Some years ago some stars and I formed this big band
They went on to be somebody and I'm their greatest fan
I helped write the music that set their ship a-sail
And I'm still playing guitar in a bar in Bakersfield
This town had a new sound and we found it on a gig
God bless the boys that used it and went off to make it big
I could've left and done it too but I couldn't leave this city
'Cause she's the dad-gum bar maid at a bar in Bakersfield
Hey, I could have busted out some years ago
But you kept beggin' me not to go
There were times when things were rough on us but we never missed no meal
Existing, playin' guitar in a bar in Bakersfield
I've been busy playin' rhythm and learnin' lead guitar
Had to stay and make a living, had no time to be a star
Oh, I'll never make the big time and I'll never be no wheel
Damn it, I've booked seven nights a week in this bar in Bakersfield
Hey, I could have busted out some years ago
Ah, but you kept beggin' me not to go
There were times when things were rough on us but we never missed no meal
Existing, playin' guitar in a bar in Bakersfield
I've been survivin', playin' guitar in a bar in Bakersfield