Old 97's - Barrier Reef Lyrics






The Empty Bottle was half-empty
Tide was low and I was thirsty
Saw her sittin' at the bar
You know how some girls are

Always making eyes
Well, she wasn't making eyes

So I sidled up beside her
Settled down and shouted, "Hi there.
My name's Stewart Ransom Miller
I'm a serial ladykiller."

She said, "I'm already dead."
And that's exactly what she said
So we tripped the lights fantastic
We was both made of elastic

Midnight came and midnight went
And I thought I was the president
She said, "Do you have a car?"
And I said, "Do I have a car?"

What's so great about the barrier reef
What's so fine about art
What's so good about a Good Times van
When you're working on a broken, working on a broken
Working on a broken man
When you're working on a broken, working on a broken
Working on a broken man

My heart wasn't in it
Not for one single minute
I went through the motions
With her her on top and me on liquor
Didn't do no good
Well, I didn't think it would

What's so great about the barrier reef?
Yeah, what's so fine about art?
What's so good about a Good Times van
When you're working on a broken, working on a broken
Working on a broken man

When you're working on a broken, working on a broken
Working on a broken man
When you're working on a broken, working on a broken
Working on a broken man





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Old 97's Barrier Reef Comments
  1. J.... ....

    First caught up with this band and this song in 1998. And they're still one of the most enjoyable bands--for me--ever!

  2. G.... B....

    Doesn't this sound like Social Distortion?

    G.... B....

    Grant Brucia If Social D were from Texas then yes! Definitely got the "Story of My Life"/ "Ball & Chain" vibe, sans the punk. For one, I'd say it's that old 50s roots rock/quasi-rockabilly/ western swing they've got in common. (As far as Old 97s) it's catchy if u can stand country style vox & music w/o being drunk! Otherwise it's kitschy.

    G.... B....

    @Mystychrysm The Human Prism Umm. No.

    G.... B....

    @Kenny Browne yea they wish they were as good as social distortion.. this is like bubble gum compared

    G.... B....

    Not at all

  3. K.... D....

    This song is the best I plan to use it in my class teaching earth science about the barrier reef? any comments. Do you think it is too risque ? Let me know...please KD

    K.... D....

    The answer is simple, Kirsten. If you are a democrat, the song represents male suppression and likely, rape (ask Judge Kavanaugh); so lay low on it. If you're a republican, the song is a lyrical and fun piece and your students might learn something. If, however, you are just a good ol' American who loves God, Country and Texas, the answer is HELL YES, use it in your earth science class!

    K.... D....

    PS, I'm both a republican and I love the great state of Texas. I don't know much about the barrier reef

    K.... D....

    You should consider how little the song actually teaches about the Barrier Reef, I personally think it’s irrelevant.

    K.... D....

    Yeesh, this song is about having a sexual encounter that was a mistake that left him feeling unfufilled and empty.

    Also, Rhett Miller keeps his political opinions out of music.

  4. e.... ....

    The Uvular Suspects brought me here.

  5. M.... F....

    Old 97s 😝❤️

  6. o.... ....

    What's so great about the Barrier Reef?

    o.... ....

    Best song about erectile dysfunction ever!

    o.... ....

    +JogInTheFog ha!

  7. P.... M....

    that would put me in Batavia,N.Y. I Love New York!

    P.... M....

    Ha!  I grew up in Batavia NY

  8. l.... ....

    LOL drink a bottle of Gin, drive west until you have a half tank left, smoke a Jeffery, put a pound if cocain down the heater vents, crank the defrost and head south. When you run out of gas pulls over to the side of the road and put this song on full blast. When you sober up start your new life.

    l.... ....

    @Kiwily : sadly, that was probably your best 3rd grade description......an absolute failure of a retort, now find your teachers dictionary and attempt to look up these "big" words

  9. b.... ....

    one of my friends sang this to me years ago while i was 3 hits deep on acid, on a microphone that wasnt plugged in, in a closet in my basement. i will never forget that night. good times. awesome song.

    b.... ....

    fuckin amazing story