Expert: Bong Santos - 5/31/2006

Question
What are the lyrics to the rocky barnett song, "towing the line" or "tow the line", I heard the song on satellite radio.  The last time I heard it was back in the late 80s or early 90s.  Any help?  Thanks

Answer
Dear Henry,

TIRED OF TOEIN' THE LINE is the only hit of ROCKY BURNETTE, son of the legendary rock 'n' roll pioneer JOHNNY BURNETTE. Born in 1953 in Memphis, ROCKY BURNETTE followed in his father's musical footsteps, playing rowdy, high-energy rockabilly that dovetailed nicely with the early-'80s revival of the style. Burnette debuted in 1979 with the EMI America album Son of Rock'n'Roll (around the same time his cousin Billy began recording straight country for Columbia). The following summer, a single from the album, TIRED OF TOEIN' THE LINE became a Top Ten smash, peaking at #10 on July 26, 1980. Here is its lyrics:

TIRED OF TOEIN' THE LINE / ROCKY BURNETTE

Baby, I'm tired of toeing the line.
Don't know why you wanna jump on me,
Baby, baby, baby, and make-a me cry.

Baby, I, I'm gonna find myself someone new,
Someone who will be true,
But no more toeing the line.

I know it's o-ooh-over, cause I've seen the signs.
Don't let me waste your precious time.

Baby, I'm tired of toeing the line.
If you wanna get uh-rid of me,
Baby, baby, baby, you're doin' fine.

Baby, I'm tired of toeing the line.
I'm gonna put on my walkin' shoes
And leave you far behind.

You're rolling over in clover so refined,
But you can't fix this broken heart of mine.

Baby, I'm tired of toeing the line.
Don't know why you wanna jump on me,
Baby, baby, baby, and make-a me cry.

Baby, I'm tired of toeing the line.
Don't know why you wanna jump on me,
Baby, baby, baby, and make-a me cry.

Baby, I'm tired of toeing the line.
Baby, I'm tired of toeing the line.
Baby, I'm tired of toeing the line.
Baby, I'm tired of toeing the line.

Maraming Salamat po!

BONG M. SANTOS
Manila, Philippines