This is a mellow, stripped-down demo version of a song from the Prairie Mountain Brothers, my folk duo with multi-instrumentalist Scott Riggle. Here's the first version: https://prairiemountainbrothers.bandcamp.com/track/the-rambler
The movie Nomadland resonated with me, and it inspired me to try a new version of this song. One that's a little slowed down and fits the mood I'd felt, driving around the American west and living in-between places. Eventually I'd like to make it more atmospheric, but these are the bones of it so far.
Hey hello, how are you? The pleasure is all mine
My story starts in Texas when I was feeling fine
And even if I told you, you’d never know
The places that I’ve been to with my whole life in tow
And I can tell it’s showing
Once I was out ahead but now I’m slowing
So if you’ve got the time, head on down that road
Find a peace of mind you never thought you’d know
The future’s out ahead, the ending is unknown
So if you’ve got the time, head on down that road
Some men are gamblers, afraid of what they chose
Other men are ramblers, and I am one of those
Sometimes I might have nothing, but I will always believe
There’s surely something, something good out there for me
I can feel it now, the wind is blowing
Somewhere out ahead, the wild streams are flowing
So if you’ve got the time, head on down that road
Find a peace of mind you never thought you’d know
The future’s out ahead, the ending is unknown
So if you’ve got the time, head on down that road
I'll see you down the road
@sheslin Feb 2022
Oh that open tuning is gorgeous - those chords are so lush. I like the slower pace and the gentle warm vocals I really like your vocal phrasing also - it adds to the authentic feel and laid back nature of this beautiful song. Like you are kind of taking your time. Beautiful song and performance.
@kadmad202 Feb 2022
This has such an open, spacious feel to it, which is exactly what you were going for I think. Your gentle vocals add to the wistfulness of the lyrics. Nomadland was a compelling look into a certain slice of life many of us don’t normally see. You’ve captured the hope and melancholy of that life perfectly.
@kenmattsson Feb 2022
This is so beautiful and feels like a summer drive down a country road with beautiful vistas opening up ahead. Really solid write and performance.