Christ of The Ozarks

from Birdstain-EP by al Riggs

subscriber exclusive

about

This song was inspired by a few things.
First, a few years ago my dad took this trip from North Carolina to New Jersey. Our mission was to avoid the major tourist traps (monuments, amusement parks) and only aim for the shitty little roadside attractions you see on the side of the road. "World's Largest Potato" or in real life "The Mystery Hole (!!!)" in West Virginia.
Secondly, I was listening to a LOT of Paul Simon at the time of this song's creation, so that's why the beat and is reminiscent of "Graceland". Completely unintentional. I swear.
Finally, I did, in fact, see a sign on the road that said "Suicide's not the solution" and a sign that said "Firewood for sale" WITH all the Rs spelled backwards and all the signs missing the Es. So that line just fell into the song very easily.
Finally finally, the title came from a webcomic "Everything Dies" by the incredibly talented Box Brown. The comic is about different aspects and stories about everything that has to do with religion, and one of them was about the giant statue in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. I just thought that was a great song title, and after writing and recording the song, I sent to Mr. Brown and he loved it to the point of linking to it on his comic's webpage. So, thanks again, sir!

lyrics

Well, I see signs on the side of the road that say
"Firewood for sale"
With all the Rs spelled backwards and all of the signs
Missing the Es

Another sign on the side of the road said
"Suicide's not the solution"
Well, I don't know
Don't you think it'd make for a good song to write?

CHORUS
Wave 'bye' to Jesus, kids
The Christ of The Ozarks
Is on the way to Dairy Queen
Day old coffee and magazines
When you're busy stacking books on the table
The Hitchhiker's Guide and the Bible
Don't look that different

On my way to Red Bank, NJ
With my dad on summer break
Stopping at the Mystery Hole, I can't breathe a word

My faith was based around movies
I was too young to see
But back then, I understood every word of them

CHORUS

credits

from Birdstain-EP, released February 17, 2011
AL- guitar, bass, cardboard box, additional percussion

license

about

al Riggs Durham, North Carolina

Sad Songs For, About, And Written By Birds

Recommendations

contact / help

Contact al Riggs

Streaming and
Download help

Shipping and returns

Redeem code

Report this track or account

al Riggs recommends:

Sauna
by Mount Eerie

Phil makes sometimes quiet, sometimes ear shattering, always pretty and dense records and this one is no different. As big as all outdoors and as small as a small wooden shack, as to be expected. al Riggs
go to album
Uyai
by Ibibio Sound Machine

Dance to this all night and then the morning and then the afternoon until your legs turn to noodles or the landlord starts a-knocking on your floor/their ceiling with a broom. Whichever happens first. al Riggs
go to album
The World Is A Loud Place
by Landlady

Landlady live is a force of nature, on record they are just as gorgeous and anxious as they are in the Flesh World. More Nervous Energy for those who like tremendous drumming and proper earworms. al Riggs
go to album

If you like al Riggs, you may also like:

Songs for Pierre Chuvin
by the Mountain Goats

supported by 7 fans who also own “Christ of The Ozarks”

Any given album from the Mountain Goats is a genuinely unique experience and this is certainly no exception. :) alanking
go to album
The Jordan Lake Sessions: Volumes 1 and 2
by the Mountain Goats

supported by 6 fans who also own “Christ of The Ozarks”

This song is an anthem for me. I will survive out of spite to those that don't want me to. remmy4warlord
go to album
Haven
by Emma Geiger

The wonderfully understated folk songs on the new EP from Emma Geiger recall the best of The Softies and early Mary Lou Lord. Bandcamp New & Notable May 9, 2022
go to album