Banks Of The Ol' Bandera
Jerry Jeff Walker · Other Songs - Jerry Jeff Walker
On the banks of the ole Bandera runs a barefoot child
Takin' Sunday-go-to-meetin' shortcuts
He's out across those open fields, down those dusty drives
The hills that wear blue bonnets, they look like a print dressing gown
Thru the summer rains, that pur down like honey
They help make the mushrooms grow and that always make the B-man dance
Once we ran barefoot through those clovers so wet with dew
Like wild Comanches' crazy horses on the loose
Chorus:
Sometimes it feels like a song
Sometimes it makes me feel like it's gone
Now it all feels like a song
You can hear a screen door slammin', hey let's run a foot race to the creek
Where you see clear down to the bottom of the deep end
Dependin' on where you stand, how you look, and what you want to see
Monkey vines, swimmin' holes - weren't they always around the bend
And that rope we used to swing on, now it just hangs tattered by the wind
Chorus
Down on the banks of the ole Bandera
Banks Of The Ol' Bandera
Jerry Jeff Walker's 'Banks Of The Ol' Bandera' stands as a quintessential example of his unique blend of country, rockabilly, and blues. Recorded during the height of his career, the track showcases Walker's signature vocal style, characterized by its raspy delivery and conversational cadence, delivered over a driving, twang-heavy rhythm section. The song captures the spirit of the American Southwest, evoking imagery of travel and the rugged landscapes of Texas through its lyrical themes. As part of Walker's extensive discography, the recording reflects his ability to craft catchy, melodic tunes that resonated deeply with audiences across the United States. It remains a defining piece of his catalog, illustrating his mastery in creating music that was both commercially successful and critically acclaimed within the genre.