Originally from Perry, Oklahoma, Kyle Nix grew up literally surrounded by musical instruments. His grandfather was a carpenter and part-time fiddle maker. “As a kid, the fiddles were off limits because they were breakable, delicate... that just made me want to mess with them more”, he laughs. Eventually, though, he got his hands on the instrument and began taking lessons in Enid, Oklahoma from bluegrass fiddler Shirley Landrum. “I was lucky that my parents were willing to drive me around to lessons & bluegrass festivals. It really helped fan the flame”, he remembers.
Nix’s involvement with the Turnpike Troubadours was an entirely organic process. The band had just formed when he happened to run across Evan Felker and RC Edwards at a co-billed show. “I remember thinking, ‘man I really like what they’re doing. I should probably be doing that, too!’” he laughs. Not long after that, Kyle, Evan and singer-songwriter Clint Osmus moved into a house a stone’s throw away from Oklahoma State University campus in Stillwater, Oklahoma. They played music as often as they could, usually only pausing to go to work. Eventually, Nix quit the band he was a part of and joined up with the Troubadours. It was during this time that he fell in love with songwriting and was inspired to write more of his own tunes. “It was around those guys that I first heard John Prine and Townes Van Zandt songs. I remember thinking, ‘Wow, I’ve been missing out on alot’” Nix says. “It really lit a fire inside me. I wanted to learn how to tell a story like those guys”
He says of the album’s theme, “I’ve really gotten into short stories these past few years. You have to sum your ideas up quicker- really trim the fat. I like what they do”. With that in mind, he wanted to treat his album as a series of short stories; all encompassed by a Spaghetti Western theme. “I’m into Ennio Morricone (composer). He composed a ton of classic western soundtracks. On the record I applied the “spaghetti western” theme with instrumentals to imply a front cover, a back cover & picture pages… a short story collection”.
The stories on “Lightning On The Mountain” range from shoot-outs in Michigan (Wolf At the Door), to love-sick ballads of the south (Sweet Delta Rose). Nix’s gritty, down-home vocals take a fearless lead role, energetically and tastefully supported by his bandmates Ryan Engleman, Gabe Pearson, RC Edwards & Hank Early . The album was recorded and co-produced by Wes Sharon (John Fulbright, Parker Milsap, Turnpike Troubadours) in Norman, Oklahoma, and also features special guest musicians Ian Moore, Byron Berline, Kevin Foster (Jason Eady, Sunny Sweeny), Dan Walker (Ann Wilson, Heart) & many more.
Although Nix’s gritty, driving fiddle playing is not to be missed, he has shown a whole new side of his musicianship with Lightning on the Mountain & other Short Stories. Profound moments of everyday life are framed with fierce, no-nonsense country drive and polished with a cinematic touch. Now that Nix has shown all his cards, it may be hard for him to return to his role as exclusively a fiddle player, and there is no doubt that this album is merely the tip of the iceberg with regard to his writing and singing chops.
Josephine
Kyle Nix Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I spun myself around, shielding my eyes
Dashing through the heavens, dying in a 7th chord
Was a light I beheld before
Velvet skin, her eyes like the sun
Don't stare too long lest you have visions
Well I had gotten mine before she even knew my name
Oh, Josephine, look what you've done to me
Yeah, Josephine, we sure were somethin'
You and me
I can feel the fire from that August night
And taste the wine on her lips as they close onto mine
Every nerve firing in a psychedelic dream
At the hands of Josephine
Oh, Josephine, look what you've done to me
A heart full of nothin, a head full of codeine
Josephine, we sure were somethin'
You and me
Well, it's been a while now since I got the news
And walked through these doors to try something new
But if I could get myself a nickel or a dime
Maybe I could catch you flyin' by
Oh, Josephine, look what you've done to me
A heart full of nothin, a head full of codeine
Yeah, Josephine, we sure were somethin'
You and me
The song "Josephine" by Kyle Nix is a heartfelt reflection on a past love and the lasting impact she had on the singer's life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of their encounter, starting with a dazzling moment where a blinding flash of light catches the singer's attention. This celestial event serves as a metaphor for the intensity and suddenness with which Josephine entered their life.
The description of Josephine is filled with admiration and awe. Her "velvet skin" and eyes "like the sun" are both captivating and intimidating. There is a warning to not stare too long, as gazing at her could cause visions or a profound effect. It is implied that Josephine may be unaware of the impact she has had on the singer, as they mention having experienced something significant before she even knew their name.
The chorus of the song expresses the depth of the singer's feelings. They are clearly smitten by Josephine and acknowledge the profound influence she has had on their life. However, there is a sense of bittersweetness as they reminisce about the past, recognizing that their relationship is now just a memory.
The second verse delves into the physical and emotional connection the singer shared with Josephine. The imagery of feeling the "fire" from an August night and tasting wine on her lips captures the intensity and passion of their time together. The experience is described as a psychedelic dream, suggesting a heightened state of consciousness and an unforgettable encounter.
The final verse reveals that time has passed since the singer last saw Josephine. They mention hearing news but express hope of encountering her again. There is a sense of longing and a desire for a second chance, as the singer contemplates how even a small amount of money might be enough to make a connection.
Overall, "Josephine" is a song that explores the lasting impact of a past love and the nostalgia associated with remembering a significant relationship. The lyrics convey a sense of longing, admiration, and hopefulness for a reunion.
Line by Line Meaning
A blinding flash lit the midnight sky
There was a sudden and intense burst of light that illuminated the dark night sky.
I spun myself around, shielding my eyes
I quickly turned in circles, protecting my eyes from the brightness of the flash.
Dashing through the heavens, dying in a 7th chord
Moving rapidly through the celestial realm, meeting a tragic fate symbolized by a dissonant musical note.
Was a light I beheld before
I had previously witnessed this illuminating light.
Velvet skin, her eyes like the sun
Her skin was smooth and soft, while her eyes were vibrant and radiant like the sun.
Don't stare too long lest you have visions
Avoid prolonged gaze or else you may experience hallucinations or vivid imaginations.
Well I had gotten mine before she even knew my name
I had already experienced these visions before she was aware of my existence.
And the sweet Psalms rolled through my veins
The soothing and comforting hymns permeated through my bloodstream, bringing me tranquility.
Oh, Josephine, look what you've done to me
Josephine, observe the profound impact you have had on my life.
Yeah, Josephine, we sure were somethin'
Indeed, Josephine, we were truly remarkable together.
You and me
The two of us.
I can feel the fire from that August night
I can still sense the intense passion that ignited on that night in August.
And taste the wine on her lips as they close onto mine
I remember the exquisite flavor of the wine as her lips gently pressed against mine.
Every nerve firing in a psychedelic dream
Each of my nerves was intensely activated, creating an otherworldly and surreal experience.
At the hands of Josephine
All of this was orchestrated by Josephine, under her influence and control.
A heart full of nothin', a head full of codeine
My heart feels empty and devoid of emotion, while my mind is clouded by the effects of codeine.
Well, it's been a while now since I got the news
It has been a significant amount of time since I received the news or information.
And walked through these doors to try something new
I entered through these doors, seeking a fresh start or a different experience.
But if I could get myself a nickel or a dime
If I could obtain a small amount of money.
Maybe I could catch you flyin' by
Perhaps I would have the chance to see you passing by or crossing paths.
Josephine, we sure were somethin'
Josephine, we truly had a special and remarkable connection.
You and me
The two of us.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Kyle Nix
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind