This is kind of an extension on the theme of songs about where I live that was the theme in Lucky Man.
When I sit on my back deck, and some people here have done that with me so they know, I am glad I don't live anywhere else, especially a city.
So, I wrote this and decided to play or program everything myself. The only track that I didn't play is the real track 1945 mandolin. I could have played it too but wanted something from BB in the song. And the drums are programmed with jamstix.
Everything else is played by me. Bass, several guitar tracks and the slide.
Sunshine lights the morning Birds are singing loud The sky is Carolina blue, not one single cloud Tall pines swaying easy Wind singing through the leaves And this old heart beats steady where the sky and forest meet.
Where I live, the creek runs deep Sun shining down in the air I breathe What I got is heaven and a backwoods breeze I don't need no city lights, give me the country please
Concrete and steel, they'll try to claim your soul Sirens blare , engines run, everything is gray and cold I'll trade the crowded corners for a field with endless sky 'Cause you can't plant your spirit where the asphalt never dies
Where I live, the creek runs deep Sun shining down in the air I breathe What I got is heaven and a backwoods breeze I don't need those city lights, give me the country please
[Guitar Solo]
I got somewhere, where I belong Living my life like a country song Wouldn't trade this kind of freedom for anything. Oh don't you know?
Where I live, the creek runs deep Sun shining down in the air I breathe What I got is heaven and a backwoods breeze I don't need those city lights, give me the country please
Oh, Give me the country please Oh, Give me the country please
Copyright lyrics and music 2026 By Herb Hartley
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Comments appreciated
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
I've always been a fan of your vocals, Herb, and you do a great job on this one, excellent! Nice job on all the instruments, good solo. Good arrangement, great dynamics, really adds to the song.
I can totally relate to the lyrics BTW, we are also out in the country, can't be beat.
Good song and musicianship! Even city folk like myself hanker to get out in the country on a regular basis, so the sentiment is well received. Nice job.
Last edited by TuneMonger; 03/30/2602:36 PM.
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
You start this song with a voice that says "who cares what anyone thinks." It sounds a bit cheeky, but actually also very funny. I love that. And then comes that chorus with that long sustained note. Amazing. That immediately becomes very characteristic of the rest of the song. So, it's a great song that you can sing along to at the top of your lungs (well, not me, but in a pub, for example). I can picture that just fine.
And good use of the instruments makes the song really appealing. So... off to the pub! And you in the lead!!!
Nice one, Herb. Super write and really nice backing arrangement to guide the listener. Super playing on all instruments, too. A very breezy, jangly vibe for sure. Really like the solo a lot; quite dynamic but melodic and nuanced as well. SUPERB vocals. You're busting some spine tingling high notes in the middle section. That's quite an impressive range you have on display here, and it sells the song.
The scenic pic on my SoundCloud page is the view from my mother's back porch in the mountains of North Georgia, which she had to leave a few years ago. When asked what she missed about her home in the mountains, her answer is concise: That porch.
I get it.
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Oh yeah, really enjoyed the wailing guitar in the intro. A really powerful number, not just musically and vocally, but lyrically. Sounds like you’ve found the perfect place for you to be in this world, and I'm sure it’s beautiful.
Great song Herb, enjoyed my couple of listens. Kind regards.
The intro is very good. The song is composed and sung from the heart. Because you're right, there's nothing more beautiful and wonderful than life in the countryside and nature. So thank you for your song. Laurent
Hi Herb! Great song and well sung and played. That mandolin that you kept from BIAB just kept going and provided a good foundation for the music - I liked the rhythm of it. There are many lyric lines to like, but one that stood out to me is ‘And this old heart beats steady where the sky and forest meet.’
Where I live in the ‘burbs of Adelaide, we have a couple of areas of native scrub within 1km from our home that have not been touched since time immemorial, apart from the odd walking track or fire track, and it’s very peaceful for the soul to walk through it from time to time.
So, THAT's what they call "Country music". Now I get it I’m a happy camper, because, even though I technically live in a city, my garden opens right onto a forest. So, your song is right up my alley. Cool song, great vocals, great vibe. A bit mono, though. Enjoyed my listen
I've always been a fan of your vocals, Herb, and you do a great job on this one, excellent! Nice job on all the instruments, good solo. Good arrangement, great dynamics, really adds to the song.
I can totally relate to the lyrics BTW, we are also out in the country, can't be beat.
Good one, listened a few times.
I really appreciate that. That was a fun solo to work out. I like to do more melodic stuff rather than just run pentatonic scales. There's so much that can be done.
Thanks for noticing that.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Good song and musicianship! Even city folk like myself hanker to get out in the country on a regular basis, so the sentiment is well received. Nice job.
I have visited large cities, lived in major suburban areas, and small towns...... Nothing, in my opinion, compares to living in the country.... The woods to be specific.
Glad you liked the song
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
You got it, Herb. Black bear, deer, fox, et al play right off our back porch. You're invited anytime. Happy for ya, man.
What a fine mix, and amazing you did it all --but the mando. You are singing the anthem, Herb. A song to be sung on the back porch AND when you're on your way home to it. Love it!
Enjoy whatever happens! marty
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 12, EZDrummer
Herb, this ex-country boy loves this song; I live in a housing track now and this is a city to me. But I miss my country living days. No bright lights, no neighbors, and the ability to shoot a 22 with no problems. I digress but your song brought back some very happy memories.
I loved this song.
Forbidden fruit causes many jams!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
You start this song with a voice that says "who cares what anyone thinks." It sounds a bit cheeky, but actually also very funny. I love that. And then comes that chorus with that long sustained note. Amazing. That immediately becomes very characteristic of the rest of the song. So, it's a great song that you can sing along to at the top of your lungs (well, not me, but in a pub, for example). I can picture that just fine.
And good use of the instruments makes the song really appealing. So... off to the pub! And you in the lead!!!
Great song, Hans
Thanks. Sounds like you like it
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Nice one, Herb. Super write and really nice backing arrangement to guide the listener. Super playing on all instruments, too. A very breezy, jangly vibe for sure. Really like the solo a lot; quite dynamic but melodic and nuanced as well. SUPERB vocals. You're busting some spine tingling high notes in the middle section. That's quite an impressive range you have on display here, and it sells the song.
The scenic pic on my SoundCloud page is the view from my mother's back porch in the mountains of North Georgia, which she had to leave a few years ago. When asked what she missed about her home in the mountains, her answer is concise: That porch.
I get it.
Jangly is good sometimes. You're the second person to focus on the solo. It was fun coming up with that.
If you think that vocal performance was spine tingling, you should have heard the first few takes that were graciously deleted. (😂)
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
That's a great tune! And excellent performance! The lyrics and your vocals just suit each other. I love songs that make me feel something and this one took me right back to the dirt road and creek in the town I grew up in. Very nicely done!
Don't ever try and be like anybody else and don't be afraid to take risks. -Waylon Jennings
Oh yeah, really enjoyed the wailing guitar in the intro. A really powerful number, not just musically and vocally, but lyrically. Sounds like you’ve found the perfect place for you to be in this world, and I'm sure it’s beautiful.
Great song Herb, enjoyed my couple of listens. Kind regards.
That "wailing guitar" is slide. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for listening a couple of times.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
“Where I live, the creek runs deep Sun shining down in the air I breathe What I got is heaven and a backwoods breeze I don't need those city lights, give me the country please”
YES
Neither of us have ever lived in a city and for the past 38 years we’ve resided in a deep forest . So we get it!
We love Americana and this is a fine example. Nice performances by you on vocals and instruments. Fine melodic guitar indeed.
Enjoyed it,
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
The intro is very good. The song is composed and sung from the heart. Because you're right, there's nothing more beautiful and wonderful than life in the countryside and nature. So thank you for your song. Laurent
Thanks. I agree wholeheartedly
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Hi Herb! Great song and well sung and played. That mandolin that you kept from BIAB just kept going and provided a good foundation for the music - I liked the rhythm of it. There are many lyric lines to like, but one that stood out to me is ‘And this old heart beats steady where the sky and forest meet.’
Where I live in the ‘burbs of Adelaide, we have a couple of areas of native scrub within 1km from our home that have not been touched since time immemorial, apart from the odd walking track or fire track, and it’s very peaceful for the soul to walk through it from time to time.
Enjoyed my listen.
Andrew
My morning walk in the woods, I have 28 acres with 2 creeks, with my dogs, is such a peaceful experience and a great way to start each day. It gives me time to think about the day and I'll often come up with song ideas.
I'm glad you related to the song
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
So, THAT's what they call "Country music". Now I get it I’m a happy camper, because, even though I technically live in a city, my garden opens right onto a forest. So, your song is right up my alley. Cool song, great vocals, great vibe. A bit mono, though. Enjoyed my listen
You gotta grab the country where you can. Thanks for listening and commenting
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
My feelings too, Herb and what a great song to explain it all. That first line of the chorus lifts the song way beyond the city walls. Brilliant!
Vic
A little bit of poetic license.... I have 2 creeks and I'd really like them to be deep enough to jump into but the reality is, they're more like 18 to 24 inches deep in most places unless we have a lot of rain. My dogs sure enjoy them.
Thanks for listening
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
You got it, Herb. Black bear, deer, fox, et al play right off our back porch. You're invited anytime. Happy for ya, man.
What a fine mix, and amazing you did it all --but the mando. You are singing the anthem, Herb. A song to be sung on the back porch AND when you're on your way home to it. Love it!
One day I was walking towards the creek on what I call the main trail and as I was walking I saw something black disappear around the bend. I think it was a small black bear. I've seen deer, possums, squirrel, raccoon, fox, and even turkeys walking around, along with a weasel and a wide variety of snakes from green and black to kings and corn and the occasional copperhead. And I almost forgot about the beaver that built a dam where the creeks come together and destroyed a bunch of my old growth poplar along the creek. In the words of Forrest*, walking in the woods is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to see..... * Or something like that.
I'm glad it resonated with you.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Herb, this ex-country boy loves this song; I live in a housing track now and this is a city to me. But I miss my country living days. No bright lights, no neighbors, and the ability to shoot a 22 with no problems. I digress but your song brought back some very happy memories.
I loved this song.
I lived in a small town with an official population of 201 when I moved in with my bride to our new 100 year old home. When we moved out it had exceeded 1000 people easily. There's a lot to be said about front porch sitting and conversations with neighbors over the back fence about how the garden is growing, but there's also a freedom in not having people living 100 feet away from you and having their yard lights shining in your bedroom windows at night.
Thanks for listening. Glad to be able to help kindle the old recollections.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
That's a great tune! And excellent performance! The lyrics and your vocals just suit each other. I love songs that make me feel something and this one took me right back to the dirt road and creek in the town I grew up in. Very nicely done!
Thanks. I was actually working on a song about the dirt road but scrapped it. It wasn't going anywhere. (That's not a pun)
Thanks for listening
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
“Where I live, the creek runs deep Sun shining down in the air I breathe What I got is heaven and a backwoods breeze I don't need those city lights, give me the country please”
YES
Neither of us have ever lived in a city and for the past 38 years we’ve resided in a deep forest . So we get it!
We love Americana and this is a fine example. Nice performances by you on vocals and instruments. Fine melodic guitar indeed.
Enjoyed it,
J&B
Thanks for listening. I can't imagine living anywhere else. Sitting outside by the outdoor fireplace as the fire dies down and the sounds of the nighttime woods settles in around me, it's like I've never lived anywhere else. Nor would I ever want to.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 04/07/2605:23 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
I really enjoyed the portraying of your personal paradise by words and music, it is very important to tell about nature (and for the love of it) we still have and which has not yet been destroyed by housing, traffic or industry. "Wind singing through the leaves/And this old heart beats steady where the sky and forest meet." lovely poetry. Great country band, the solo sounds especially nice, very good mix and your vocal is very expressive.
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