once again, an outstanding show.  The guy isn't one to do much talking, but he can sure pen a good song and pick that guitar.  Nothing like being 5 feet away as he's working his magic...great night!
jadewahoo wrote:
This guy's tongue-in-cheek lyrics are a hoot!


The gent grew up around Lubbock. I think it's less tongue-in-cheek than it is thinly veiled contempt. Definitely hoot-worthy, regardless.

c.

mefrombrazil wrote:
i like JMM's songs. seems like JOHN MELLENCAMP.


Mr. McMurtry is WAY more bitter and cynical than Mr. Mellencamp. Sound IS a tad similar though.

Some nice country guit-ar!
Boring as hell.
sharkartist wrote:
Love this guy's work, have many of his CD's. however, after what 6-7 releases? His stuff's getting rather repetative.
I see what you mean, but the subject matter is what keeps me interested. He seems to write a lot about current events. Yep, in that same repetitive style....
jwsbraces wrote:
Fourth best songwriter alive right now. Dylan is God. Lucinda Williams is the Archangel. Steve Earle is God's favorite fallen angel. Then comes McMurtry with his hat and his axe. "Where'd You Hide The Body" is a top ten 90s album.
True Dat
healyf52 wrote:
Might be David Grissom. He used to play with McMurtry.
Mike Wanchic also played on this album.
siloco wrote:
guitar playing sounds like Richard Thompson..
The vocals sound like Timbuk 2
Love this guy's work, have many of his CD's. however, after what 6-7 releases? His stuff's getting rather repetative.
Theme of this tune might be catagorized as "This is why 'they' hate us".
stick to writing. . . singing ain't his thing . . .
the mellencamp connection is right on
Fourth best songwriter alive right now. Dylan is God. Lucinda Williams is the Archangel. Steve Earle is God's favorite fallen angel. Then comes McMurtry with his hat and his axe. "Where'd You Hide The Body" is a top ten 90s album.
geoff_morphini wrote:
I believe he (Mellencamp) produced this one.
thanks geoff. your information was a surprise for me.
mefrombrazil wrote:
i like JMM's songs. seems like JOHN MELLENCAMP.
I believe he (Mellencamp) produced this one.
i like JMM's songs. seems like JOHN MELLENCAMP.
siloco wrote:
guitar playing sounds like Richard Thompson..
Might be David Grissom. He used to play with McMurtry.
Great song writer! Agree also, great live, have seen several times at small tavern in Seattle. Has so many good albums & songs - RP, you could play any & make me happy.
inindian wrote:
Don't gemme wrong...this is a good song, but it sounds to me more "city" than most Willie Nelson songs! Surely you don't have a grudge against Willie, do ya
Yeah, and there's a reason it sounds more 'city' than 'country'. Mr. McMurtry grew up in the sticks, and saw what real country livin' is like: bigoted, hateful, close-minded folks. 'Levelland' is not a tribute to the land of his birth but a diatribe against it. 'Choctaw Bingo' reveals the meth-cookin' dog fightin' side of the 'country' lifestyle. c.
Love this guy! What attitude, give me more like "can't make it here anymore"
xkolibuul wrote:
this rocks, like all good McMurtry. Makes Willie Nelson look like a city slicker.
Don't gemme wrong...this is a good song, but it sounds to me more "city" than most Willie Nelson songs! Surely you don't have a grudge against Willie, do ya
musikalia wrote:
this blows
Actually, it's pretty damned good.
this rocks, like all good McMurtry. Makes Willie Nelson look like a city slicker.
this blows
Mr. M and the HB's on tour on East Coast. Last night's show in Fall River was great. Dave Alvin with him! Can't be beat. He did NOT play this song (but plenty more like it.)
guitar playing sounds like Richard Thompson..
his music, but mostly the lyrics i guess, makes me smile
Smug, trite, deprecating knocks on some perceived group of people who bring about all of life's problems?
Nice groove.
This guy's tongue-in-cheek lyrics are a hoot!
His house is a filthy mess. Really.
Not McMurtry's best song, and kinda dated "Gonna do just what we please/And sell it all to the Japanese." However, gotta tune in anytime one of JM's songs is playing.
probably better live....
Quit torturing me with this. Really, what is so great about this guy? old tunes mixed with hill billy lyrics.
Gregorama wrote:
I think this is one of McMurtry's best. Great lyrics in all of his songs. He's good live if you get the chance to see him. Plays in Austin every month or two...
Yes indeedy, I do love his lyrics. The delivery is just icing.
i love this guy, and not just because i'm directly related to a whole mess of McMurtrys (hey y'all!)
I think this is one of McMurtry's best. Great lyrics in all of his songs. He's good live if you get the chance to see him. Plays in Austin every month or two...
Heathen wrote:
Kinda sounds like Mark Knopfler... a little anyways... ... which ain't a bad thing I guess :D
I hear it.
I think this guy might, secretly, be one of them librul America Haters!
James is a great live performer. Good tune. P.S. James' dad, Larry, just released a new novel.
Amazing live show . Guitar slinger, poet , beer salesman.His album " Live in ought three" will give you a taste of a true American artist.. Catch the heartless bastards while you can.
bluedot wrote:
don't think it's about "pleasant." it's about "informative, instructive get-a-clue message." but hopefully, you are getting its pleasant, informative, instructive get-a-clue message. peace...
After finding/reading the lryics I get the irony of my comment, however I wouldn't call the lyrics revolutionary. Pertinent perhaps, but somewhat cliche. (Besides, I'd rather learn about social responsibility through a catchier tune ) Peace....
Nice guitar work! A little remenisent of Danny Gatton (one of my heros).
DMcGaw wrote:
yea, st mary of the woods - particualrly Chocktaw Bingo is james at his story telling best. wish he would come to the east coast some time
He comes to the Ram's Head Tavern in Annapolis frequently -- a great intimate venue for his sound. He is a brilliant live performer and I was really amazed by his guitar work when I saw him. This is a pretty good song off what I think was his weakest album (sophmore jinx, I guess).
bluedot wrote:
don't think it's about "pleasant." it's about "informative, instructive get-a-clue message." but hopefully, you are getting its pleasant, informative, instructive get-a-clue message. peace...
Are you always this pleasant? Or are you occasionally condescending too? ;)
justlistening wrote:
Pleasant enough.
don't think it's about "pleasant." it's about "informative, instructive get-a-clue message." but hopefully, you are getting its pleasant, informative, instructive get-a-clue message. peace...
yea, st mary of the woods - particualrly Chocktaw Bingo is james at his story telling best. wish he would come to the east coast some time
Overall a good album. St. Mary of the Woods is a very good album, though.
Kinda sounds like Mark Knopfler... a little anyways... ... which ain't a bad thing I guess :D
Great to hear James McMurty on RP. His songs always have a story to tell. Yes, his voice is lacking, but I love his songs. More!
Pleasant enough.
Just saw James McMurtry last night in Boulder CO 01/27/03, people go see him... great live show, and he needs the support!! look him up at www.pollstar.com going to SLC and PHX next! Play some cuts off of \"Too Long in the Wastland\" 1989 album! best album I think of James! Rock on RP!
loved it on kpig, works here. miss the pig, but this place is good to :D