About the song
Mac Davis’ “Texas in My Rear View Mirror” is a poignant and evocative song that captures the bittersweet essence of leaving behind one’s past in search of new horizons. Released in 1978, this track is a quintessential example of Davis’ storytelling prowess and his ability to convey complex emotions through music.
In “Texas in My Rear View Mirror,” Mac Davis taps into the universal experience of moving on from one’s roots, blending nostalgia with a sense of hope and determination. The song reflects on the life left behind, with Texas symbolizing not just a physical place but also the memories, experiences, and emotions tied to it. The imagery of watching Texas fade away in the rearview mirror serves as a powerful metaphor for both departure and self-discovery.
Davis’ warm and expressive voice brings an authentic touch to the song, making it resonate deeply with listeners who have faced their own journeys of change and transition. The melody, with its gentle yet evocative tone, complements the reflective lyrics, creating a sense of both melancholy and optimism.
For those familiar with Mac Davis’ work, “Texas in My Rear View Mirror” stands out as a testament to his skill as a songwriter and performer. It captures the essence of moving forward while cherishing the past, a theme that many can relate to on a personal level. The song is not just a musical narrative but also an emotional journey that reflects Davis’ understanding of the human experience.
Listening to “Texas in My Rear View Mirror” today, one is reminded of the powerful connection between music and personal experience. The song serves as a moving reminder of how we all navigate our own paths, carrying pieces of our past with us as we venture into the future. Mac Davis’ ability to articulate this universal sentiment makes this song a lasting and cherished part of his musical legacy.
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Lyrics
I was just fifteen and out of control lost to James Dean and rock and roll
I knew down deep in my country soul that I had to get away
Hollywood was a lady in red who danced in my dreams as I tossed in bed
I knew I?d wind up in jail or dead if I have to stay
I thought happiness was Lubbock Texas in my rearview mirror
My mama kept calling me home but I just did not want to hear her
And the vision was getting clearer in my dream
So I let out one night in June stoned on the glow of the Texas moon
Humming an old Buddy Holly tune called Peggy Sue (pretty, pretty Peggy Sue)
With my favorite jeans and a cheap guitar I ran off chasing a distant star
If Buddy Holly could make it that far then I figured I could too
I thought happiness was Lubbock Texas in my rearview mirror
My mama kept calling me home but I just did not want to hear her
And the vision was getting clearer in my dream
But the Hollywood moon didn’t smile the same old smile that I?d grown up with
The lady in red just wanted my last dime
And I cried myself to sleep at night too dumb to run too scared to fight
And too proud to admit it at the time
So I got me some gigs on Saturday night not much more than orchestrated fights
I?d come home drunk and I tried to write but the words came out all wrong
Hell bent and bound for a wasted youth too much gin and not enough vermouth
And no one to teach me to seek the truth before I put an end to this song
I still thought happiness was Lubbock Texas in my rearview mirror
My mama kept calling me home but I just could not, would not hear her
And the vision was getting clearer in my dream
Well I thank God each and every day for giving me the music and the words to say
I?d never had made it any other way he was my only friend
Now I sleep a little better each night and when I look in the mirror in the morning light
The man I see was both wrong and right he’s going home again
I guessed happiness was Lubbock Texas in my rearview mirror
But now happiness was Lubbock Texas growing nearer and dearer
And the vision was getting clearer in my dream
And I think I finally know just what it means
And when I die you can bury me in Lubbock Texas in my jeans