It’s an anthem of sorts for those who believe there’s nothing quite like a day spent in Party Cove, hanging loose with friends and enjoying the sun. They call themselves red necks on the water.
Whether it’s here at Lake of the Ozark’s renowned Party Cove or one of the other famous party spots across the county, no song has captured the attention of those who are convinced partying on the lake is the ultimate boating experience like the 2005 hit by Craig Morgan, “Red Neck Yacht Club”, written by Steve Williams and Thom Shepherd, two guys who have long been fans of Lake of the Ozarks.
Williams and Shepherd are headed to the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout where they will open the entertainment for the event at Captain Ron’s Bar and Grill with a waterfront concert at 8 p.m. Thursday and at 9 p.m. Friday night at Mexicali Blues on Highway 54 in Osage Beach.
On Saturday and Sunday, they will have a booth at the Shootout promoting their Red Neck Yacht Club, a group dedicated to the art of partying on the water.
Just like the song says, “Basstrackers, Bayliners and a party barge strung together like a floating trailer park anchored out and gettin loud all summer long,” Williams and Shepherd spend much of their time hanging out on the water.
In their younger days, it was often Lake of the Ozarks. Now, since both are professional songwriters, it’s a lake not far from Nashville, Tenn.
Just because the song was written in Tennessee doesn’t mean its roots aren’t here at the lake, Williams said.
“Lake of the Ozarks is definitely party central,” Williams said. “The song is about all the experiences we’ve had on the water, but mainly from reminiscing about Lake of the Ozarks from when I used to hang out there.It’s a great place.”
Williams and Shepherd are looking forward to their first appearances here at the lake. They will bring their own red neck style with them from Nashville when they come, Williams said.
 Contact this reporter at joycem@lakesunleader.com