Green Grass & High Tides

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with the Zoo Crew as they spin the epic "Green Grass & High Tides" by The Outlaws from their debut album, Outlaws. This nearly 10-minute Southern rock anthem, known for its dual extended guitar solos, was penned by founding member Hughie Thomasson in St. Augustine, Florida. Thomasson shared in a Songfacts interview that the song’s inspiration struck during a beach cookout where everyone forgot their guitars. Standing by the ocean with a breeze blowing, he envisioned rock legends like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Jim Morrison returning to play a personal show for him. The title draws from the 1966 Rolling Stones compilation Big Hits (High Tide and Green Grass), not marijuana, as clarified by bandmate Henry Paul in the same interview.

The song’s lyrical magic has sparked debate among fans. Henry Paul described it as an "Alice in Wonderland" collage, with evocative lines like "castles of stone, soul and glory" paying tribute to fallen rock stars, per his Songfacts remarks. However, a comment from Sunshine in Clearwater, Florida, on Songfacts credits poet James Peter Britton (JB) for the lyrics, claiming they came from his journal, though he was never officially credited. Fans on Reddit rave about the live version, particularly a 23-minute performance from the Capitol Theatre in 1978, with one user, EddieHazelOG, calling Billy Jones’ solo from 6:35 to 9:10 "emotional" and "goosebump-inducing." The song often closed The Outlaws’ shows, with a 20-minute-plus version immortalized on their 1978 live album Bring It Back Alive.

The Outlaws formed in Tampa, Florida, in 1972, blending Southern rock with country influences. The core lineup—singers/guitarists Hughie Thomasson and Henry Paul, bassist Frank O’Keefe, and drummer Monte Yoho—gelled with the addition of guitarist Billy Jones in 1973. Their intense touring caught the ear of Clive Davis, making them the first act signed to Arista Records. Their 1975 self-titled debut, featuring "Green Grass & High Tides" and the Top 40 hit "There Goes Another Love Song," showcased their Allman Brothers-esque guitar attack and Eagles-like harmonies, as noted in an Amazon bio. Despite lineup changes, including Paul’s departure in 1977 and Thomasson’s death in 2007, the band persists under Henry Paul’s leadership, releasing albums like 2012’s It’s About Pride and 2016’s Legacy Live.

Connect with The Outlaws on their official website for tour dates and merch. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates, though they’re less active on X. Fans can join the vibrant Outlaws Music Fan Club on Facebook, a hub for Zoo Freaks to share memories and discuss classics like "Green Grass & High Tides". No dedicated fan websites were found, but the band’s legacy thrives through social media and live performances, keeping the Southern rock spirit alive.