(1)
Sittin' at a tiny table
(2)
In a ritzy restaurant
(3)
She was starin' at her coffee cup
(4)
He was tryin' to keep his courage up
(5)
By applying booze
(6)
The talk was small
(7)
When they talked at all
(8)
They both knew what they wanted
(9)
There was no need to talk about it
(10)
They were old enough to scope it out
(11)
And keep it loose
(12)
She said, "you don't look like my type
(13)
But I guess you'll do"
(14)
Third rate romance
(15)
Low rent rendezvous
(16)
He said, "I'll even tell you
(17)
That I love you
(18)
If you want me to"
(19)
Third rate romance
(20)
Low rent rendezvous
(21)
And they left the bar
(22)
They got in his car
(23)
And they drove away
(24)
He drove to the Family Inn
(25)
She didn't even have to pretend
(26)
She didn't know what for
(27)
Then he went to the desk
(28)
And made his request
(29)
While she waited outside
(30)
And he came back with the key
(31)
And she said, "give it to me
(32)
And I'll unlock the door"
(33)
She kept sayin'
(34)
"I've never really done
(35)
This kind of thing before
(36)
Have you"
(37)
Third rate romance
(38)
Low rent rendezvous
(39)
And he said, "yes I have
(40)
But only a time or two"
(41)
Third rate romance
(42)
Low rent rendezvous
(43)
Third rate romance
(44)
Low rent rendezvous
(45)
Third rate romance
(46)
Low rent rendezvous
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The country classic, "Third Rate Romance,"
originally preformed by The Amazing Rhythm Aces, on their 1975
album "Stacked Deck," is worthy of PsychoNoble Country Music
Classics mention because it has everything one could hope for in
a sleazy country song.
One of the most important elements of a classic
country song is the story-telling aspect. Arguably the
best thing about country music is the vivid sense of scenery and
action that the verse provides. In this relatively short
song, we are given the settings of 'ritzy restaurant' one such
that is probably duly recognized as excessive, and also a cheap
franchise motel, in the 'Family Inn'.
Many country songs have the general theme of
alcohol as an aphrodisiac and "Third Rate Romance," is no
exception. Although alcohol's mention is brief and subtle,
it is obvious that 'booze' is an important element of this 'low
rent rendezvous.' While it isn't a critical piece of the
story's unraveling it does enhance the believability of the
characters' actions and comments.
What does this language represent? For the
lesser keen, the song is about the institution of the
one-night-stand; but what makes this situation particularly
interesting is the fact that it doesn't happen on a whim after
just meeting, but instead on a date of sorts. Obviously it
is not a blind date, but we can infer that these people have
probably met through friends and are, at the very most, friendly
acquaintances of one-another.
The song is honest and revealing of the
characters that it portrays. We are given small glimpses
through quotes in the song lyrics. The woman seems seems
almost giddy about what is on the verge of taking place while
the man is trying to remain cool and in control. They both
know what they want as the song states plainly in line (8), and they
act as such. These are people far past the childish love
games of high school and college. Their attempts at
flirtation (12-13) and (16-18) come off almost as insults, but
then flirting really isn't what they've set out to do.
We can just about see the two of them
matter-of-factly sitting on the edge of the motel bed taking their
shoes and socks off, while discussing who'll be on top.
And so it seems that we have two more than consenting adults
dabbling with alcohol and meaningless sex. I only have
three words to describe it summarily: Country Music Classic.
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