Harri, from Songfacts: This song is based on the true story of Lela and Raymond Howard, an elderly couple from Salado, Texas who drove to the annual Pioneer Day festival 10 miles away in Temple and didn't return. She had Alzheimer's disease and he was recovering from brain surgery. When they disappeared, a reporter from the Austin American-Statesman wrote a series of articles about the missing couple. Fastball bassist Tony Scalzo came up with the idea for the song after reading the articles (the band is from Austin). "It's a romanticized take on what happened," he said. Scalzo pictured them "taking off to have fun, like they did when they first met." Thirteen days after the Howards went missing, they were found in Hot Springs, Arkansas, about 400 miles from their destination; they were still in the vehicle (an Oldsmobile Delta 88), which had veered off the side of the road and was hidden in brush. Scalzo had finished writing the song when he learned that the couple had died.
Thank you for explaining this to him and others, I actually didn't know the story behind it, till I watched till one day I was watching a Mr. Ballen tell a story about the couple, and how the song was based on it
The first time I saw Fastball, they covered Willie Nelson and Hoodoo Gurus. Not many bands have that in their repertoire. I waited around the club late to tell them that and they turned out to be funny, gracious guys. Was a blast.
It's an homage to an older sick couple who just wanted to get away and relive the glory days of their youth. They went out in a blaze of glory and they went out their own way It's sad and uplifting at the same time.
I remember this story in the news.. the media immediately reported that the parents just got up and abandoned their life and kids and just left... it was so strange, until the truth came out... so sad. Great reaction.
Thanks, Harri! Love this song.. apparently based on a sad true story.. but they turned it into something "happier"... appreciate your listen (never saw video before)...
There is a band called Son’s of Bill. Three members in the band are sons of the Reverend Bill Wilson. They have a lot of great songs but a couple that I’d recommend that you react to or just listen to and enjoy are “Joey’s Arm” and “Fishing Song”. These guys are great storytellers.
It's a tough song. Giving myself to the chorus, as I'm sure I'm meant to do, really tears me up inside. It plays with my mind. "They won't make it home, but they really don't care." It's one you have to live with for a while.
Harri, from Songfacts:
This song is based on the true story of Lela and Raymond Howard, an elderly couple from Salado, Texas who drove to the annual Pioneer Day festival 10 miles away in Temple and didn't return. She had Alzheimer's disease and he was recovering from brain surgery.
When they disappeared, a reporter from the Austin American-Statesman wrote a series of articles about the missing couple. Fastball bassist Tony Scalzo came up with the idea for the song after reading the articles (the band is from Austin). "It's a romanticized take on what happened," he said. Scalzo pictured them "taking off to have fun, like they did when they first met."
Thirteen days after the Howards went missing, they were found in Hot Springs, Arkansas, about 400 miles from their destination; they were still in the vehicle (an Oldsmobile Delta 88), which had veered off the side of the road and was hidden in brush. Scalzo had finished writing the song when he learned that the couple had died.
Thank you so much. I never knew the backstory to this song . I had it on repeat back in the day...one of my very favorites from this time period.
Thank you for explaining this to him and others, I actually didn't know the story behind it, till I watched till one day I was watching a Mr. Ballen tell a story about the couple, and how the song was based on it
You're welcome. When I heard the song it seemed like there had to be a story behind the lyrics, and sure enough.@@Kat-gx3se
I hadn't heard before about Mr. Ballen.It's a bit of a sad story.@@JCourts2k23
Yes. And IIRC, he kept the song as is as a way to give the family the happy ending that they were hoping for.
Knowing that the song is based on a very tragic true event, it always brings a tear to my eye.
I get a tear in my eye when I think of the tragedy in the White House and that broken sack of oatmeal.
Glad I wasn't the only one who heard "Delilah" in the melody of this song. Thanks Harri.
Fantastic song with quite the story behind it. Thank you David and Harri.
The first time I saw Fastball, they covered Willie Nelson and Hoodoo Gurus. Not many bands have that in their repertoire. I waited around the club late to tell them that and they turned out to be funny, gracious guys. Was a blast.
Loved this song the first time I heard it - it has some kind of retro sound that I can't put a finger on.
I love this song! Thanks for reacting (I haven't found many other reactions to it).
I love this song and had heard it many many times before learning the sad story behind it😢. Thanks Harri and David 🌺✌️
I was somewhat familiar with this song, but wow, what a story behind it. Great pick David and thanks Harri.
Awesome reaction, Harri, and request, David. Never seen the music video before. Such a great song with a retro rock groove!
Saw these guys a few years back in Austin. They opened for Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers.
Love this song! Thanks Harry!
Huge song in 1998.
It's an homage to an older sick couple who just wanted to get away and relive the glory days of their youth. They went out in a blaze of glory and they went out their own way
It's sad and uplifting at the same time.
I remember this story in the news.. the media immediately reported that the parents just got up and abandoned their life and kids and just left... it was so strange, until the truth came out... so sad. Great reaction.
I’ve always liked this song💖🌷🎼
A bit of "Delilah," a touch of the Shadows "Apache," a real life story, and putting their own twist on all of it. Great song and great reaction!
Thanks, Harri! Love this song.. apparently based on a sad true story.. but they turned it into something "happier"... appreciate your listen (never saw video before)...
always loved this one, great pop hooks and lyrics
There is a band called Son’s of Bill. Three members in the band are sons of the Reverend Bill Wilson. They have a lot of great songs but a couple that I’d recommend that you react to or just listen to and enjoy are “Joey’s Arm” and “Fishing Song”. These guys are great storytellers.
It's a tough song. Giving myself to the chorus, as I'm sure I'm meant to do, really tears me up inside. It plays with my mind. "They won't make it home, but they really don't care." It's one you have to live with for a while.
You’re right about Delilah
Sounds like a tune that could have been in a Tarentino movie.
More Fastball please :)
You should check out some Tool Harris. 👍
"Out of my Head" is another good Fastball track. Check that one out. ua-cam.com/video/6uEJXodcME0/v-deo.htmlsi=F2VizQtDpvZGMktT
I think it is a bad recording. I have the CD from when it was released and it's a lot clearer.