Prolific songwriter, the late Harlan Howard, wrote this and I wanted to point out something that, to me, makes it so special. Harlan leads the listeners down a very predictable typical Country road and suddenly on the very last line of each verse, he throws us into power reverse.

http://youtu.be/6MsxhcdL9Xk

Gordon Lightfoot is another songwriter/poet who does that successfully with his lyrics. Personally, I really enjoy those subtle cranial U-turns in a song.

(A clever sight gag: Did anyone else besides me notice that the officer leaves the Cafe then goes directly oot and tickets Pam's car?).

Actually Don this is the perfect country song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkKn5HrKgHQ

Chuckling aloud allowed! Grin

There are tons of well written country and rock songs to choose from. So many good writers and lyricists have their talents on display for all to see.

I like the way many writers use a given hook in a chorus and the verses give it a totally different context each time.... and then the bridge comes in and totally throws that for a loop and you see the song in a new way.....

Harlan Howard was one of the best there was in Nashville.

Maybe it's only me but this Gordon Lightfoot song is one of my favo(u)rites.

"Only twenty one, she was. A young girl just in from somewhere..." The vagary of that line hooks me every time.

From "Go Go Round" by Gordon Lightfoot.

http://youtu.be/TFcnZblqsXc

It's impossible for me to listen to Gordon Lightfoot without appreciating the guitar work of Red Shea. Red WAS the Lightfoot sound of the 70s.

Here is one of my favorites https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rW9-FOLG-iA

or this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ3SC-gVvy0

Later,

There's a bit of an oddity (to my ear) in the chorus of that song - it seems to last one extra 4 bar section than what I'm expecting. I count 20 bars, anyone else?

I think that's part of what makes the song interesting compared to a typical 16 bar chorus - the tension that results from expecting the chorus to end and then it doesn't end.

I like Junior Brown's writing style - some lyrical twists and turns there and smile-inducing electric and lap steel playing.

I was over at JPF and heard this one. Classic country songwriting at it's best. Written by Kurt Fortmeyer, Marty Brown and the late Charlie Craig.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJdnf3FSNr4&

Josie, what a wonderful example of Classic Country songwriting. Thank you.

Incidentally, do you have anything original with a Latin (Mexican/Spanish) flavor?

If so, will you please post it somewhere or email it to me? There is method to my madness, dear lady!

Sorry Amigo, don't have one.

Darn, another missed opportunity at massive wealth and fame for you. Oh well 8=(.

Thanks anyway, Amiga.

When I think of well written songs, this one comes to mind.

"Maybe It Was Memphis" ..... a song written by Michael Anderson.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FobP7FkCgmI

The imagery in the lyrics is brilliant. Structure is sound and melody is great.

Have a listen and pay attention to the lyrics in all the verses. This is a good example of how to write a country song.