About the song
“Dwight Yoakam – Guitars Cadillacs” is a classic country song that epitomizes the Bakersfield sound and catapulted Dwight Yoakam into the forefront of country music in the 1980s. Written and performed by Dwight Yoakam himself, “Guitars Cadillacs” was the title track of his debut album released in 1986 under the same name.
Dwight Yoakam, a renowned singer-songwriter and actor, is celebrated for his distinctive honky-tonk style that blends traditional country with rockabilly influences. “Guitars Cadillacs” showcases his signature twangy vocals and skilled guitar playing, backed by a tight rhythm section that drives the song’s infectious energy.
The song swiftly gained popularity, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1986. Its success helped Yoakam’s debut album achieve platinum status, firmly establishing him as a prominent figure in the country music scene. The album itself peaked at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, solidifying Yoakam’s reputation as both a performer and a songwriter.
Beyond its commercial success, “Guitars Cadillacs” has endured as a beloved classic among country music aficionados, appreciated for its heartfelt lyrics and lively instrumentation. The song’s nostalgic lyrics evoke imagery of the American West and its cultural icons, resonating with listeners who appreciate Yoakam’s ability to capture the essence of traditional country music while infusing it with a modern edge.
Dwight Yoakam’s “Guitars Cadillacs” remains a cornerstone of his career and a testament to his enduring influence on the country music genre. With its timeless appeal and Yoakam’s distinctive style, the song continues to captivate audiences, ensuring its place in the pantheon of country music classics.
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Lyrics
Girl you taught me how to hurt real bad and cry myself to sleepYou showed me how this town can shatter dreamsAnother lesson about a naive fool that came to BabylonAnd found out that the pie don’t taste so sweetNow it’s guitars, Cadillacs, hillbilly musicLonely, lonely streets that I call homeYeah my guitars, Cadillacs, hillbilly musicIs the only thing that keeps me hanging onThere ain’t no glamour in this tinseled land of lost and wasted livesAnd painful scars are all that’s left of meOh but thank you girl for teaching me brand new ways to be cruelIf I can find my mind now, I guess I’ll just leaveAnd it’s guitars, Cadillacs, hillbilly musicLonely, lonely streets that I call homeYeah my guitars, Cadillacs, hillbilly musicIs the only thing that keeps me hanging onOh it’s guitars, Cadillacs, hillbilly musicLonely, lonely streets that I call homeYeah my guitars, Cadillacs, hillbilly musicIs the only thing that keeps me hanging onIt’s the only thing that keeps me hanging onIt’s the only thing that keeps me hanging on