Background
The song Backside of Thirty was released in February 1979 as the third single from John Conlee’s album Rose Colored Glasses. It was written by Don Cook and Larry Bastian. The song is about a 35-year-old man who is going through a divorce. He is feeling lost and alone, and he is struggling to cope with his new reality.
Musical Style
The song is a country ballad. It is slow and melancholic, with a strong emphasis on Conlee’s vocals. The instrumentation is simple, consisting mainly of acoustic guitar, piano, and fiddle.
Lyrics
The lyrics of Backside of Thirty tell the story of a man who is struggling to come to terms with his divorce. He is feeling lost and alone, and he is not sure what to do with his life. He drinks too much and he spends his days wallowing in self-pity.
The song is very personal and relatable. Many people have gone through a divorce, and they can understand the pain and confusion that the man in the song is feeling.
Cultural Impact
Backside of Thirty was a huge hit for John Conlee. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and it stayed there for three weeks. The song also won the Country Music Association Award for Song of the Year in 1979.
The song has been covered by many other artists, including George Strait, Alabama, and Garth Brooks. It has also been featured in several movies and television shows.
Conclusion
Backside of Thirty is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today. It is a powerful and moving song about the pain of divorce and the struggle to find meaning in life.
The song is also a testament to John Conlee’s talent as a singer and songwriter. He is able to convey the emotions of the man in the song in a way that is both authentic and heartbreaking.
Backside of Thirty is a must-listen for any fan of country music. It is a beautiful and poignant song that will stay with you long after you’ve heard it.
Additional Information
Here are some additional facts about Backside of Thirty:
- The song was written by Don Cook and Larry Bastian.
- It was released in February 1979.
- It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and stayed there for three weeks.
- It won the Country Music Association Award for Song of the Year in 1979.
- The song has been covered by many other artists, including George Strait, Alabama, and Garth Brooks.
- It has also been featured in several movies and television shows.