Nashville Blues
Cory Morrow Lyrics

Late one morning I just packed my things
I left my old life behind, without warning or fanfare.

Burned all my bills and I hopped on a plane
I left all my financial obligations behind, and fled to Tennessee.

I told the cops and the bankers goodbye
I left behind the authorities and creditors who were trying to catch me.

They said "Don't let us catch you, you owe us your life"
They warned me not to come back, knowing I would have to pay for my past mistakes.

Well the plane was headed east and so I was
I followed the path of the airplane towards the east, knowing that it would take me to Tennessee.

Bound for Tennessee to outrun the fuzz
I went to Tennessee to evade the police and start anew.

They found me in a day or two
The police found me quickly, despite my efforts to hide.

Now I'm flat busted in jail fightin' the Nashville Blues
I am now broke and in jail, fighting a sense of despair associated with my current situation.

I like George Jones, Willie and Waylon
I appreciate the music of George Jones, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings.

I think Kris and Merle are songwriting saviors
I find Kris Kristofferson and Merle Haggard's songwriting to be particularly meaningful and important.

Townes Van Zandt, he died to soon
I lament the passing of Townes Van Zandt, who died at a young age.

But now he's up there with Hank
I believe that Townes Van Zandt is now in heaven with Hank Williams, another beloved musician who passed away too soon.

And they're both fightin' the Nashville Blues
I imagine that even in heaven, these two musicians are contending with the same sense of despair that I am experiencing.

Well the songwriting's left up to old hillbillies
The task of writing meaningful, authentic country music has fallen to older people from rural areas.

Hippies and rednecks and girls like Miss Emmylou
These songwriters may come from different backgrounds, but they all share a love of music, and are committed to producing songs that resonate with listeners.

I'm too young to have a point of view
I am still learning about life and music, and have not yet developed a fully-formed perspective.

But I just want to be a part of fightin' the Nashville Blues
Despite my youth and lack of experience, I am committed to joining the ranks of those who are trying to create meaningful music in the face of difficult circumstances.

Fightin' the Nashville Blues ain't fun no
I acknowledge that it is difficult to pursue a career in music, especially in Nashville where so much competition exists.

It takes it's toll upon your mind
The stress and pressure of trying to 'make it' as a musician can be psychologically taxing.

But all the great ones have been there too
I take comfort in knowing that even the most successful musicians have experienced the same struggles that I am now facing.

And they're all fightin' the Nashville Blues
The struggle to create meaningful music in difficult circumstances is universal among musicians, regardless of their level of success.

Well I moved back to Austin to try to make a living
I returned to the city where I had lived before, hoping to make a career in music there.

But it ain't been so easy with those hill country women
My romantic entanglements with women from rural Texas have complicated my attempts to establish myself in Austin.

And i'm stuck inside of this 8x12 room
I spend most of my time in a small room, where I write and practice music.

And my throat's a scratchin' from the cigarettes and booze
My voice is damaged from years of smoking and drinking excessively, two common 'bad habits' of many country musicians.

And my face in wrinklin' and my mind's a strayin'
Years of stress and personal turmoil have taken their toll on my physical and emotional health.

And I get on my knees and I get to prayin'
I turn to prayer as a way of coping with my struggles and seeking guidance and strength.

But my hands are worn like the soles of my shoes
My hands are calloused and damaged from years of playing guitar and struggling to make a living as a musician.

And the Lord only knows I'm just fightin' the Nashville Blues
I am doing my best to overcome the difficulties and challenges of creating and performing music, even in the face of a sense of despair and pessimism.

I like Johnny Cash, Willie and Waylon
I appreciate the music of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings, who are all legendary figures in country music.

I think Chris and Merle are songwriting saviors
I see Chris Kristofferson and Merle Haggard as instrumental in keeping the spirit of traditional country music alive, and helping to promote a new generation of songwriters and performers.

And old Keith Whitley he died to soon
I mourn the loss of Keith Whitley, another country music icon who died at a young age.

But now he's up there with Hank
I imagine that Whitley is now in heaven, where he is joining with other great musicians, including Hank Williams.

And they're both fightin' the Nashville Blues
Even in death, these musicians continue to struggle with the same set of challenges and difficulties that I face as a living musician.

Well the songwriting's left up to old hillbillies
The burden of carrying on the tradition of country music has fallen to a particular subset of the population - mostly rural Texans who are passionate about the music and culture of the south and southwest.

Hippies and rednecks and girls like Miss Emmylou
These musicians come from all walks of life, but share a common passion for country music and a commitment to preserving its legacies.

I'm too young to have a point of view
Despite my relative youth, I am committed to remaining an active participant in the world of country music, even as I struggle to establish myself as a songwriter and performer.

But I just want to be a part of fightin' the Nashville Blues
Despite the challenges I face, and the sense of disillusionment and sadness that often comes with being a musician, I remain committed to fighting to create music that is meaningful and authentic.