Song picture
Hail To the City
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A lament for the decline in country life.
indie peace acoustic spiritual folk ballad country original contemporary singersongwriter harmonies folk rock antiwar finger picking war country blues harmonica protest social commentary bluesharp
Artist picture
Performed: Canada, England, India, USA, Nepal..as solo artist (sometimes in a duet or trio),touring the 5 Star hotel circuit in Asia. styles: folk/adult c
As a refugee from the 60's and the coffee house era, I have been playing as a solo artist as well as in various duets, trios and bands from Canada to England, India, Nepal, USA, and places in between... played in classic rock, country and folk bands. I try to keep my songs as light and personal as possible in the acoustic genre. A lot of my songs speak on social issues and I try to relate to the common man/woman (like myself) and the things that are important in our journey thru this time span called life. The recording/production is not professional by any means. I usually try to do one-off takes and work around the tracks to enhance the sound in the limited time and equipment I have available. I hope some of these songs will touch a place in your heart or evoke a feeling of shared consciousness. All comments and critiques are welcome. All the best.
Song Info
Genre
Acoustic • Acoustic Folk
Charts
Peak #192
Peak in subgenre #16
Author
Gordy Scoville
Rights
Gordy Scoville
Uploaded
January 29, 2012
Track Files
MP3
MP3 2.9 MB • 96 kbps • 4:14
Story behind the song
Just thinking about how hard it is to make a living off the land these days and how the younger generation has followed the lure to the metropolises of the world.
Lyrics
He left home at sixteen years, half a man and half a boy Started out with his spirit high, lookin' for a city of Joy Took him a job in a midwest town, it was only a steppin' stone 'Cos he knew some day he'd have it made and get a real life of his own. Soon he grew restless feet and he headed for the city lights Spent his time in lonely days and never ending nights Wasn't long till he realized he'd spent his hard earned pay And the dream, so dear to him would wait another day. Chorus: Hail to the city you have taken one more son (take our daughters,take our sons) Show him no pity till your dirty deed is done We bow down and we worship you, your towers and your neon lights I think I've seen too many city nights. She grew up on a little farm in north Ontario Can't make a livin' anymore on the meager crops we grow Daddy says there is no future now around here anymore I wouldn't be surprised if those city guys even owned the country store. So pack your bags, here's your fare, make it to the bus on time You're gonna reach the top some day, but honey it's a bitter climb He kissed her farewell on her forehead, fightin' back the tears 'Cos he knew that she wouldn't be comin' back for many years. I have not always been as old as I am now I have seen ole London's tower and Bombay's sacred cow From Canada to Mexico I've travelled far and wide And watched as they have herded them in from the countryside. Like sheep led to the slaughter, that's how it looks to me That's only my opinion, you can beg to disagree You say to me, hypocricy, you're livin' in the city too You see, this man he understands just what a man must do.
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Comments 2
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Jamey Darnold
Mar 23, 2012
Boy Can I relate to this one Gordy coming from a rural town in Iowa. Mighty fine lyrics! I like the beat on this one as well.
Pinecats
Mar 04, 2012
This is listed as folk but boy she sure rings like country to this old country boy! Excellent writing as usual gordy...your lyrical poetry is always well done. Nice vox...clean, well delivered and with nice harmonies. Good tune here!