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Mutlu
by Gary E. Andrews - 04/15/24 07:08 PM
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Leafs
by Gary E. Andrews - 04/05/24 01:49 PM
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Had the same inspiration as Dan O'Connell for this one---Diane Sawyer's 20/20 story on children of rural appalachia. I think it's kinda cool that two folks would see the same show and be inspired by it. http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7369024Under the Mountain (c)2009 Eric J. Baker V1 Born poor in a mining town; little money, no hope around Dad died when I was two; black lung and too much booze Mama tried to do the best she could; two children and not much food No education and a broken heart; odds against me from the very start HALF CHORUS Under the mountain, it's cold and damp But it's the only option for an honest man V2 My sister leads a life of crime; she's twenty-seven, looks fifty-five Steal your money without regret for OxyContin or Percocet Three children five, four, and two; feeds 'em candy bars and Mt. Dew Counts the days til the welfare check to buy her reefer and cigarettes CHORUS Under the mountain, it's cold and damp But it's the only option for an honest man I'm diggin' my grave as I dig their coal I'm losin' my life, but I'm keepin' my soul BRIDGE And all I want is some dignity As I'm slowly dyin' six days a week Eighteen, my whole life ahead; only choices lead straight to death Sellin' pills or workin' in the mine; forsaken people with forsaken lives I've known shame and disgrace; Appalachia is a helluva place God rarely comes around; ya get the feeling this is Satan's ground CHORUS
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Joined: Aug 2007
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Eric,
I too watched that 20/20 and sat there so moved and wanting to write about it....even took alot of notes. Well, I couldn't have written it as well as this. You have so vividly illuminated the lives they lead to all who listen. Too many well written lines to mention. They all work very well.
Your vocals work perfectly for this and I love the way the verses seem to crash into each chorus.
I think that is very effective.
Very good work on a song that needs to be heard by so many.
This song should be used in some way to further get their story out there. I could hear it being played in a documentary or docu/drama.
Nice work!
Jan
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Same as what Jan said, this is great and needs to be heard..you did so well on this....needs to be out there helping ......glyn
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Joined: Aug 2008
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Eric, what an enjoyable - and sad - listen. Great lyric, powerful delivery. I love the chorus melody. Well done. Donna
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Hey Jan, Glynda, and DonnaMarilyn--
Thanks to all of you for your encouraging words--very much appreciated.
Gotta give credit where it's due--my friend, Mark, who plays drums on this, helped a lot with the arrangement. It was his idea to cut the first chorus in half and really hit the choruses hard.
Jan--yeah, that show really struck a nerve with me. I grew up in an Appalachian coal mining town, so a lot of it was really familiar to me.
Thanks again, Eric
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The song is very textured, with a deep feel to the music that coveys the lryrics quite well. Nicely crafted.
Tom
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Hey Tom---thanks for taking the time to give it a listen. I sure appreciate it. Thanks also for your comments.
Eric
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Love it great country sound love the hook, nice nice lyrics and guitar work
please do post this on youtube with the photo's of the people to help get the word out
great job Eric
very nice
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Joined: Mar 2006
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Being English I have no idea about the subject matter but the song:
The song a just a great and well recorded to capture a mood which was conveyed very well. The drummer was bang on the money re the chorus.
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Great job on the chorus and the entire song. Solid lyrics. The whole production was well done. I enjoyed it.
Kevin
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Dan, Mark, and Kevin--hey guys, thanks for giving a listen and for your comments. I really appreciate it.
Dan--I think the images from 20/20 might be copyrighted, so I probably wouldn't be able to use them on youtube. However, I might be able to find some very old coal mining photos that are past their copyrights and use them. My father-in-law is an avid collector of old coal mining equipment, etc. I'll see what he has. That's a great idea--thanks.
Eric
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