About The Song
Guitars, Cadillacs: A Look at Dwight Yoakam’s Signature Song
“Guitars, Cadillacs” is the title track and second single from Dwight Yoakam’s 1986 debut album, “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.” The song perfectly captures Yoakam’s signature Bakersfield sound, a blend of traditional country music with rockabilly and honky-tonk influences.
Story and Themes:
The song tells the story of a heartbroken man who finds solace in his music (guitars) and a classic car (Cadillacs) after a failed relationship. The lyrics depict feelings of loneliness, betrayal, and a desire to escape the pain.
Key Themes:
- Heartbreak and loss: The song revolves around the emotional aftermath of a significant relationship ending.
- Music as solace: The protagonist finds comfort and a form of expression through his music.
- The allure of the open road: The Cadillac symbolizes freedom and escape from his troubles.
Musical Style:
“Guitars, Cadillacs” showcases Yoakam’s distinctive vocals, characterized by a twangy, high tenor with a touch of rock and roll swagger. The song features a driving beat with prominent steel guitar and piano accompaniment.
Impact and Legacy:
- “Guitars, Cadillacs” became a major hit for Yoakam, reaching number 4 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number 2 in Canada.
- It established him as a leading figure in the neotraditional country movement, known for reviving the sounds of classic country music.
- The song remains one of Yoakam’s most recognizable songs and a beloved classic in the country music genre.
Here are some additional resources you might find interesting:
- Listen to the song: You can find “Guitars, Cadillacs” by Dwight Yoakam on various music streaming services or watch music videos on YouTube: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOCCvN8YDuc (Note: this link might be for a different song, you can search for the specific song by Dwight Yoakam).
- Read more about the song’s history: While there isn’t a dedicated Wikipedia page for the song itself, you can find information about Dwight Yoakam’s career and the “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.” album on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwight_Yoakam
- Explore Dwight Yoakam’s Bakersfield sound: You can find resources online that explore the Bakersfield sound and its influence on country music.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
Girl you taught me how to hurt real bad and cry myself to sleep
You showed me how this town can shatter dreams
Another lesson about a naive fool that came to Babylon
And found out that the pie don’t taste so sweet
Now it’s guitars, Cadillacs, hillbilly music
Lonely, lonely streets that I call home
Yeah my guitars, Cadillacs, hillbilly music
Is the only thing that keeps me hanging on
There ain’t no glamour in this tinseled land of lost and wasted lives
And painful scars are all that’s left of me
Oh but thank you girl for teaching me brand new ways to be cruel
If I can find my mind now, I guess I’ll just leave
And it’s guitars, Cadillacs, hillbilly music
Lonely, lonely streets that I call home
Yeah my guitars, Cadillacs, hillbilly music
Is the only thing that keeps me hanging on
Oh it’s guitars, Cadillacs, hillbilly music
Lonely, lonely streets that I call home
Yeah my guitars, Cadillacs, hillbilly music
Is the only thing that keeps me hanging on
It’s the only thing that keeps me hanging on
It’s the only thing that keeps me hanging on
