About the song
“Dinosaur.” Released in 1980 as a single from his album Habits Old and New, this track wasn’t just a hit; it became a Top 5 smash on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, firmly cementing Bocephus’s place as a voice for those who value authenticity over fleeting fads. It’s far more than just a popular single; it’s a spirited anthem of self-acceptance, a witty rejection of changing musical tastes, and a powerful statement that some things, like classic country and rock and roll, are simply built to last.
The lyrics of “Dinosaur,” penned by Hank Williams, Jr. himself, are a clever and humorous self-portrait of an artist who embraces his old-school ways in a rapidly changing world. The narrator acknowledges that he might be considered an relic by some, but he wears that label with pride, asserting that his kind of music and his way of life are still relevant and powerful. Phrases like “They say I’m a dinosaur / That I’m an old museum piece” and “I’m a relic, a thing of the past / But I’m still rockin’ and rollin’ and havin’ a blast” perfectly capture this blend of self-aware humor and defiant energy. The song speaks to the universal experience of feeling out of step with the times, but choosing to stand firm in your convictions rather than conforming. It’s about celebrating your heritage, your authenticity, and the timeless appeal of foundational sounds in music. There’s a palpable sense of confidence and a knowing wink in its message, asserting that while trends come and go, true grit and genuine artistry endure. It resonates deeply with anyone who cherishes classic sounds and the unvarnished truth of a life well-lived, unapologetically.Hank Williams, Jr.’s vocal performance on “Dinosaur” is absolutely electrifying. His voice, with its distinctive gruffness, its powerful delivery, and that unmistakable blend of country soul and Southern rock attitude, delivers the lyrics with an infectious blend of conviction, playful defiance, and unadulterated swagger. He doesn’t just sing the words; he embodies the character, making every line feel like a personal challenge to fleeting trends and a proud assertion of his musical lineage. There’s a palpable sense of authenticity and a mischievous gleam in his phrasing, perfectly capturing the song’s rebellious yet deeply rooted spirit. Williams, Jr.’s brilliance lies in his ability to articulate widely felt sentiments about tradition, integrity, and resilience with such directness and charisma, connecting with audiences on a deeply personal and often empowering level. It’s a performance that truly solidified his image as the ultimate “outlaw” with a lasting roar.The musical arrangement of “Dinosaur” is quintessential Hank Williams, Jr. from his early 1980s prime – a powerful, driving blend of traditional country instrumentation with a heavy dose of Southern rock. It features a prominent, infectious electric guitar riff that sets an immediate, energetic tone, a tight, powerful rhythm section that creates an undeniable groove, and tasteful touches of steel guitar that firmly ground it in country while still giving it a broad, rocking appeal. The instrumentation is full and impactful, designed to create a sense of raw power and unwavering resolve. The production is clean, crisp, and robust, designed for broad appeal on radio while still retaining an organic, authentic feel that sounds perfectly at home in a smoky roadhouse. It’s an arrangement that truly embodies the song’s message of enduring power and self-reliance, proving that good music, like dinosaurs, can leave a lasting impression.
“Dinosaur” resonated deeply with audiences because its themes of authenticity, resisting trends, and embracing a proud identity are universally understood and passionately felt. It became one of Hank Williams, Jr.’s most iconic and enduring hits, a true signature song that cemented his status as a voice for those who cherish tradition and raw honesty. It remains a timeless classic, a powerful and exhilarating reminder that some things, like the spirit of a true “Dinosaur,” are simply built to last.
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Lyrics
Hey man them ain’t high heeled sneakers
And they sure don’t look like cowboy boots
And that ain’t rock and roll you’re playin’
And it sure ain’t country or rhythm and blues
You’re singin’ a song about makin’ love to your drummer
Well gay guitar-pickers don’t turn me on
And we don’t all get into Donna Summer
Do you happen to know any old Hank Williams songs?
‘Cause you see I’m a dinosaur
I should’ve died a long time before
Have pity on a dinosaur hand me my hat
Excuse me man, but where’s the door?
Used to be I had a lotta fun in this old hangout
We’d get stoned at the jukebox and stay outta fights
Now and then we’d light a little smoke in the truck out back
Aww, then a little old Jim Beam and we’d get right
And you know these flashing lights sure make me dizzy
And this disco’s very strange to my ear
It looks like they’ve turned the longhorn into a spaceship
And I’ll be leavin’ just as soon as I finish this beer
‘Cause you see I’m a dinosaur
Should’ve died a long time before
There’s a whole lotta dinosaurs
Give us our hats, excuse me man, but where’s the door?
Get us our hats, excuse me man, where’s the door?
