Down in the Boondocks

Billy Joe Royal

About Down in the Boondocks

"Down in the Boondocks" is a song written by Joe South, with sampling from Gene Pitney's "Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa", and recorded by American artist Billy Joe Royal. It was a hit in 1965, reaching number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In the UK, it hit number 38 on the Record Retailer chart. In Canada, the song reached #1 on the RPM Magazine charts, August 9, 1965. The song comes from the album Down in the Boondocks.


Year:
2010
2:35
71 
#1

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Down in the boondocks
Down in the boondocks
People put me down 'cause
That's the side of town I was born in
I love her she loves me but I don't fit in her society
Lord have mercy on the boy from down in the boondocks

Every night I watch the lights from the house up on the hill
I love a little girl who lives up there and I guess I always will
But I don't dare knock on her door
'Cause her daddy is my boss man
So I just have to be content
To see her whenever I can

Down in the boondocks
Down in the boondocks
People put me down 'cause
That's the side of town I was born in
I love her she loves me but I don't fit in her society
Lord have mercy on the boy from down in the boondocks

Down in the boondocks
Down in the boondocks

One fine day I'll find the way 
To move from this old shack
I'll hold my head up like a king 
And I never never will look back
Until that morning I'll work and slave
And I'll save every dime
But tonight she'll have to steal away
To see me one more time

Down in the boondocks
Down in the boondocks
People put me down 'cause
That's the side of town I was born in
I love her she loves me but I don't fit in her society
Lord have mercy on the boy from down in the boondocks
Lord have mercy on the boy from down in the boondocks
Lord have mercy on the boy from down in the boondocks

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Billy Joe Royal

Billy Joe Royal (born April 3, 1942, Valdosta, Georgia, United States) is an American singer. more »

3 fans

Written by: Joe South

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist Background
"Down in the Boondocks" is a popular song performed by Billy Joe Royal, who was an American pop and country singer. His other hits include "I Knew You When" and "Cherry Hill Park."
Song Overview
The song was released in 1965 and narrates the story of a young man from a lower social-economic background who, despite his love for a girl from high society, knows their socio-economic differences are a barrier to them being together.
Chart Performance
The song was an instant success, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
Song Writing Credits
"Down in the Boondocks" was written by Joe South. Notably, Joe South also wrote other hits for Billy Joe Royal and even played guitar on this track.
Music Style
The song utilizes a blend of soul and country. This fusion was popular in the 1960s and was characteristic of Billy Joe Royal's music style.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by various artists, including Penny DeHaven, Evie Sands, and Ry Cooder. This validates the song's appeal and sustainability.
Lasting Impact
Despite being released over 55 years ago, "Down in the Boondocks" is still well received and recognized today, featuring on various digital platforms and playlists.
Cultural Significance
The term "Boondocks" is an American term that originated from the Filipino word "bundok," meaning mountain. It was taken by American military personnel stationed in the Philippines during World War II to mean a rural, low-income, remote, rough area. It was used in this song to symbolize the social-economic divide the young man in the song is dealing with.
Song Recognition
The song, "Down in the Boondocks," was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, recognizing its cultural significance and popularity.
Live Performances
Even though Billy Joe Royal passed away in 2015, his memorable performance of "Down in the Boondocks" is still available on various platforms like YouTube, allowing fans to enjoy his music continually.

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    Down in the Boondocks

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1965

    Billboard #9


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