Roughing It

Music and Lyrics: ASSMAN

In the early part of the summer of 1995 a bunch of people I knew were going camping at Goose Creek. Since it wasn't too far out of town I decided to ride my bike out there, though I did not plan on staying overnight. Well, as typically happens, my plans changed, and I did indeed camp out. Nat had her car with her so she drove me home so I could grab a couple of blankets. That's pretty much all I brought out. After the drinking and stuff was over and everyone crashed for the night, I lay

there looking at the stars thinking to myself that this truly is the way to enjoy nature. I could not comprehend why anyone would drive a motorhome to a campsite, plug it in for power and then claim to be camping. I don't know...maybe there is something that I don't see. Well, this inspired me to write Roughing It. I wrote the lyrics the next day, and within about a week I had a demo recorded that I was comfortable with that I brought to the rest of the band. This song became a regular part of the set list with the Assman/Gabe/John/Lionel line-up of the band, and has remained so since then.

There he goes Billy Joe Money He's going camping with his honey It's not his wife to which I refer It's his beast of a motorhome he loves more than her

All these people in their big machines Drive to there campsites and plug them in They got a TV and a VCR And a waterbed, baby, and a hot hot shower

This is what you call camping I look on in disgust Your great mobile complex Won't satisfy my Mohican Lust

I believe in roughing it Sleeping under the stars Away from the sounds of the city The bright lights and cars

I like to sleep under a starry night And watch the meteorites take their flight The crackling of an open fire The chirping of the crickets in a wilderness choir

This is what I call camping These words you can trust I got no bed or hot water Just a sleeping bag in the dust

I believe in roughing it Sleeping under the stars Away from the sounds of the city The bright lights and cars

There's one more thing I'd like to mention Now I've got your attention Where I camp I pay no fee 'Cause the great outdoors it should be free

So spend all your money on your air and toys While I'm in the wilderness I've made my choice While your in there shaving your legs I'll be out here eating bacon and eggs

This is what I call camping This is how I must If I wish upon a star Maybe your RV will rust

I believe in roughing it Sleeping under the stars Away from the sounds of the city The bright lights and cars

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Last Modified August 13, 1998