Introduction
Steve Earle’s “Guitar Town” roared onto the country music scene in 1986, not just a song, but the title track of his debut album. The song became a breakout hit, reaching number 7 on both the US and Canadian country charts, marking a turning point for Earle’s career.
But “Guitar Town” wasn’t just a catchy tune. It captured the restless spirit of a young musician on the road. Earle, a Texas native, poured his own experiences into the lyrics. The song tells the story of a traveling musician, armed with a cheap (the radio edit changed the lyric from “Jap guitar” to “cheap guitar”) and a dream, leaving behind a small town for the bright lights – or maybe just the next gig – down the highway. It’s a celebration of the pursuit of musical passion, the open road a symbol of endless possibility.
“Guitar Town” wasn’t without its controversy. The original lyric mentioning a “Jap guitar” raised eyebrows, though it was likely meant to simply describe the origin of the instrument, not a racial slur. The radio edit opted for a more generic “cheap guitar” to avoid any misunderstanding.
Despite the minor bump, “Guitar Town” became a landmark song. Earle’s raw vocals and the stripped-down rockabilly sound infused the track with a fresh energy, a sound that helped bridge the gap between traditional country and the emerging alternative country scene.
So crank up the volume and get ready for a ride. “Guitar Town” is more than a song; it’s a road trip anthem, a reminder of the allure of chasing a dream, one town and one guitar solo at a time.