Having hopefully improved our mastering chops over the last few years we decided to remaster this song (of course that led to some mix tweaking). So we dropped the audio in the vid editor and that led to some video tweaking of zooms/pans and fx. After all that we thought, well, it’s been four years why not repost it.
Video quality? Well, it is what it is … Bud’s iPhone shot all the video clips and still shots in our hometown and a couple of other communities. No AI used in the production ... just the phone and some aging editing software.
We realize lots of folks don’t like music vids but, hey, it's just three minutes long so should you choose to listen we appreciate your time and any comments you might offer.
Thanks to our music partner Peter for the guitar work and as always thanks to PG Music. BTW, since you can’t replace YT video files this new upload lost all the previous comments, etc.
you can’t go back girl it’s a dead end don’t know why the hell I ever tried maybe I dreamed of the invitation or it’s another memory that lied
should’ve headed on never slowed down now I’m a refugee in my home town
my old friends have become strangers they’ve grown cold, dark, bitter i see them circling their wagons trolling me to pull that trigger
should’ve headed on never slowed down now I’m a refugee in my home town
a courthouse clock with the wrong time store windows reflect ghosts of past parking meters stand like rusty sentinels nothing lasts nothing lasts
should’ve headed on never slowed down now I’m a refugee in my home town
Last edited by Janice & Bud; 09/07/2501:23 PM.
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos are here on our website.
Below is what I said when just the track was posted in 2018. I still stand by this review and will add that the new mastering, coupled with the original video is truly next level...
"Every once in a while a song comes along and I think, man, I wish I had written that - this is one of those times...
This song is an absolute gem from start to finish. Janice has laid down an incredibly sensitive, strong and moving vocal - none better! The write, production and arrangement is beautifully nuanced and pro all the way. It also sounds like it was recorded / produced in a high end studio.
And finally, Peter's guitar playing should be turned into Real Tracks...
I'm still too new here to know the original, but this one is really, really good. Beautiful melodies, some interesting choices by Peter that spice things up, and a really, really good production. I LOVE music videos, so you don't have to apologize
Below is what I said when just the track was posted in 2018. I still stand by this review and will add that the new mastering, coupled with the original video is truly next level...
"Every once in a while a song comes along and I think, man, I wish I had written that - this is one of those times...
This song is an absolute gem from start to finish. Janice has laid down an incredibly sensitive, strong and moving vocal - none better! The write, production and arrangement is beautifully nuanced and pro all the way. It also sounds like it was recorded / produced in a high end studio.
And finally, Peter's guitar playing should be turned into Real Tracks...
Outstanding from every angle!"
Bob
And also like then we remain honored to read your comment about the write. Why? Because you are our favorite Americana writer and that is our favorite genre. Also we are happy you liked the new sound.
Thank you!
J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos are here on our website.
I started the song and heard Janice sang "... now I'm a refugee in my hometown..." and the I remember hearing the song before. I didn't know it was in 2018, but Bob said so in his post. It was in my second year on BiaB. Had to learn a lot then (and still). But that beautiful voice and that sentence apparently stuck in my head. 7 years later I hear the sentence again. Fortunately, I can still hear that beautiful voice...
J&B + Peter, gorgeous song, beautifully performed. Super video editing, and the sound quality is sparkly and fabulous. Ya'll are simply, amazingly...AMAZING every time.
Loved the "Share the Road" sign. Shouldn't we ALL???
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
I'm still too new here to know the original, but this one is really, really good. Beautiful melodies, some interesting choices by Peter that spice things up, and a really, really good production. I LOVE music videos, so you don't have to apologize
We appreciate that … and especially since you create excellent vids. Thanks for all the nice comments!
J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos are here on our website.
J&B, thoroughly enjoyed it! First time hearing it, and it’s all beautifully produced (the audio) and the performances so smooth and relaxed. All the elements of the production added to the overall feel of wistfulness, a bit of melancholy, and bittersweet longing for the past. The video was cool, too—I wish I had the gumption to do that kind of visual stuff!! Great work!
Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
Janice, Bud, and Peter, this is a killer of a song. Outstanding performances from all three of you. All I can add is WOW! Loved it
Thanks for watching!
J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos are here on our website.
Brilliant song in all aspects: lyrics, vocals, instrumentation, playing, mix, etc, etc. "now I’m a refugee in my home town" is a great line and verse ender, Thematically it's fairly similar to a song I wrote in 1973 called "Far Away", though although I never liked UK folk singer Ralph McTell, prominent from the mid-60s to early 70s, as I found him too depressing - you might have heard "Streets of London" - my song was very much in his style. The chorus is: "I love them all, I truth I tell, I have loved them all the way But they can't see where I am and they slowly fade away And all the people all around are very far away from me." Verses vary endings with "all the people who are dear are very far away from me" and "all the people who I love are very far away from me". I've not played it since the 70s as it was too depressing! But yours isn't!
Some favourite Waoist Adages: #1: Play on the Way. #13: Ask not for whom the flower blooms, it blooms for you. #58: Bring consciousness to it. #63: On the road to effortlessness, effort must be made. #92: Be Love Now, the rest will come on its own.
I know what you mean about wanting to go back and remix/master old songs. I've done that with a couple of ours, but there are probably at least another 10 or so that could use it. Not only do skills improve, but tools do too.
Lovely song, always nice seeing Janice do her thing. And nice to see the still of Peter in there too. Very tasteful playing from him as per usual!
I started the song and heard Janice sang "... now I'm a refugee in my hometown..." and the I remember hearing the song before. I didn't know it was in 2018, but Bob said so in his post. It was in my second year on BiaB. Had to learn a lot then (and still). But that beautiful voice and that sentence apparently stuck in my head. 7 years later I hear the sentence again. Fortunately, I can still hear that beautiful voice...
Glad you brought back that sentence to me!
Hans
Thanks Hans. Remembering a line after 8 years is a nice compliment indeed. Yes it was 2018 for the audio with the original video posted in 2021. We appreciate the kind and supportive review.
J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos are here on our website.
It's so impressive how Janice adds musicality to the lyrics. Her voice is great to start with, then that way of singing the words into shape is just phenomenal. Great story, definitely related to it, been there, done that. Of course, the whole thing sounded pro all the way, wish I could get my mixes to sound like that. Great job, all!
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
J&B + Peter, gorgeous song, beautifully performed. Super video editing, and the sound quality is sparkly and fabulous. Ya'll are simply, amazingly...AMAZING every time.
Loved the "Share the Road" sign. Shouldn't we ALL???
Thank you so much for ALL of the above. BTW, we are cyclists. Someone apparently ran into the Share The Road sign. And somehow it got dumped on the right of way bordering our property. Ironic! But beyond that ramble, yes we all should!
Thanks again!
J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos are here on our website.
J&B, thoroughly enjoyed it! First time hearing it, and it’s all beautifully produced (the audio) and the performances so smooth and relaxed. All the elements of the production added to the overall feel of wistfulness, a bit of melancholy, and bittersweet longing for the past. The video was cool, too—I wish I had the gumption to do that kind of visual stuff!! Great work!
Thanks for the very nice review. Your comments on the feel of the song were very thoughtful and much appreciated. Regarding the gumption just go for it. Janice calls it play acting. The hardest aspect for us initially was figuring out the best way to do the lip syncing. 😀
J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos are here on our website.
Brilliant song in all aspects: lyrics, vocals, instrumentation, playing, mix, etc, etc. "now I’m a refugee in my home town" is a great line and verse ender, Thematically it's fairly similar to a song I wrote in 1973 called "Far Away", though although I never liked UK folk singer Ralph McTell, prominent from the mid-60s to early 70s, as I found him too depressing - you might have heard "Streets of London" - my song was very much in his style. The chorus is: "I love them all, I truth I tell, I have loved them all the way But they can't see where I am and they slowly fade away And all the people all around are very far away from me." Verses vary endings with "all the people who are dear are very far away from me" and "all the people who I love are very far away from me". I've not played it since the 70s as it was too depressing! But yours isn't!
Glad you liked it. We are happy folks who certainly don’t fit the theme of the tune. Like several of our writes it came to me while mountain biking. And that’s counterintuitive but it often happens. 😀 Streets of London sounds familiar. I listened to a wide variety of genres in the 60’s and 70’s. And yes your tune is similar in theme. I would say we are glad to bring back a memory to you … but not if it’s sad!
Thanks for all,
J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos are here on our website.
Glad you opened that can of worms, Bud, and you managed to tame them all. Masterfully mixed. I love that bass. I say that first because I always wax on about how amazing Janice sings, and and well Peter plays and how perfect are his choices for each song. This song is great example of how good it all can be in the right hands and vocal apparata.
Enjoy whatever happens! marty
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 11, EZDrummer
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 60 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until December 31, 2025. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
But yours isn't! 
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean