Murder On Music Row

After watching American Idol this week and seeing some "Country Music" videos I am convinced the Country music I love is getting lost in the noise of popular music. There is still some hope. Jamie Johnson is a good one that has a couple albums out that are good. I thought of this song this week.

Song: Murder on Music Row
Album: Latest Greatest Straitest Hits
Artist: George Strait (with Alan Jackson)


Nobody saw him runnin' from 16th avenue
They never found a fingerprint or the weapon that was used
But someone killed country music - cut out its heart and soul
They got away with murder down on Music Row

They almighty dollar and the lust for world-wide fame
Slowly killed tradition and for that someone should hang
Oh, they all say, "Not guilty" but the evidence will show
That murder was commited down on Music Row

For the steel guitars no longer cry and fiddles barely play
But drums and rock and roll guitars are mixed up in your face
Ol' Hank wouldn't have a chance on today's radio
Since they've committed murder down on Music Row

They thought no one would miss it once it was dead and gone
They said no one would by them old drinkin' and cheatin' songs
Well there ain't no justice in it and the hard facts are cold
Murder's been committed down on Music Row

For the steel guitars no longer cry and you can't hear fiddles play
With drums and rock and roll guitars mixed right up in your face
Why the Hag - he wouldn't have a chance on today's radio
Since they've committed murder down on Music Row

Why, they'd even tell the "Possum" to pack up and go back home
There's been an awful murder down on Music Row

Ready For The End Of The World

The genesis of a great country song is a song about relationship. The same is true for a great christian hymn too. Maybe it is why I love both genres of song.

Here, the writer is putting in supplies for the heartache he knows is coming. He is preparing to go to a place he perceives as welcoming, accepting, non-judgemental, and safe when he faces the heartache and pain.

A good church will provide the same thing. There will be more about that in my regular Sunday post, tomorrow.

Song: Ready For The End Of the World
Artist: George Strait
Album: Somewhere Down In Texas

I know the end is near
I've seen the warning signs
Been preparin' myself
Layin' in supplies
I bought a case of Jack
A boxed-set of Merle
I'm gettin' ready
Ready for the end of the world

I'm gettin' ready for the end to come
That final hour it all comes undone
An' she drops the bomb
An' says she ain't my girl
I'm gettin' ready
Ready for the end of the world

My neon shelter waits
Where I can go to hide
While the memories burn
I'll be safe inside
With the honky-tonk few
Bracin' for the worst
I'm gettin' ready
Ready for the end of the world

I'm gettin' ready for the end to come
That final hour it all comes undone
An' she drops the bomb
An' says she ain't my girl
I'm gettin' ready
Ready for the end of the world

Yeah, I'll be ready
Ready for the end of the world