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

Your rating:
Total ratings: 325









Released: 1992
Length: 3:41
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Bumping this to 10.  McMurtry tells it like it really is - then and now.
Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
{#Snooty}
Posted 13 years ago by meadowwoods    [ Reply ]
The drums strongly remind me of that new song from Tom Petty (which is great btw)...


Posted 14 years ago by Dinges,_the_Dude    [ Reply ]
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...


Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
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}
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
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.

Posted 14 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
Mark knopfler called and.. guess what?
Posted 14 years ago by Felix_The_Cat    [ Reply ]
 Excelsior wrote:
Boring as hell.
 
Go there.

Posted 14 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
 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}
Posted 15 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
Hell yeah! This song goes out to all the wingnuts, Glen Beck, Bill O'Riley, Rush Limbaugh. Ann Coulter, Dick Cheney, etc!
Posted 15 years ago by anniebear    [ Reply ]
 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.

Posted 15 years ago by radioparadisehead    [ Reply ]
His vocal quality is very Knopfler-esque - mix of Knopfler-nasal and Steve Earle swagger.  I'd listen to more of his without objection.
Posted 15 years ago by sweettone    [ Reply ]
 Excelsior wrote:
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORING
  Not nearly as boring as someone who hates everything.{#Shhh}


Posted 16 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORING
Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
Funky groove - LOVE IT! Nice guitar work too...
Posted 16 years ago by chasbro    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 16 years ago by ChicoCyclist    [ Reply ]
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.

Posted 16 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
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.

Posted 16 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Some nice country guit-ar!
Posted 16 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
Boring as hell.
Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
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....
Posted 16 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 16 years ago by brewmonkey    [ Reply ]
healyf52 wrote:
Might be David Grissom. He used to play with McMurtry.
Mike Wanchic also played on this album.
Posted 16 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
siloco wrote:
guitar playing sounds like Richard Thompson..
The vocals sound like Timbuk 2
Posted 16 years ago by boober    [ Reply ]
Love this guy's work, have many of his CD's. however, after what 6-7 releases? His stuff's getting rather repetative.
Posted 16 years ago by sharkartist    [ Reply ]
Theme of this tune might be catagorized as "This is why 'they' hate us".
Posted 16 years ago by MinMan    [ Reply ]
stick to writing. . . singing ain't his thing . . .
Posted 16 years ago by jjbix    [ Reply ]
the mellencamp connection is right on
Posted 16 years ago by lophrequa    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 16 years ago by jwsbraces    [ Reply ]
geoff_morphini wrote:
I believe he (Mellencamp) produced this one.
thanks geoff. your information was a surprise for me.
Posted 16 years ago by mefrombrazil    [ Reply ]
mefrombrazil wrote:
i like JMM's songs. seems like JOHN MELLENCAMP.
I believe he (Mellencamp) produced this one.
Posted 16 years ago by geoff_morphini    [ Reply ]
i like JMM's songs. seems like JOHN MELLENCAMP.
Posted 17 years ago by mefrombrazil    [ Reply ]
siloco wrote:
guitar playing sounds like Richard Thompson..
Might be David Grissom. He used to play with McMurtry.
Posted 17 years ago by healyf52    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 17 years ago by jeffratte    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 17 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by ginniet    [ Reply ]
Love this guy! What attitude, give me more like "can't make it here anymore"
Posted 17 years ago by YA_MAN    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 17 years ago by inindian    [ Reply ]
musikalia wrote:
this blows
Actually, it's pretty damned good.
Posted 17 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
this rocks, like all good McMurtry. Makes Willie Nelson look like a city slicker.
Posted 17 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
this blows
Posted 17 years ago by musikalia    [ Reply ]
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.)
Posted 17 years ago by ri_shelton    [ Reply ]
guitar playing sounds like Richard Thompson..
Posted 18 years ago by siloco    [ Reply ]
his music, but mostly the lyrics i guess, makes me smile
Posted 18 years ago by bluematrix    [ Reply ]
Smug, trite, deprecating knocks on some perceived group of people who bring about all of life's problems?
Posted 18 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
Nice groove.
Posted 18 years ago by Old_Pool_Skunk    [ Reply ]
This guy's tongue-in-cheek lyrics are a hoot!
Posted 18 years ago by jadewahoo    [ Reply ]
His house is a filthy mess. Really.
Posted 18 years ago by Odyzzeuz    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 18 years ago by seltzer    [ Reply ]
probably better live....
Posted 18 years ago by im50something    [ Reply ]
Quit torturing me with this. Really, what is so great about this guy? old tunes mixed with hill billy lyrics.
Posted 18 years ago by StickerSticker    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 18 years ago by lester    [ Reply ]
i love this guy, and not just because i'm directly related to a whole mess of McMurtrys (hey y'all!)
Posted 18 years ago by tammaye    [ Reply ]
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...
Posted 18 years ago by Gregorama    [ Reply ]
Heathen wrote:
Kinda sounds like Mark Knopfler... a little anyways... ... which ain't a bad thing I guess :D
I hear it.
Posted 19 years ago by kazuma    [ Reply ]
I think this guy might, secretly, be one of them librul America Haters!
Posted 19 years ago by sergeant_x    [ Reply ]
James is a great live performer. Good tune. P.S. James' dad, Larry, just released a new novel.
Posted 19 years ago by Rickvee    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 20 years ago by cdemon    [ Reply ]
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....
Posted 20 years ago by justlistening    [ Reply ]
Nice guitar work! A little remenisent of Danny Gatton (one of my heros).
Posted 20 years ago by ciscochasbro    [ Reply ]
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).
Posted 20 years ago by camden_hampden    [ Reply ]
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? ;)
Posted 20 years ago by veegez    [ Reply ]
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...
Posted 20 years ago by bluedot    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 20 years ago by DMcGaw    [ Reply ]
Overall a good album. St. Mary of the Woods is a very good album, though.
Posted 20 years ago by KevDogRedux    [ Reply ]
Posted 21 years ago by gilmorecairns    [ Reply ]
Kinda sounds like Mark Knopfler... a little anyways... ... which ain't a bad thing I guess :D
Posted 21 years ago by Heathen    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 21 years ago by RichLA    [ Reply ]
Pleasant enough.
Posted 21 years ago by justlistening    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 21 years ago by zlotis    [ Reply ]
loved it on kpig, works here. miss the pig, but this place is good to :D
Posted 22 years ago by michaelc    [ Reply ]