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Back in the 1990s, when I discovered whitewater rafting in West Virginia, I also discovered an excellent crop of high-energy rock and folk bands from the region. Their music was used by the rafting outfitters to spice up their trip videos (which they copied to VHS and sold at outrageous prices).

One of those bands was Steel Pterodactyl, a lively, clean-cut bunch from Lewisburg, West Virginia. The Dactyls delivered “good, fun dance music” around the area until they broke up in 2012.

The tune below is typical of their stuff.

Just For You

By Steel Pterodactyl, circa 1995

(The song begins with a man leaving a phone message…)

…how long you’re gonna be in town. Gimme a call when you get a chance. You can call me at home or at work. Uh, my work number is 800-623-00. I’ll be here till six o’clock, tonight and every night.

Um… yeah — gimme a call when you know when you’re comin’. Bring something with you if you can. Talk to you later. Love ya.

Uh, I don’t love YOU — well, I DO, but… that’s what I normally say to my wife. Sorry. Talk to you later. Bye. (Click.)

Let me sing you a love song
To show exactly how I feel.
I’ve tried before just to tell you,
But I’m shy, I’m too shy.
So, please, please, please, won’t you listen.

When I hold your hand, I feel something,
And I’m blind when I look into your eyes.
If only I was a little bit more romantic.
But I’m shy, I’m too shy.
So, please, please, please, please forgive me.

And I’d quit doin’ drugs for your love.
I’d quit doin’ drugs for your love.
You know me so well; I’d rather go through hell.
But I’d quit in a second just for you.

I wish I knew what you were thinkin’.
I’d wonder if our thoughts are the same.
It seems like something that we both should know,
But I’m shy, I’m too shy.
So, please, please, please, please accept me.

Now, I know that there have been others.
I’ve wondered how mine just might compare.
Weak or strong, I would sing for you,
But I’m shy, I’m too shy.
So, please, please, please, please forgive me.

And I’d quit doin’ drugs for your love.
I’d quit doin’ drugs for your love.
You know me so well; I’d rather go through hell.
But I’d quit in a second just for you.

I’d quit in a second just for you.
I’d quit in a second just for you.
I’d quit in a second just for you.

I’d quit doin’ drugs for your love.
I’d quit doin’ drugs for your love.
You know me so well; I’d rather go through hell.
And I’d quit in a second just for you.