“I’m Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town” is one of the most striking examples of The Everly Brothers stepping into blues territory, a genre far removed from the country-folk harmonies that had defined their early success. Originally written and recorded by blues artist Casey Bill Weldon in the 1930s and later popularized by Louis Jordan in the 1940s, the song is a classic of the urban blues tradition. When The Everly Brothers included it in their repertoire, they not only paid homage to their musical influences but also revealed their versatility, proving that their seamless harmonies could adapt to genres outside the polished pop and rockabilly that made them household names.
Summary of the Song
“I’m Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town” is a blues number built around a narrator’s decision to relocate away from the city, away from the hustle and competition, and take their partner along. The lyrics express the frustration of sharing attention in the crowded, tempting environment of the city. By moving “to the outskirts of town,” the narrator imagines a life where they and their lover can be more private, secure, and insulated from outside influences.
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The Everly Brothers’ version emphasizes the tension within this decision. Their delivery retains the dry humor embedded in the original while layering it with harmonies that add a touch of warmth and irony. The result is a performance that feels both playful and sincere—a blues lament turned into a harmony-rich meditation on love, jealousy, and control.
Reasons for Its Creation
The Everly Brothers had grown up steeped in American roots music, absorbing country, gospel, folk, and blues. By the time they were established stars in the late 1950s and early 1960s, they had begun exploring material that reflected these deeper roots rather than focusing solely on teen-oriented rock ’n’ roll.
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Choosing “I’m Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town” served several purposes:
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Homage to the Blues Tradition – The song is part of the blues canon, and by recording it, the Everlys connected themselves to the African American musical tradition that heavily influenced rock ’n’ roll.
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Artistic Expansion – The Everly Brothers wanted to show audiences that they were not confined to pop harmonies. This track demonstrated their ability to tackle blues material with authenticity.
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Cultural Context – The 1960s were a time when white audiences were increasingly being introduced to blues and R&B, often through interpretations by rock and folk musicians. By including this song, the Everlys participated in that cultural exchange.
The Message Conveyed
At its core, the song conveys a mixture of jealousy, protectiveness, and longing for exclusivity in love. The narrator wants to move away from the temptations of the city, where “too many people” threaten the security of their relationship. By relocating to the outskirts, they believe they can protect what they have and keep their partner close.
Yet beneath the surface, there’s humor and irony. The narrator’s insistence on moving away suggests insecurity, a fear of losing control. This gives the song its tension: is the move about love, or is it about control? The Everly Brothers’ harmonized delivery blurs the line, making the song feel both tender and slightly tongue-in-cheek.
Themes and Emotions
Jealousy and Possessiveness
The dominant theme is jealousy. The narrator’s desire to leave the city stems from feeling threatened by outsiders. This theme is common in blues, where love and insecurity often intertwine.
Desire for Simplicity
Another theme is the longing for simplicity. The “outskirts of town” symbolize peace, privacy, and the chance for a couple to focus only on each other.
Humor and Irony
The blues often carries an undercurrent of humor even in serious situations. “I’m Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town” reflects this tradition—the narrator’s exaggerated plan to move away suggests that the problem might not be solved so easily.
Love and Commitment
Despite the jealousy, the narrator’s insistence on moving reflects a strong desire to keep the relationship alive. This gives the song a layer of commitment and dedication, even if it is rooted in insecurity.
Storytelling in the Lyrics
The song’s storytelling is straightforward. The narrator directly states their plan: to move away from town. This plainspoken style is characteristic of blues lyrics, which often prioritize clarity and repetition over elaborate imagery.
Each verse builds on the same central idea, reinforcing the urgency of the narrator’s decision. The repetition of the phrase “I’m gonna move” underscores determination, while also mimicking the cyclical, mantra-like quality of blues tradition.
The Everly Brothers’ harmonies add depth to the storytelling. Two voices singing in unison about moving away create the sense of shared conviction, but they also add a layer of irony. The blend of their voices makes the exaggerated jealousy sound more playful than threatening.
Musical Composition
Musically, The Everly Brothers’ version of “I’m Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town” stays true to its blues roots while infusing it with their harmonic sophistication.
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Instrumentation: The arrangement likely features guitar riffs rooted in blues scales, supported by bass and drums with a steady, swinging rhythm. This creates the classic blues groove.
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Tempo: The tempo is measured, leaning into the slow burn of blues rather than rushing. This pacing allows the humor and tension of the lyrics to come through clearly.
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Harmonies: The hallmark of the Everlys’ sound—their close harmonies—elevates the track. While blues is often sung solo, the Everlys transform it into a duet, turning the narrator’s voice into a shared perspective.
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Tone: Their vocal delivery is slightly tongue-in-cheek, suggesting that they understood the humor embedded in the blues tradition. At the same time, the richness of their harmonies lends sincerity to the performance.
Context and Significance
Within The Everly Brothers’ discography, “I’m Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town” stands as a reminder of their deep respect for American roots music. While their early career was defined by pop hits that shaped the sound of rock ’n’ roll, songs like this highlighted their connection to older traditions.
The song also reflects broader cultural trends of the 1960s. During this period, many white musicians—folk artists, rock bands, and even pop stars—were rediscovering and reinterpreting the blues. The Everly Brothers’ version of “I’m Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town” places them within this movement, alongside peers who were acknowledging the genre that gave birth to so much of modern popular music.
For fans, the song underscores the brothers’ versatility. They were not confined to the polished innocence of “All I Have to Do Is Dream” or “Cathy’s Clown.” They could also deliver raw, bluesy performances that carried grit, humor, and authenticity.
Artistic Value
The artistic value of “I’m Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town” lies in its fusion of traditions. The Everly Brothers took a blues standard and reinterpreted it through their own style. In doing so, they honored the song’s roots while also making it accessible to audiences who might not otherwise encounter blues.
Their harmonies transform the song into something distinctively Everly, while the rawness of the arrangement preserves the authenticity of its origins. This balance between respect and innovation is what makes their version valuable.
It also demonstrates their fearlessness as artists. Rather than staying in the safe territory of their earlier pop hits, they embraced material that stretched their identity and challenged their listeners. This willingness to experiment adds depth to their legacy.
Finally, the song captures one of the enduring truths of music: that human emotions—jealousy, love, insecurity, humor—are universal. Whether delivered in a 1930s blues standard or a 1960s Everly Brothers performance, the message resonates across time.