rock back billy

get a load of that guy

with the dew rag on

and the cowboy tie

man that cat is gone

form memphis to nashville

then way out west

put that hollywood party

to the acid test

got a little bungalow

in the valley somewhere

took a gig playing bass

with sonny and cher

he took it on his chin

and never got it off his chest

he wouldn't be caught dead wearing that vest

not rock back billy

rock back billy

he came to make a stew

with that swamp guitar

he kept it lonesome and blue

yeah

in the trunk of his car

but no one gave him a long shot

though he never did doubt

what it was not

or what it was all about

he got all tangled up with liquor and drugs

trying to make a racket

like those english mugs

till he couldn't get arrested

and he couldn't see straight

he couldn't even shine shoes

in that golden state

not rock back billy

come on rock back billy

when you see him on the street

well

he's no spring chicken

but ask him how he makes ends meet

he'll tell you

i'm still pickin'"