A quartet of Southern rock traditionalists from Nashville, the Steel Woods lay claim to the sound pioneered by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Like Skynyrd, The Steel Woods balance heavy blues-rock with Southern poetry, and they add a bit of plainspoken outlaw country to the mix, as evidenced on their 2017 debut, Straw in the Wind.
Prior to forming the Steel Woods, guitarists Wes Bayliss and Jason "Rowdy" Cope were both pursuing musical careers. Cope found work as a session musician and played in Jamey Johnson's band, but once he met Bayliss at a Nashville gig, the two clicked. First they became friends, then they wound collaborating, adding bassist Johnny Stanton and drummer Jay Tooke to round out the lineup. An eponymous EP came out in 2016, and the next year saw the release of Straw in the Wind on Thirty Tigers/Woods Music. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi
Axé
The Steel Woods Lyrics
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Carve up some of that kindlin'
There's plenty of wood around
Well I've seen the devil's shadow, underneath the moon
Keep that fire a-goin', the sun is comin' soon
I will swing my axe, don't let the flames go down
There's plenty of wood around
When I'm old and grey, and these two hands are worn
Cross me over Jordan, Lord and I'll keep Heaven warm
I will swing my axe, don't let the flames go down
Carve up some of that kindlin'
There's plenty of wood around
The Steel Woods's song "Axe" is an ode to hard work, perseverance, and determination. The singer is a hardworking man who is dedicated to providing for himself and his family. He refuses to let the fire go out, and he is determined to keep it burning no matter what obstacles come his way. The lyrics of the song are filled with images of chopping wood, stoking the fire, and keeping the darkness at bay.
The first verse of the song sets the tone, as the singer promises to keep working hard no matter what: "I will swing my axe, don't let the flames go down / Carve up some of that kindlin' / There's plenty of wood around." The second verse paints a picture of a man working late into the night, keeping the fire burning even when it seems like the darkness is closing in: "Well I've seen the devil's shadow, underneath the moon / Keep that fire a-goin', the sun is comin' soon." The final verse is a reminder that hard work is its own reward and that, even when our bodies have grown old and weak, our spirit can continue to burn brightly: "When I'm old and grey, and these two hands are worn / Cross me over Jordan, Lord and I'll keep Heaven warm."
Line by Line Meaning
I will swing my axe, don't let the flames go down
I will use my axe to keep the fire alive and burning, so make sure there's enough wood to keep the flames high.
Carve up some of that kindlin'
Chop up some of that smaller wood to use as kindling to start the fire or keep it going.
There's plenty of wood around
There's no shortage of wood nearby to use for the fire, so keep chopping and adding more to keep it strong.
Well I've seen the devil's shadow, underneath the moon
I've had some dark experiences and seen troubling things in the darkness, but keep the fire going to keep away the shadows.
Keep that fire a-goin', the sun is comin' soon
Don't let the fire burn out, because the morning is coming and we need to stay warm until then.
When I'm old and grey, and these two hands are worn
In the future, when I'm old and my hands don't work as well, I'll still do whatever I can to help others and keep the fire burning.
Cross me over Jordan, Lord and I'll keep Heaven warm
When I pass away and go to Heaven, I'll still be willing to help and keep everyone warm and comforted, even in the afterlife.
Writer(s): Wesley J. Bayliss, Jason Cope
Contributed by Anna V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@MrPoopinjar
I will swing my axe, don't let the flames go down
Carve up some of that kindlin'
There's plenty of wood around
Well I've seen the devil's shadow, underneath the moon
Keep that fire a-goin', the sun is comin' soon
I will swing my axe, don't let the flames go down
Carve up some of that kindlin'
There's plenty of wood around
When I'm old and grey, and these two hands are worn
Cross me over Jordan, Lord and I'll keep Heaven warm
I will swing my axe, don't let the flames go down
Carve up some of that kindlin'
There's plenty of wood around
@Cristian_Ctr
Axe
I will swing my axe, don't let the flames go down,
Carve up some of that kind-liiiiing,
There's plenty of wood around.
Well I've seen the devil's shadow, underneath the moon,
Keep that fire a-goin', the sun is comin' soon.
I will swing my axe, don't let the flames go down,
Carve up some of that kind-liiiiing,
There's plenty of wood around.
When I'm old and grey, and these two hands are worn,
Cross me over Jordan, Lord and I'll keep Heaven warm.
I will swing my axe, don't let the flames go down,
Carve up some of that kind-liiiiing,
There's plenty of wood around.
@richardflatt5682
My father in law loved to chop wood, and loved the Lord. I have to give his eulogy tonight. Reminds me of him, and if there is chopping wood in heaven and new earth, Henry “Hank” Hanson will be there.
@crpruns69
Gives me chills I know my dad is up there chopping too!
@NobodyCaresALot
Hope it went well, bud. Chopping wood is one of the greatest joys in life. Simple and self-reliant and it serves a singular purpose. It feels good but it's hard work. That's why it's so damn good. The old man probably chopped enough to keep Heaven and Hell warm for a long time. 🙂
@tylerhodskins9538
Sometimes the universe speaks loud. Stay true brother
@jasona8613
Condolences.
@nikolaygnatyuk7222
It is good written
@CatherineSTodd
Thank God for the music in Yellowstone. Every episode I find so many new / old songs that grab me by the throat!
@bobhill3941
Me too
@Joshfasig
i found Yellowstone from Ryan Bingham i knew most the songs and all ther singers they used and put in yellowstoneb4 watching the show
@1232hdh
Watched a re run and has to Google the lyrics I wish they put the name of the songs in the end