Mike Beck
(Son of the Sage publishing BMI)

I wanna saddle my horse in darkness, trot out in the morning dew
I wanna breathe some air that’s never been breathed
And I wanna drink the wine of freedom and toast the good ones that we knew
I wanna count a million stars and think of you
I wanna see one more hometown rodeo where it’s hats off for the flag
And they cheer the buckin’ horse and the wild ride
I wanna shoot a hole in my tv set and let the silence ring true
I wanna count a million stars and think of you
So don’t tell me that the west is dead and gone
Cause my heart can’t stand to hear that sad ole song
You’re sayin’ honey you’ve missed it all, hear’s hopin’ that you’re wrong
So don’t tell me, it’s dead and gone
I wanna see one more Charlie Russell print in a run down café
With old men and coffee telling tales
And I wanna ride out with the wagon
In the scent of the springtime sage
I wanna feel the wind at my back on down the trail
Well it’s suntan cowgirl cheeks and long braids neath a hat
Hear the summer rain on the roof at a country dance
And we’ll ride out our raging storms untill the light comes shining through
Then I’ll count a million stars and think of you

 

Claudia Appling Williams
(Windville Songs, ASCAP)

Did I let it slip away?
Was it ever in my hand
Well, I know it’s hard to say
Because I don’t understand
How it got this far
No I haven’t got a clue
How to get over you
Well it broke my heart
Oh it cut me deep
Now we’re so far apart
But you’re with me when I sleep
And I awake and you’re gone
And I’m left without a clue
How to get over you
Memories, string me along
Set me free, I don’t wanna hold on
To a dream that just makes me blue
I pray tonight I won’t dream of you
So I’ll write this song
And try to figure out the pain
Even thou it’s probably wrong
To dig your memory up again
I’m gonna close that door
Tell myself that we’re through
And finally get over you

Mike Ward, Touchstone McDonald, Mark Harris
Copyright 1998, Blue Nugget Music/ASCAP/Colonel Rebel Music/ASCAP/Wooteeny Tunes/ASCAP/End of the World/ASCAP

Started out just nails and leather, built to last and made for weather
I can’t think of nothin’ better, than what I’m wearin’ on my feet
They make me taller than I really am, ain’t nothing they can’t withstand
They’re a symbol of the working man
And old cowgirls like me
Boots are made for sawdust floors, stirrups on a quarter horse
To kick yourself when you’ve been a fool
And climbing up old bar stools
Two steppin’ under neon lights
Ain’t too bad in a barroom fight
And kickin open swingin doors
That’s what boots are for
Been resoled a dozen times, crushed some cans and soaked some wine
Nothin’ that a spit won’t shine, tough as any man I know
Hidden aces in poker deals, marked a grave on outlaw hill
Ain’t a snake alive they couldn’t kill, and they get me where I go
Boots are made for sawdust floors, stirrups on a quarter horse
To kick yourself when you’ve been a fool
And climbing up old bar stools
Two steppin’ under neon lights
Ain’t too bad in a barroom fight
Kickin open swingin doors
Well, that’s what boots are for
And, kickin’ off when you’re tired and sore
That’s what boots are for

Claudia Appling Williams
(Windville Songs, ASCAP)

Just like a little coal burning in my chest
You lit a fire in me remember we felt so blessed
We gave it all we had, when it was new
But we gave it up too soon, me and you
So there you go, and here I am
Me and the blues
You promised you’d be fair I never doubted you
You swore you’d always care and that you’d love me true
You gave me all you had, now look at you
You always seem to get so mad, when I talk to you
So there you go, and here I am, me and the blues.
For so long, we tried and tried
So long, now it’s goodbye
Just like a little coal buried in my chest
My heart is growing cold you left it in a mess
I gave you all I had, and now we're through
I never thought it'd hurt so bad, loosing you
But there you go, and here I am, me and the blues,
And I’m left alone, sittin’ here wondering, me and the blues

Written by Mike Beck
(Son of the Sage Publishing, BMI)

When I saw you last night, your eyes gave you away
Like your soul had been crushed
Like you’re on your last day
You looked so alone, lost in your fears
But don’t be afraid, no don’t be afraid;
Tell me what do you ache for, and what are your dreams
Let your hearts longings, flow like a stream
Light lots of candles, don’t spare your kisses
Saddle your pony, and follow your star
And don’t you turn your back on your angels
And don’t you run from the song of your soul
Ride good horses, raise strong children
Pet your dog when he’s growing old
Let God’s light shine down upon you
Let the healing waters flow
Don’t you turn your back on your angels
Don’t you run from the song of your soul
They’ll try and sell you this, and have you dress like that
They’ll say you’re too skinny, man now you’re too fat
Write your own story get up and dance on the table
Cause that’s where it’s at, oh that’s where it’s at
(chorus)
So in the deep of the night when there’s no one around
Open your heart, put your ear to the ground
Send your fears running step out into the light
And do it for love, oh, do it for love
( chorus )

Claudia Appling Williams
(Windville Songs, ASCAP)

Travelin’ down the road, won’t tell anybody I know
No I ain’t talking, cause it’s nobody’s business but mine
Travelin' down the road, just as far as I can go
And I ain’t stopping, cause it’s nobodys business but mine
Yea, it’s my time, windows all the way down
And it’s high time, I just gotta get my feet on the ground
So I’m travelin’ down the road, followin’ a double rainbow
And it feels like I’m flying and it’s nobody’s business but mine
So I’m travelin’ down the road, listenin’ to the radio
And I’m singing like I’m crazy and it’s nobody’s business but mine
Yea, it’s my time, windows all the way down
And it’s high time, I just gotta get my feet on the ground
Now I’m travelin’ down the road, never goin’ home
And I’m still thinking that it’s nobody’s business but mine
No ain’t talking cause it’s nobody’s business but mine
And I’m singin like I’m crazy and it’s nobody’s business but mine
Cause it’s my time

Brian Henneman
(Seven Shades Music/Koog Town Music/Ray Farm Music/Shakey Bean Music, BMI)

She’s smokin’ 100’s alone, thinkin’ bout the man who done her wrong
Happy that she kicked him out, but sad that he is gone
Oh, she’s smokin’ 100’s alone
Another cup of coffee down the hatch
Another cigarette soon as she finds a match
Feeling more like the looser as each minute drags on
Oh, she’s smokin’ 100’s alone
Every time it ends up this way
She swears she’s learned her lesson
This time is he gone to stay
She’s getting tired of guessing
And then she looks at his dirty laundry down the hall
Where’s he at and why hasn’t he called
He’s gotta know she’ll take him back
She’s waiting by the phone
Oh and she’s smoking 100’s alone
Every time it ends up this way
She swears she’s learned her lesson
This time is he gone to stay
She’s getting tired of guessing
So she’s smoking 100’s alone
Thinking bout the man who done her wrong
Feeling more like the looser
As each minute drags on
Oh and she’s smoking 100’s alone
Oh she’s smoking 100’s alone

Townes Van Zandt
(Bug Music OBO Silver Dollar Music ASCAP)

There's no stronger wind than the one that blows down a lonesome railroad line
No prettier sight than looking back on a town you left behind
Nothing that's as real as this love that's in my mind
So close your eyes I'll be here in the morning
Close your eyes I'll be here for a while.
There’s lots of things along the road I'd surely like to see
I'd like to lean into the wind and tell myself I'm free
But your softness whispers louder
Than the highway’s call to me
So close your eyes I'll be here in the morning
Close your eyes I'll be here for a while.
Oh the mountains and the rivers and the valleys can't compare
To your blue lit dancin' eyes and your yellow shining hair
I could never hit the open road and leave you lying there
So close your eyes I'll be here in the morning
Close your eyes I'll be here for a while
Oh now lay your head back easy, love,
And close your cryin' eyes
Well, I'll be lying here beside you
When the sun comes on the rise
Stay as long as the cuckoo wails
And the lonesome blue jay flies
So close your eyes I'll be here in the morning
Close your eyes I'll be here for a while
Close your eyes I'll be here in the morning
Close your eyes I'll be here for a while

Kevin Welch
(Warner/Chappell Music, SESAC)

If I were you, I’d want her too
And I’d probably do, what you have done
But if it were me, well I’d let her be
Can’t you see?
She already loves someone
She’s already got somebody
And he loves her too
That don’t leave much room for you
When it’s all said and done
She already loves someone
She’ll even give you one more try
But its do or die, so look her in the eye
And tell her why you’ve come
But if she turns you down
You’ll be honor bound, to quit comin’ around
Cause she already loves someone
She’s already got somebody
And he loves her too
That don’t leave much room for you
When it’s all said and done
She already loves someone

Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart
(Purple Sun Music/BOUY Publishing, SESAC)

I know about those things you want
And I know there are some things that you need
And I know between the two
Why you will manage, cause you know how to make do
And is it enough, I love you
I won’t make promises I can’t keep
And I’ll always fill your head with sweet dreams
Cause they were made up just for you
Something that you could hold on to
And is it enough, I love you
And is it enough, I love you
I have no gold for you
But right now will my silver do
My silver wears so thin and fine
But my love will last a lifetime
I talk big when I talk of someday
And I hope to live every word I say
But right now I hope it’s enough
Cause all I have to give you is my love
And I hope it’s enough, I love you
And I hope it’s enough, I love you

Pinto Bennett
(Motel Cowboy Music, BMI)

At general delivery, she picks up her mail
Mama said Johnny just got out of jail
She hopes he don’t know where she’s at
How could she have ever loved that kind of cat
But she remembers the dance in the moonlight
From the hall to the back of his car
Where he taught her how to drink whiskey
And three chords on a pawn shop guitar
And she remembers the first time he kissed her
Back when the feeling was new
And she sang the Red River Valley
For the cowboy who loved her so true
She’s working each night at what she knows best
Hangin’ in bars a professional guest
She picks up a young buckaroo
Because he reminds her of someone she knew
The telephone rings off the hook by her bed
At the other end’s Johnny a gun to his head
Saying “you always looked good in black”
The next thing she heard was a bone chilling crack
She pulled into town just at sunrise
Mama had strong coffee on
“Honey you know he’s always been crazy
It’s best for us all now he’s gone”
So at the request of the family
A service was held for a few
And she sang the Red River Valley
For the cowboy who loved her so true
And she remembers the dance in the moonlight
From the hall to the back of his car
Where he taught her how to drink whiskey
And three chords on a pawn shop guitar
And she remembers the first time he kissed her
Back when the feeling was new
And she sang the Red River Valley
For the cowboy who loved her so true

Mike Beck
(Son of the Sage publishing, BMI)

Goin’ down some desert highway on the other side of the world
All dressed up in camo, she’s her Mama’s little girl
Never heard her talking politics, college was her biggest dream
Her daddy laid off down at the factory, things in her neighborhood were pretty lean
Yesterday she was a little girl bringing home a bird with a broken wing
Amanda, come home, Amanda, come home
Now on the outskirts of Bukuba, the IED’s are going down
The ringing of a cell phone, could be the last sound
So keep your eyes wide open, girl and cover your heart
Amanda, come home, Amanda come home
Last night I had a dream, you couldn’t remember your name
You couldn’t wash that smell, off of your skin
You couldn’t stop hearing all the cries of pain
Oh, but when you come home we’ll mend the bird with the broken wing
Amanda, come home, Amanda come home, Amanda come home

This reviewer once titled a profile he wrote of the divine Miss Dolly, “Parton is Such Sweet Sorrow,” skewering the performer’s trademark ebullience. And despite his weighty pun, felt the title appropriate. No such quip leaps to mind for “My Time” Montana Rose’s eighth album. Yet Claudia Appling Williams, in penning three of the collection’s songs and performing the remaining nine with wistful defiance, places herself emphatically in Dollywood.

This is an album about living apart. From its best track, Mike Beck’s “Amanda Come Home”-- a letter to a daughter serving in Iraq--through Claudia’s “My Time,” “Me and the Blues” and “Over You,” to Townes Van Zandt’s “I’ll Be Here in the Morning,” and Brian Henneman’s “Smokin’ 100s Alone,” the lyrics are marbled with separation and loss. Claudia sings, in “Me and the Blues”: “I gave you all I had, and now we’re through/I never thought I’d hurt so bad, losing you,” and in “Over You”: “So I’ll write this song/And try to figure out the pain/Even though it’s probably wrong/To dig your memory up again.” In the fast tempo “My Time,” she writes, “Yes, it’s my time, windows all the way down/And it’s high time, I just gotta get my feet on the ground/So I’m travelin’ down the road, never goin’ home...”

Kenny Williams’ and Mike Ward’s production of this album is professionally apt, but as Peter Bowen notes on its jacket, “This is Claudia’s album ... in these songs there are glances at the past and hope for the future.” And Claudia herself writes that, “This album is a celebration of 20 years of working with Kenny,” her husband and musical partner, and of “my 50th birthday.” The songs were recorded in Nashville, and as Kenny says, “We really wanted to make a record that was fueled by magic, so we created a band and a sound based more on a dream than a reality.” Notably absent are the guitar and harmonies of Rick Winking, a fixture in Montana Rose since 1994. The Nashville cats do serviceable work (Rick’s guitar and harmonies are missed), and Claudia’s voice is placed more forward in the arrangements than usual–as if proclaiming, she is Montana Rose.

A joy of any MR CD is the discovery of new songs by favorite writers, and these offerings by Mike Beck, Mike Ward. Stacey Earle and Kevin Welch do not disappoint. If there’s a better Western tunesmith than Beck (“Don’t Tell Me,” “Your Angels,” and “Amanda Come Home,” I don’t know him. “Amanda,” Beck’s Iraq war ballad, is spookily on target; it’s destined to be a classic. Ward’s “Boots,” an ode to that cowpoke staple (“Started out just nails and leather”), is an upbeat toe-tapper, and Kevin Welch’s “She Already Loves Someone,” is as close to a rocker as this album gets.

But one finds oneself returning to Claudia’s songs and their melancholy: “We gave it all we had, when it was new/But we gave it up too soon, me and you ... I gave you all I had, and now we’re through/I never thought it’d hurt so bad, losing you...” Gone is her stage merriment and the Dolly-esque sparkle of previous albums. In its place is voice layered with maturity, singing a dozen poignant ballads.
Big Sky Journal