The two families, the Watkinses and the Thiles, met after Sean Watkins and Chris Thile had mandolin lessons with the same music instructor, John Moore. Sara Watkins studied with Moore's bandmate, Dennis Caplinger. The band name came from a song by Byron Berline, who was Sara Watkins' fiddle instructor.
Nickel Creek's first performance was at That Pizza Place in Carlsbad, California in 1989 with Scott Thile, Chris's father, playing string bass. Sean Watkins was only twelve years old at the time. At the start Chris Thile played guitar and Sean Watkins played mandolin but later they decided to switch instruments. The band played many bluegrass festivals throughout the 1990s, and the band members were home-schooled to accommodate their tour schedule. Nickel Creek's first two albums were Little Cowpoke (1993) and Here to There (1997).
The group received two Grammy nominations: Best Bluegrass Album and Best Country Instrumental for the song "Ode to a Butterfly". The trio was nominated at the CMA Awards for Best Vocal Group and the Horizon Award and were named one of the "Five Music Innovators of the Millennium" by TIME Magazine in May 2000. Nickel Creek's "The Lighthouse's Tale" video was nominated for a CMT "Flameworthy Video Award" for Group/Duo Video of the Year.
In 2002 the band released their fourth album, This Side, produced by Alison Krauss. It was a departure from their previous releases which were purely bluegrass. Although the core influence of bluegrass remained, other genres such as indie rock and folk rock were present in their music included cover songs Spit on a Stranger by Pavement, and Should've Known Better by Carrie Newcomer.
In 2005 the band released their fifth album, Why Should the Fire Die? with more rock and pop influences. The album debuted and peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard 200 and topped the Billboard bluegrass chart.
In late summer 2006, via Billboard and their official website, Nickel Creek announced that at the end of the year they would no longer be recording as a group and their tour, scheduled through 2007, would be their last for an indefinite period of time so band members could expand their musical horizons.
The band had plans to record its final performance at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville in November 2007 but the idea was later "scrapped".
The band released a new album in the spring of 2014. They also played a handful of live shows and festival dates, including a concert at the Ryman Auditorium, the last venue the band played when it played its last show.
Happy Trails
Nickel Creek Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Others are blue
It's the way you ride the trail that counts
Here's a happy one for you
Happy trails to you
Until we meet again
Happy trails to you
Who cares about the clouds when we're together
Just sing a song and bring that sunny weather
Happy trails to you
Til we meet again
Who cares about the clouds when we're together
Just sing a song and bring that sunny weather
Happy trails to you
Til we meet again
Til we meet again
The lyrics to Nickel Creek's "Happy Trails" send a message of positivity and optimism, suggesting that life is like a trail and that it's all about attitude. The song acknowledges that some trails can be difficult and lead to sadness ("Others are blue"), but ultimately it's up to us to make the most of the journey. The upbeat and cheerful melody helps to further emphasize the message of the song, encouraging listeners to keep a positive outlook on life no matter what kind of trail they may find themselves on.
In the second stanza, the lyrics take on a more personal tone, suggesting that it's not just about the trail itself but also the company we keep along the way. The line "Who cares about the clouds when we're together" suggests that having good friends by our side can make even the stormiest day seem sunny. The song then transitions back into the chorus, repeating the message of hope and positivity that is central to the song.
Overall, "Happy Trails" is a simple but powerful song that encourages listeners to focus on the good in life and to make the most of each moment. Its timeless message has made it a popular tune for everything from Western-themed parties to graduation ceremonies.
Line by Line Meaning
Some trails are happy ones
Not all journeys are the same; some are fulfilling while others are not.
Others are blue
Some journeys can be sad, lonely or isolating.
It's the way you ride the trail that counts
The rides we take in life are less important than how we approach them.
Here's a happy one for you
Here is a fulfilling and happy journey that you can take.
Happy trails to you
Best of luck and happiness on your journey.
Until we meet again
Until we see each other on another journey.
Keep smiling until then
Stay positive and happy until we meet again.
Who cares about the clouds when we're together
The weather doesn't matter when we are in good company.
Just sing a song and bring that sunny weather
We can create a happy environment, regardless of the external conditions.
Til we meet again
Until we see each other again on another journey.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Dale Evans
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Michael Friedman
Lovely song and beautiful musical performance of Happy Trails to you written by the late Dale Evans.
Breanna Lewis
I love this, so great! What key is it in?
Vi "The Fiddler" Wickam
I'm playing it in the key of G. I'm glad you like it. :)
Ron Klemme
Great!!! is there sheet music for the way that you played this???
Vi "The Fiddler" Wickam
Not yet! I do offer transcription service for any of the tunes I recorded in fiddle tune a day - and I have transcribed quite a few of them so far. If you are interested in a transcription, you can buy the service here: https://www.vithefiddler.com/product/request-a-fiddle-tune-a-day-transcription/
It takes me a couple of weeks to turn a transcription around. :)
TheDuckjay101
very good brings back old tines,.."pardon me vith have you seen the chattin choo choo"