That Song Is Driving Me Crazy Quiz

Answer: high low

"That Song Is Driving Me Crazy", first verse:

"That song is driving me crazy, I gotta hear it again
First time I heard it, I was with some friends
It's a simple little song, you can sing along, with an old time melody
So would you play that crazy little song again for me"

This song peaked at number two in 1974 both U.S. and Canada, from his tenth studio album.

Throughout his prolific songwriting career, Mr. Hall became known as "The Storyteller" and "The Poet Laureate Of Country Music" citing his eloquently detailed narration and vivid images of the common person in everyday situations.

Answer: The Ballad of Forty Dollars

Released October 1968 peaking at number four both U.S. and Canada, from the album of the same name.

An interesting ballad composed by Hall, about his observations at the graveside funeral of man of whom he finally tells us in the last line, "the fellow owes me forty bucks".

Answer: A Week in a Country Jail

Tom T's. first number one song January 1970, totaling thirteen weeks on the charts.

Born 1936 in Olive Hill, Kentucky, Hall began writing poetry prior to age eight, forming a natural progression to song writing. Also learning guitar, he formed the Kentucky Travelers, performing local gigs leading to a regular broadcast at a Morehead, Kentucky radio station. Hall stayed on as a DJ after the band's breakup.

Answer: Clayton

This song, "The Year That Clayton Delaney Died", Tom T. pays tribute to his admired musical influence and childhood friend, local musician/guitar picker, who died from tuberculosis at age 22.

Hall joined the U.S. Army in 1957 stationed in Germany, where he performed original writings over the Armed Forces Radio Network. Upon discharge, Hall continued radio announcing for self-support while studying journalism at Roanoke College. Soon discovered by a Nashville songwriter visiting the station, Hall arrived in Music City, New Year's Day of 1964, with a guitar and forty-six dollars in his pocket.

Answer: Miami

Opening line to "Old Dogs, Children And Watermelon Wine":

"How old do you think I am," he said?
I said, well, I didn't know.
He said, "I turned 65 about 11 months ago"

At the time of the 1972 National Democratic Convention in Miami, Fl, Tom T. was in town fulfilling scheduled performances along with George Jones and Tammy Wynette, where he met an aged janitor who explained his philosophy after years of loneliness and disappointment.

Answer: ducks

Continuing the first verse, Tom T. goes on to tell us:

"I love little country streams, sleep without dreams
Sunday school in May, and hay
And I love you too."

Second and third verse to this very short and simple song:

"I love leaves in the wind, pictures of my friends
Birds in the world, and squirrels.
I love coffee in a cup, little fuzzy pups,
Bourbon in a glass, and grass."

"I love honest open smiles, kisses from a child
Tomatoes on the vine, and onions.
I love winners when they cry, losers when they try,
Music when it's good, and life."

Answer: Country Is

Tom T. shares with us some of what he considers "Country Is":

"Sittin' on the back porch, listen to the whippoorwills late in the day"
"Mindin' your business, helpin' a stranger if he comes your way"
"Livin' in the city, knowin' your people, knowin' your kind"
"Workin' for a livin', thinkin' your own thoughts, lovin' your town"
"Teachin' your children, find out what's right and stand your ground"
"A havin' the good times, listen to the music, singing your part"
"Walkin' in the moonlight, country is all in your heart"

Answer: jolly good

A humorous tune and number four song from 1975 explaining why Tom T. likes beer:

"Whiskey's too rough, champagne costs too much
Vodka puts my mouth in gear
This little refrain should help me explain
As a matter of fact I like beer"

Around this time of Mr. Hall's career, he also made regular appearances on television's "Hee Haw", and was a commercial spokesperson for Chevy Trucks and Tyson Chicken.

Answer: Faster Horses (The Cowboy And The Poet)

In this number one song March 1976, the cowboy replied:

"It's faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, more money"

Here is another line:

"I told him I was a poet I was lookin' for the truth
I do not care for horses, whiskey, women or the loot
I said I was a writer, my soul was all on fire
He looked at me an' he said you are a liar"

At the conclusion of this song, the poet has changed his mind:

"Well my poet days are over and I'm back to bein' me
As I enjoy the peace and comfort of reality
If my boy ever asks me what it is that I have learned
I think that I will readily affirm
Son, it's faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, more money"

Answer: golf clubs

A number four song from 1977 - first verse continued:

"And when you saw me standin' there you shook your head and sighed
When you saw I'd bought a sixpack I thought you were gonna cry"

Tom T. has authored over half dozen books including "How I Write Songs, Why You Can" and "The Songwriter's Handbook" both from 1976.

He is a 1971 inductee to the Grand Ole Opry, 2008 inductee to the Country Music Hall Of Fame and 2011 inductee to the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.

"Tom T. Hall is a poet with a guitar, who knows how to capture the spirit of America with his words and music" - former U.S President, Jimmy Carter.