B-side "Mystery Train" Genre Country rock Label ABC | Released June 23, 1975 Length 3:17 Writer(s) Russell Smith | |
"Third Rate Romance" is a song written by Russell Smith, first recorded in Montreal in 1974 by Jesse Winchester and his band the Rhythm Aces, assisted by Smith. It became a hit the following year by the newly re-formed Amazing Rhythm Aces on its 1975 album Stacked Deck. It was the band's debut single, reaching number 11 on the U.S. country singles charts and number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, as well as number 1 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks and Top Singles charts.
Contents
Content
The third-person lyrics tell the story of a man and woman who meet at a restaurant and depart together for what presumably will prove to be a one-night stand at a motel (the "Family Inn"). At the door of the room, she nervously says more than once, "I've never really done this kind of thing before—have you?" He admits that he has, "but only a time or two."
Sammy Kershaw version
Country music artist Sammy Kershaw covered the song on his 1994 album Feelin' Good Train, from which it was released as a single in 1994. It peaked at number 2 in the United States, and number 10 in Canada. Kershaw's version features backing vocals from former Amazing Rhythm Aces member Russell Smith, who also wrote the song.
Music video
The music video was directed by Michael Merriman. It features a woman tricking an old man into going to a motel with her. She steals his money and watch and then drives off with another man, as the old man tries to chase them down.