Prior to their eponymous 2001 album, each had made appearances on the other's solo recordings, but this disc marked their first official release as a duo. The album is described as more rock-based than their earlier solo traditional-folk recordings. The majority of the songs were penned by Julie Miller and rounded out by the duo's co-written "Dirty Water" and covers of songs by folk-rock icons Richard Thompson, Utah Phillips and Bob Dylan. The album was named "Album of the Year" at the first annual awards of the Americana Music Association.
Since then, the duo has released "Love Snuck Up" (2004) and "Written in Chalk" (2009).
Ellis County
Buddy & Julie Miller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If we ate it we had to grow it
Take me back when all we could afford was laughter
And two mules instead of a tractor
Take me back again
Take me back where there was nothing left to throw out
There was a light that wouldn't go out
When everybody helped pick the cotton
Take me back again
Take me back to places where my memory tarries
Take me back to precious things that my heart carries
Take me back when daddy led the singing on Sunday
Nobody had to plow until Monday
Take me back when I could feel the kiss of my mother
And I had all my sisters and brothers
Take me back again
The lyrics to Buddy & Julie Miller's song "Ellis County" reminisce about a simpler time in the past, when life was hard but full of joy and laughter. The first verse speaks to a time when food had to be grown, and the second verse recalls when there was "nothing left to throw out" and "everybody helped pick the cotton." The song evokes feelings of nostalgia and a desire to return to a time when family and community played a central role in daily life.
The chorus, "Take me back again," is a plea to revisit these memories and connect with the past. The final verse speaks to the importance of family and the memories that we hold close to our hearts, as the singer asks to be taken back to a time when they had all their siblings and parents were still alive. The lyrics of "Ellis County" are straightforward and honest and paint a vivid picture of life in a bygone era.
Overall, "Ellis County" is a song about the beauty of simple things, the importance of family, and the value of memories. It's an ode to a time when life was hard but full of love and laughter, and a reminder to appreciate the things that truly matter in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Take me back when times were hard but we didn't know it
I want to go back to a time when things were tough, but we were too naive to realize it.
If we ate it we had to grow it
We had to grow our own food because we couldn't afford to buy it.
Take me back when all we could afford was laughter
We didn't have much money, but we found joy and happiness in the simple things.
And two mules instead of a tractor
We didn't have fancy equipment, just two mules to work the land.
Take me back where there was nothing left to throw out
We had to make do with what we had because we couldn't afford to replace things.
There was a light that wouldn't go out
Even in times of darkness and struggle, there was always a glimmer of hope.
Take me back when we had swollen fingers we'd gotten
We worked hard and our hands showed it, but we were proud of what we accomplished.
When everybody helped pick the cotton
We worked together as a community to get things done.
Take me back to places where my memory tarries
I want to revisit the places where I have fond memories.
Take me back to precious things that my heart carries
I want to relive the moments that are dear to my heart.
Take me back when daddy led the singing on Sunday
My father used to lead us in singing at church on Sundays.
Nobody had to plow until Monday
We took a day of rest and didn't have to work the fields until Monday.
Take me back when I could feel the kiss of my mother
I want to go back to a time when my mother was still with me and I felt her love.
And I had all my sisters and brothers
I had a big family with lots of siblings, and I miss those days.
Take me back again
I want to relive those memories and experiences again.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JULIE ANNE MILLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
broncobobway1
Maybe the best treasure I've found on youtube. This was very well done and the sound quality is excellent. Thanks for sharing it!
molloyxx1
Thanks for posting this, brilliant music and a great selection of evocative photographs. Well done.
Hancock Family Farms
This beautiful song makes me cry. One of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard.
Michael Ferry
That was beautiful...it really lifted my heart...thank you Buddy and Julie...Peace
sammy chef
i love this song. my girlfriend and i bought our first house in the counrty, when i first heard this song and spent every penny we had and both had to work all the time,and it was the worst snowfall in 27 seven years and the boiler broke and i wouldnt change any of it and when i think i would, i listen to this song,thanx
velvetsacks
This is wonderful! Your photos capture the song of the song beautifully.
josh747
Enjoyed the pictures, with the song. They perfectly nailed it.
molloyxx1
Hey Antiono.....brilliant work with the poto montage, which cuts right to the heart of the music. Thanks, A LOT.
marrowcruxstray55
i love buddy and julie miller. never heard a man and a women sing together better
Seth Krispin
your so right