Balinese

Album: Fandango (1975)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The Balinese Room was a famous nightclub on Galveston Island in Texas. In the '40s and '50s, it was the place for top entertainment (Frank Sinatra played there) and illegal gambling. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bill - Houston, TX

Comments: 8

  • Bubba Barnett from Deep In The Heart Of TexasThe Balinese Room was at the end of the Galveston pier. Hurricane Carla wiped it out in 1961. The pier is still there but reduced in length. Previous to hurricane carla the balinese had entertainment and gambling and illegal liquor sales. It was well known but about once a year the sheriff raided the place. Since the pier was a quarter mile long there was a buzzer at the entrance that alerted staff and patrons that a bust was coming so all of the gambling machines and tables and well as liquor were hidden by the time the sheriff showed up. The song is a true story
  • Gregory Paul L I L E S from CorpusI'm from Houston easy top is number one
  • James from Boston,mass.Kick ass rocker, vocal by Dusty about a nightclub in Galveston, Texas I think.
  • AnonymousAnd a chance for Dusty to do a lead vocal!
  • Boats from Va.beachIts just a great kick ass song!
  • Dane from Green Cove Springs Fla., FlYou can hear this song in the movie"Dazed & Confused" in the moon tower scene.
  • Stan from Houston, TxJust to let everyone know, the Balinese was totally destroyed by Hurricane Ike on Saturday 9/12/08 along with many other buildings in Galveston
  • Bill from St. Paul, MnIn the late 70's and early 80's, I played in a couple of bands that played a wide variety of rock tunes. Two of these bands only played one ZZ Top song, and interestingly enough, both bands played this song. A great early ZZ Top tune that packs quite a punch. Go for the original vinyl mix - not the 90's remix verion with the drums cranked up (IMHO, virtually unlistenable).
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat WorldSongwriter Interviews

Jim talks about the impact of "The Middle" and uses a tree metaphor to describe his songwriting philosophy.

Mick Jones of Foreigner

Mick Jones of ForeignerSongwriter Interviews

Foreigner's songwriter/guitarist tells the stories behind the songs "Juke Box Hero," "I Want To Know What Love Is," and many more.

16 Songs With a Heartbeat

16 Songs With a HeartbeatSong Writing

We've heard of artists putting their hearts into their music, but some take it literally.

Early Days of MTV

Early Days of MTVFact or Fiction

If you can recall the days when MTV played videos, you know that there are lots of stories to tell. See if you can spot the real ones.

Adele

AdeleFact or Fiction

Despite her reticent personality, Adele's life and music are filled with intrigue. See if you can spot the true tales.

Graduation Songs

Graduation SongsFact or Fiction

Have you got the smarts to know which of these graduation song stories are real?