The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Bye-Bye country boy
You've been a joy, a shiny toy
Glad we played your County Fair
I'm glad you came to see me there
I sang that song, looked right at you
You came backstage like I knew you'd do
It's a doggone shame our week is through
Bye-Bye country boy, sweet shy country boy
Bye-Bye country boy
Your Sunday clothes, you brought a rose
I love the hot-rod moonlight spins
Those sleepy roomy country inns
Your voice sends my world aways
Those sunny laughing picnic days
You've been a joy, a shiny toy
Bye-Bye country boy, sweet shy country boy
Bye-Bye country boy
It's time to go, it's closing show
You still think that I'm a star
Just shows how hazy dumb you are
If you'd just say "Hey, stick around"
I'd tell my Band I ain't leavin' town
But you don't dream I'd settle down
Do you country boy, sweet shy country boy
Bye-Bye country boy
I got to pack, I can't look back
Don't come 'round and say goodbye
You mustn't see a big star cry
But once I'm home in old L.A.
My heart and mind will be miles away
Still wishing you had made me stay
Bye-Bye country boy, sweet shy country boy
You've been a joy, a shiny toy
I got to pack, I can't look back
You've been a joy, a shiny toy
Glad we played your County Fair
I'm glad you came to see me there
I sang that song, looked right at you
You came backstage like I knew you'd do
It's a doggone shame our week is through
Bye-Bye country boy, sweet shy country boy
Bye-Bye country boy
Your Sunday clothes, you brought a rose
I love the hot-rod moonlight spins
Those sleepy roomy country inns
Your voice sends my world aways
Those sunny laughing picnic days
You've been a joy, a shiny toy
Bye-Bye country boy, sweet shy country boy
Bye-Bye country boy
It's time to go, it's closing show
You still think that I'm a star
Just shows how hazy dumb you are
If you'd just say "Hey, stick around"
I'd tell my Band I ain't leavin' town
But you don't dream I'd settle down
Do you country boy, sweet shy country boy
Bye-Bye country boy
I got to pack, I can't look back
Don't come 'round and say goodbye
You mustn't see a big star cry
But once I'm home in old L.A.
My heart and mind will be miles away
Still wishing you had made me stay
Bye-Bye country boy, sweet shy country boy
You've been a joy, a shiny toy
I got to pack, I can't look back
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Bye-Bye Country Boy Lyrics as written by Jack Segal Dearie Blossom
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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