About the song
“Guitars, Cadillacs” is a signature song by Dwight Yoakam, marking his breakthrough into the country music scene. Released in 1986 as the title track of his debut album, the song quickly became one of his most recognizable hits.
Written by Yoakam himself, “Guitars, Cadillacs” embodies the traditional honky-tonk sound infused with a modern twist that became Yoakam’s trademark. It captures the essence of classic country music while adding a contemporary edge, appealing to a wide audience of country music enthusiasts.
The song’s success on the charts reflected its popularity among listeners. “Guitars, Cadillacs” peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, showcasing Yoakam’s rising prominence in the country music industry. Its infectious melody and catchy lyrics resonated with fans, solidifying Yoakam’s reputation as a talented singer-songwriter and performer.
The accompanying album, also titled “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.,” further established Yoakam as a force to be reckoned with in country music. It received widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike, earning Yoakam recognition as one of the leading figures in the neo-traditional country movement of the 1980s.
With its twangy guitars, lively rhythm, and Yoakam’s distinctive vocals, “Guitars, Cadillacs” remains a staple in his repertoire and a beloved classic in the country music genre. It serves as a testament to Yoakam’s enduring influence and enduring appeal as a country music icon.
Video
Lyrics
Girl you taught me how to hurt real bad and cry myself to sleep
You showed me how this town can shatter dreams
Another lesson about a naive fool that came to Babylon
And found out that the pie don’t taste so sweet
Now it’s guitars, Cadillacs, hillbilly music
Lonely, lonely streets that I call home
Yeah my guitars, Cadillacs, hillbilly music
Is the only thing that keeps me hanging on
There ain’t no glamour in this tinseled land of lost and wasted lives
And painful scars are all that’s left of me
Oh but thank you girl for teaching me brand new ways to be cruel
If I can find my mind now, I guess I’ll just leave
And it’s guitars, Cadillacs, hillbilly music
Lonely, lonely streets that I call home
Yeah my guitars, Cadillacs, hillbilly music
Is the only thing that keeps me hanging on
Oh it’s guitars, Cadillacs, hillbilly music
Lonely, lonely streets that I call home
Yeah my guitars, Cadillacs, hillbilly music
Is the only thing that keeps me hanging on
It’s the only thing that keeps me hanging on
It’s the only thing that keeps me hanging on