Merle Haggard - Bill Woods From Bakersfield lyrics

[Spoken:] Bakersfield An oil town that really had it's boon during the heart of the depression And Bakersfield also destined to become somewhat of a center for country music And even as back as the early 50's it began to gain national recognition For the popularity of songs like Dear John Letter Ferlin Husky's Gone And a string novelity hits from Leonard Sipes or better known as Tommy Collins Country music is a profession in Bakersfield And like all other professions whether it be that of a Doctor Or a Scientist or a steady ditch digger Everyone seems to have a particular someone who offered that helping hand At the right time And country music is no exception But in Bakersfield that same helping hand kept reachin' out time after time To different people such as Jeanne Sheppard Ferlin Husky Tommy Collins Buck Owens Billy Mize Herb Henson Merle Haggard and also Red Simpson Who saw reason to compose this song called Bill Woods From Bakersfield Bill here's to you... [Sang:] Let me tell you all a story bout a guitar pickin' man To me he is the greatest picker in the land He's taught me how to play in G and he taught me how to sing in key Bill Woods from Bakersfield the Bakersfield guitar man. Well Bill gave old Buck the first job he ever had Bill must've been a good teacher cause old Buck didn't do too bad He sets up there chewin' his ole cigar playin' Wildwood Flower on his guitar Bill Woods from Bakersfield the Bakersfield guitar man. Well Bill never hit it big but he didn't miss it far And in my book he'll always be considered a star I followed him and he taught me guitar pickin' and harmony Bill Woods from Bakersfield the Bakersfield guitar man. When the roll is called up yonder and we've all met our quest I bet he'll be chosen to pick there with the best Up there with his gold guitar well things're right Bill will be a star Bill Woods from Bakersfield the Bakersfield guitar man. Well everybody loves old Bill cause he's quite a man And if anybody should need some help well he'll sure lend you a hand There's one more thing I'd like to say before my story's through Bill Woods from Bakersfield we're all proud of you...