This Ain't Exactly What I Had in Mind
Tom T. Hall · Song in a Seashell [Mercury] [1985]
You ask me how I'm doin' friend well I will tell you true
I guess I shouldn't say this cause I've had a drink or two
But I was just now looking back on other days and times
And this ain't exactly what I had in mind.
Now everybody's saying hey what's with this stupid guy
In all his dreams it seems he's always reaching for the sky
But you know me calls for three and I show up with nine
Well, it ain't exactly what I had in mind.
Ah, it seems like only yesterday when I was just a kid
I always thought I had to be the best at what I did
I was always looking for a mountain I could climb
And this ain't exactly what I had in mind.
Remember when we won the game that was in '62
And we bet all our money and we gave a few points too
And Bo went deep and caught the pass and Bubba held the line
Well, this ain't exactly what I had in mind.
Like Eisenhower you know that I have always loved my wife
And some say we should never try to make a deal with life
But you know me I'm just a fool here crying in my wine
But this ain't exactly what I had in mind.
Hey, to tell the truth did you believe we'd ever come this far
Remember when our big ambition was to own a car
Why, I oughta have my butt kicked I've been lucky life's been kind
But this ain't exactly what I had in mind.
It just ain't exactly what I had in mind...
About This Ain't Exactly What I Had in Mind
Tom T. Hall's "This Ain't Exactly What I Had in Mind" stands as a quintessential example of his storytelling prowess, blending country and folk traditions with a narrative that explores the complexities of romantic disappointment. Recorded on the Mercury label in 1985, the track exemplifies Hall's ability to craft vivid imagery and emotional depth within a traditional acoustic framework. The song reflects the broader tradition of the American singer-songwriter, where personal anecdotes are transformed into universal truths about love and loss. Hall's delivery, characterized by his distinctive baritone and intricate vocal runs, brings a unique texture to the material, distinguishing it from the polished pop-country trends emerging in the mid-1980s. This recording remains a significant part of his discography, showcasing his commitment to lyrical integrity and his role as a chronicler of everyday human experiences.