a bar in bakersfield

some years ago some stars and i formed this big band

they went on to be somebody and i'm their greatest fan

i helped write the music that set their ship a-sail

and i'm still playing guitar in a bar in bakersfield

this town had a new sound and we found it on a gig

god bless the boys that used it and went off to make it big

i could've left and done it too but i couldn't leave this city

'cause she's the dad-gum bar maid at a bar in bakersfield

hey

i could have busted out some years ago

but you kept beggin' me not to go

there were times when things were rough on us but we never missed no meal

existing

playin' guitar in a bar in bakersfield

i've been busy playin' rhythm and learnin' lead guitar

had to stay and make a living

had no time to be a star

oh

i'll never make the big time and i'll never be no wheel

damn it

i've booked seven nights a week in this bar in bakersfield

hey

i could have busted out some years ago

ah

but you kept beggin' me not to go

there were times when things were rough on us but we never missed no meal

existing

playin' guitar in a bar in bakersfield

i've been survivin'

playin' guitar in a bar in bakersfield