About The Song
The Statler Brothers, as we know, were not just singers; they were keen observers of life and the world around them. Their songwriting often reflected a sharp wit and a knack for storytelling that went beyond simple narratives of love and loss. “How to Be a Country Star” exemplifies this observational humor. It’s a song that playfully dissects the stereotypical elements often associated with country music stardom, offering a tongue-in-cheek guide that is both entertaining and surprisingly accurate.
The lyrics are the heart of this song, a clever checklist of sorts, outlining the perceived requirements for achieving country music fame. From singing about mama, trains, trucks, and prison, to adopting a certain down-home persona, The Statler Brothers humorously touch upon the clichés that have long been associated with the genre. The references to hard-drinkin’, honky-tonkin’, and a touch of the blues paint a vivid, albeit slightly exaggerated, picture of the country star image.
What makes this song so enjoyable is the knowing wink with which The Statler Brothers deliver it. There’s no bitterness or cynicism; instead, there’s a gentle satire, a playful poking fun at the conventions of the industry. Their impeccable harmonies, as always, add a layer of sophistication to the humorous lyrics, making the song both musically pleasing and intellectually engaging. The contrast between the smooth vocal delivery and the slightly irreverent subject matter is part of what makes “How to Be a Country Star” so memorable.
The musical arrangement, while still rooted in their signature country sound, likely has a slightly more upbeat and perhaps even a touch of honky-tonk feel to it, perfectly complementing the song’s lighthearted tone. One can imagine a more prominent use of the fiddle or a lively piano riff, adding to the overall sense of playful commentary. The instrumentation serves to underscore the humorous nature of the lyrics without ever becoming overtly comedic.
For those who appreciate a bit of wit and social commentary within their music, “How to Be a Country Star” is a delightful offering from The Statler Brothers. It’s a song that acknowledges the often-predictable formulas within popular music while still celebrating the genre’s unique identity. It invites listeners to consider the image versus the reality of stardom and to appreciate the artistry that lies beneath the surface of these familiar tropes.
“How to Be a Country Star” also showcases The Statler Brothers‘ own understanding of the genre. Having carved out a unique and successful career for themselves, they were in a position to offer this humorous yet insightful perspective. The song isn’t just about poking fun; it’s also a subtle nod to the authenticity and genuine talent that truly define lasting success in country music, qualities that The Statler Brothers themselves possessed in abundance. It’s a clever and entertaining reminder that while certain clichés might exist, true artistry transcends them. This song remains a witty and enjoyable exploration of the path to country music fame, delivered with the unmistakable charm and musicality of The Statler Brothers.
Video
Lyric
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
There’s questions we’re always hearing every where we goLike how do I cut a record or get on a country showWell, it takes more than just ambition and three chords on an old guitarThere’s a few more things you ought to learn to be a country starYou got to learn to sing like Waylon or pick like Jerry ReedYodel like Jeannie Shepard, write songs like Tom TPut a cry in your voice like Haggard, learn Spanish like Johnny RWhisper like Bill Anderson and you’ll be a country starPlay piano like Ronnie Mil sap or Gilly or Jerry LeeYo-yo like Roy Acuff or talk plain like Ralph EmeryGrowl like Conway Twitty, get a red, white and blue guitarBuild a swimming pool like Webb did and you’ll be a country starBe tall like Sonny James is, tell jokes like Minnie PearlOr be short like Jimmy Dickens or play five-string like EarlGet a hip band like Willie, learn to stutter like M-MelGet a cap like Roy Clark wore or a voice like Barbara MandrelBe rich like Eddy Arnold, say you’re makin’ more than you areGet a gimmick like Charley Pride got and you’ll be a country starBut if you have no talent and you’re not a maleIf you’re built somewhat like Dolly or have a face like Crystal GayleCome back stage and ask for Harold, Phil, Don or LouAnd we’ll see you get auditioned for the Statler Brothers Review