The Meaning Behind The Song: Good Lord Lorrie by Turnpike Troubadours - Beat Crave (2024)

I first heard this song on a road trip a few years ago, and it immediately struck a chord with me. There’s something about the heartfelt lyrics and the raw emotion in Evan Felker’s voice that draws you in and takes you on a journey through love, heartbreak, and self-discovery.

A Roller Coaster Ride Relationship

“Good Lord Lorrie” paints a familiar picture of a tumultuous relationship between two rebellious souls from Oklahoma. The eponymous Lorrie is a recurring character in the Turnpike Troubadours’ songs, and she represents the highs and lows of love and life.

The song begins with Lorrie lighting a cigarette and smiling as she waves through the smoke. Her black hair brown from the summer sun and her green eyes scanning the surroundings, she exudes a free-spirited vibe. She tells the narrator, presumably Evan Felker himself, that she loves him, to which he responds with a grin and a confident “I know.”

The lyrics continue to delve into the complexities of Lorrie’s life and the obstacles they face as a couple. Lorrie comes from a family that used to have wealth, but they still act like they do. Her father disapproves of the narrator, considering him unfit to be with Lorrie. Her brother even threatens to break the narrator’s jaw if he ever sets foot in Sevier county.

Despite these challenges, the narrator stands by Lorrie, proud to be with the “dark-haired daughter of Southwest Arkansas.” He muses on the lessons he has learned throughout their relationship, including the bittersweet realities of believing, breaking even, and loneliness.

A Reckless Night and the Consequences

The song takes a turn when the narrator buys a bottle of alcohol in a dry town, and he and Lorrie end up at a friend’s double wide trailer, playing dominoes. The narrator admits to having good intentions until he had too many drinks, lamenting his own foolishness. He acknowledges the need to back up his words with action and keep his mouth closed.

The Painful Realization and Goodbye

The song reaches its climax when Lorrie questions the worth of their troubled relationship. She expresses her disappointment, claiming the narrator is not who she thought he was, and states that it’s no longer fun. Her words cut through the dark drunken haze, leaving the narrator feeling overwhelmed and defeated.

In the final chorus, the narrator bids Lorrie good night and confesses his love for her, yet questioning if things could have gone more wrong. He accepts that he has reached his breaking point and acknowledges that maybe Lorrie’s family was right about him all along.

The Significance of “Good Lord Lorrie” by Turnpike Troubadours

“Good Lord Lorrie” is a powerful song that explores the complexities and roller coaster ride of love and relationships. It delves into the emotions of heartbreak, self-discovery, and the painful realization that sometimes, things just don’t work out the way we hoped.

The lyrics, combined with Evan Felker’s evocative delivery, make this song relatable to anyone who has experienced the ups and downs of a passionate but ultimately doomed romance. It serves as a reminder that love can be messy, and sometimes, despite our best intentions, things simply fall apart.

So, if you find yourself in need of a cathartic musical experience or if you’re simply in awe of powerful storytelling in song, I highly recommend giving “Good Lord Lorrie” by Turnpike Troubadours a listen. It’s a genuine piece of art that beautifully captures the essence of love and heartache.

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more deep dives into the meanings behind your favorite songs. Let me know in the comments below what other songs you’d like me to explore next. Until then, keep those headphones on and keep discovering the magic in music!

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