musicfog.com An exclusive acoustic version of the title track from Paul Thorn's new album, "Pimps and Preachers" (coming June 22, 2010). This performance was recorded on the Music Fog bus in Memphis, during Folk Alliance. (2/19/2010)
My daddy had a Cadillac My uncle drove a Ford One was Satan's Angel And one worked for the Lord They had some hard earned wisdom They both became my teachers I was a young disciple of Pimps and preachers The school of life was open Each day I went to class When I didn't pay attention They kicked me in the ass They were turning out young b*tches And converting non-believers I was learning from the masters Pimps and preachers One drug me through the darkness One led me to the light One showed me how to love One taught me how to fight I guess you can say I am an overachiever And I owe a debt of gratitude to pimps and preachers They kept me under their wings But when I passed the test They gave me a pinstriped suit And pushed me from the nest Now I'm standing on the corner Recruiting hungry seekers I'm starting a new religion I call it pimps and preachers One drug me through the darkness One led me to the light One showed me how to love One taught me how to fight I guess you can say I am an overachiever And I owe a debt of gratitude to pimps and preachers Stand there and do nothing But if you want to go far Don't try to please everybody And be proud of who you are Get out there in the game Don't sit up in the bleachers That is the philosophy of Pimps and Preachers One drug me through the darkness One led me to the light One showed me how to love One taught me how to fight I guess you can say I am an overachiever And I owe a debt of gratitude to pimps and preachers
There's a real honesty that comes through in this guys music and the way he presents both it and himself, listened to a half dozen tracks on RU-vid then went and bought everything he's done to date, one of the best music purchases I've ever made.
Why he hasn't made it big yet, the world may never know. It's sad how the world chooses all the people who don't know what real music is instead of guys like this. If they chose guys like this, then country still would be country and not pop. Man do i miss Cash, Hank, Willie, and Waylon.
Part of the problem is the small labels that would sign singers have been pushed out or bought up by mega labels that have their formula of what sells. A lot of talent has to find a way to finance recording time which isn't cheap. Look at country music. Back in the 90s and 00s there where several chart topping women but today all I hear are men. I'm sure there is a lot of talented singer, song writers that never catch a break.
lots of mitigating factors ,perhaps one or more of them choose not to get that big or not to comply with those it takes to hit the super stardom ..etc..
You can tell this man is doing what he loves, and we, his fans, love what he does.....I believe there should be a warning label on his songs...."Caution: Paul Thorn Music is highly Addictive"
Not sure how or why this doesn't have a million views ! This is a over achieving on soul and hard to beat. I cant say thanks enough to his uncle and father!
Don't give up your dreams is all I can say.I speak from life's lessons I made that mistake and gave up on my dreams until my mid 50,s and now I just sing and play music for my own enjoyment and play out in public once and a while to have fun
I’ve seen Paul Thorn in concert 13 times now, ever since I discovered him when he played at my friend’s private saloon! I became an instant fan & always, always, always go to the concert whenever he’s close enough! His voice is so bluesy, his lyrics speak to Everyman. I’ve got all his albums now! He never disappoints!
And most of his stories are true, he went 6 rounds with Roberto Durran, don''t know if I spelled that right, but anyway listen to some more of his songs and he will tell about it, he's good, I listen to a whole string of his music, I like it better than most of what is out there today.
Brilliantly spoken... went to see a good friend before he died...he was quite the pimp in his time ... this song brought tears to his eyes..Paul You are a genius.
Just saw this guy at sloss festival IN Birmingham. One of the new favorite songs!!!!!! I hate everyone I love is also cool!! I Didn't really like anyone else at that festival but I felt his Songs!!!
A damn fine, authentic, contemporary singer-songwriter, in the first place. Obviously it takes more than that, for most people, to appreciate someone like him.
I know a lot of people down load, and I have been guilty of that, but people like Paul Thorn need to be paid. He isn't rich, or stuck on himself. it's only right to pay people who are trying to really get a name for themselves. Not to mention putting out good music. I plan on buying this CD. I love Paul Thorn, and what's not to love. He is as real as real gets!!! thanks for sharing this. you can't beat a great acoustic version of a song like this". 24090 views" No dislikes" that says it all.
love that song raised by a Pentecostal Sunday school teacher of 40 years and a strong arm for the Teamster's Union back in the 70s and 80s I relate to it, give it to you straight kick your ass and pray for you tomorrow,big fan!
Been diggin' the thorn man for maybe ten years now! I BUY his stuff because he deserves my money! Passion and feeling in this man's work is REAL! He's given me chills a plenty! Hope he chooses to work forever!
Sadly music critics with their ' know it all attitudes ' rarely offer praise to writers / performers of novelty or satirical art. Paul is anointed & will one day lead more people toward the light than he or his detractors ever thought possible. His bravery & martial arts skills continue to give Paul that ' fear no man ' attitude the good book teaches us..
Hi Paulmy name is Bonnie I'm 77 years young and I live in salt lake City Utah USA wow somebody turned me on to your music this morning and I have to say you words inspirational I've listened to all your songs now and wow I'm a big fan took one song you're absolutely amazing he words are incredible your voice is beautiful the words behind the song touch my heart and soul I like to hear you and someday in person it would be an honor to meet you shake your hands and tell you what your words mean to me God bless you and your beautiful family, stay healthy and well and someday we will meet I do believe and wishes and dreams coming true after all you're in my life now you're not going anywhere love always Bonnie from salt lake City Utah 💜 I must addI am legally blind and double amputee above the knees but nothing stops me from living my life to the fullest which I do every minute of every day God bless you 💜🤘🏍️🏳️🌈
When anyone says that this man is a bad ass, that's an understatement! He stood toe to toe with Duran and is an awesome singer and songwriter. His daughter is an amazing singer too. I hope they find the success they deserve.
Paul Thorn. I jammed with a local guy that had same sounding guitar style and sound and voice. Good memories. Love this and shared it to all social media I am on. Now have to go see if you actually tour.
This is the music you play over the speakers in cajun and bbq joints. Smokin hot lyrics! A true master of his craft!!! I have found my cookin music for my parties!
I agree I was just like this man right here when I was still in high school and until my late 20,s wanted to get into teaching because children get overlooked all the time that are naturals but couldn't pass the written test to get into the music programs in school but gave up when told by members of school board there was nothing I could do to change the schools process of deciding what types of careers children are most likely to exceed in their future lives
Glad I found your work, I am a fan for life! You are a kindred spirit, love your work, and I know the pain. Great way to share the emotions of life well lived.
I had a friend who saw Paul Thorn in concert and was recently talking about this song. Had to check it out. Very honest and soulful song here. Thanks for the post.
