About The Song
“Burgers and Fries” is a country song written by Ben Peters and recorded by Charley Pride. It was released in October 1978 as the second single from his album Burgers and Fries/When I Stop Leaving (I’ll Be Gone). The song achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in the United States and reaching number 1 on the RPM Country Tracks chart in Canada.
The song’s lyrics reflect a young man’s nostalgic recollection of a past relationship that has ended. He fondly remembers the simplicity and innocence of the early days, highlighting moments like “burgers and fries and cherry pies,” hand-holding walks along the beach, and drive-in movies on moonlit nights. Despite the relationship’s failure, the narrator wishes he could return to those uncomplicated times, expressing a sense of longing and regret without fully understanding why things changed.
Musically, “Burgers and Fries” features traditional country instrumentation with smooth vocals by Charley Pride, emphasizing the heartfelt and reflective nature of the song. The production complements the nostalgic tone, making it a memorable and relatable ballad for country audiences.
The song was later featured in the 1997 thriller film Breakdown, starring Kurt Russell, which helped introduce it to a broader audience beyond country music fans. Additionally, “Burgers and Fries” has been included in various Charley Pride greatest hits compilations and remains accessible on streaming platforms such as Spotify and YouTube.
In summary, “Burgers and Fries” is a 1978 country single by Charley Pride, written by Ben Peters, that explores themes of nostalgia and lost love through simple, evocative imagery. It was a commercial hit in both the U.S. and Canada and continues to be celebrated as one of Pride’s classic songs.
Video
Lyric
Burgers and fries and cherry pies
It was simple and good back then
Walking in the sand, hand in hand
Never thinking that it could endMaking our love with the moon above
At the drive-in picture show
When it was burgers and fries and cherry pies
In a world we used to knowChanges come and go, we’ve had our share, I know
Now it seems we don’t have time for love anymore
All the things we used to say, little things we did each day
Oh, I long to do the things that we did beforeWhen it was burgers and fries and cherry pies
It was simple and good back then
Walking in the sand, hand in hand
Never thinking that it could endMaking our love with the moon above
At the drive-in picture show
When it was burgers and fries and cherry pies
In a world we used to knowWell I’m still the same old me, that’s all I’ll ever be
I’d like to think that you’re the same old you
We lost something down the line that I wish we both could find
Lord, I’d like to do the things that we used to doWhen it was burgers and fries and cherry pies
It was simple and good back then
Walking in the sand, hand in hand
Never thinking that it could endMaking our love with the moon above
At the drive-in picture show
When it was burgers and fries and cherry pies
In a world we used to know