“Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight” by The Oak Ridge Boys: A Journey Through Classic Country Sounds
In the vibrant landscape of late 1970s country music, The Oak Ridge Boys stood out as a group that consistently delivered songs rich in storytelling and melody. One such track, “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight,” which was released in December 1979, exemplifies their unique blend of vocal harmony and southern charm. Written by the talented duo Rodney Crowell and Donivan Cowart, this song quickly found its place in the hearts of country music fans, becoming the group’s second number one country single in February 1980.
“Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight” is more than just a song—it’s a vivid narrative set to music, capturing the essence of a restless journey. The lyrics tell the story of a protagonist who is compelled to leave Louisiana under less-than-ideal circumstances, but the urgency and vitality of the tale are conveyed through both the words and the lively, up-tempo arrangement. The Oak Ridge Boys bring this story to life with their distinctive vocal harmonies, which have long been a hallmark of their sound.
When this single hit the airwaves, it didn’t take long for it to climb the charts. By February 1980, it had secured the coveted number one spot on the country charts, where it stayed for a week, and spent a total of eleven weeks within the chart’s upper echelons. This success solidified The Oak Ridge Boys’ reputation as one of the premier groups in country music at the time, a group that could blend traditional country with the contemporary sounds of the era.
The success of “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight” also underscored the songwriting prowess of Rodney Crowell and Donivan Cowart. Crowell, in particular, would go on to have a stellar career both as a performer and songwriter, and this track is a fine example of his early work, filled with sharp storytelling and a keen understanding of the human condition.
The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody, paired with the Oak Ridge Boys’ robust vocal delivery, made it a fan favorite and a staple in their live performances for years to come. The infectious chorus, “They’re leaving Louisiana in the broad daylight,” echoes with a sense of inevitability and adventure, encapsulating the spirit of the song perfectly.
In many ways, “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight” represents a perfect slice of late 1970s country music—a time when the genre was evolving and expanding its boundaries, yet still deeply rooted in the tradition of storytelling. The Oak Ridge Boys, with their impeccable harmonies and charismatic performances, were at the forefront of this movement, and this song remains a testament to their enduring appeal.
For fans of classic country music, “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight” is a track that not only showcases the talents of the Oak Ridge Boys but also serves as a reminder of a time when country music was as much about the stories it told as it was about the melodies that carried those stories.
Music Legend