This song was written almost entirely by dad, back in the 1970's. He's a retired California Highway Patrolman (CHP) and will be turning 82 years old in a couple of days. He wrote it as a tongue-in-cheek song for family and friends and recently asked me to update some words and phrases so it didn't still reference the 1970's so heavily. I tried to keep an old style country sound to it, and this is what I came up with:
Okie Smokey https://soundcloud.com/user-722422510/okie-smokey I left Oklahoma two years ago last fall.
I sold my farm near Tulsa disgusted with it all.
I hopped a freight train headed west and wound up in Reno.
Then I thumbed a ride to Roseville and on to Sacramento.
Where I saw this guy on TV lookin' for minorities.
I knew right then I qualified 'cause there ain't but one of me,
and after years out on the farm, this would be a life of ease,
so I went on down and joined up, now I'm workin' for the CHP.
Okie Smokey it's my new identity.
Okie Smokey, you know, my mama's proud of me.
Now, I like writin' tickets and wavin' at the kids.
and I like catchin' robbers and once I almost did
They pay me pretty good money and furnish most of my gear.
I’d give up half my paycheck if you could just see me here.
I don't care 'bout your drinkin' and I don't care if you smoke.
But Buddy if your drivin' don't mix nothin' with your Coke.
And the cigarette you're smokin' just better not smell funny.
'cause Buddy let me tell ya it ain't funny to the CHP.
Okie Smokey it's my new identity.
Okie Smokey, you know, my mama's proud of me.
I've got my favorite coffee shop where all I drink is free.
And anything I want to eat comes just half to me.
But the reason that I go there stands about 5 foot 2.
With big blue eyes and blond hair and I think that she likes me too.
Now I love Oklahoma, of that fact I'm quite bold,
but I can’t leave California ‘cause I’m all blue and gold.
I could have been a deputy, or city police,
but compared to what I’m doin’ that’s like playin’ in the minor leagues.
Okie Smokey it's my new identity.
Okie Smokey, you know, my mama's proud of me.
Oh, Okie Smokey it's my new identity.
Okie Smokey, you know, my mama's proud of me.
The Biab tracks are:
Drums: Maxwell Schauf, _RCKBLLY.STY
Bass: Dave Roe, _RCKBLLY.STY
Baritone and electric rhythm guitars: Brent Mason, _RCKBLLY.STY
Fiddle: Wanda Vick, _FIDSBJF.STY
Steel: I failed to make a note and forgot.
I kind of rushed this together so that I'd have it ready for his Birthday. It sounds rushed to me, but can't quite pin point what's wrong. If you decide to give 'er a listen, I'd be glad to hear your thoughts and ideas.
Brad