Colorado Line

by Jackson Emmer

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about

This song was written just prior to the pandemic, when I was touring in and out of Colorado a lot. The narrative drifts through the four borders of my state, and the less-glamorous aspects of singing songs for a living. When the pandemic took hold, this was one of the first songs I recorded. There's a video on YouTube of me singing it on a blue couch with an electric guitar. That version is far from the final one you'll hear here.

Cut to two years later: Depending on who you ask, the pandemic is either drawing to a close, or there's no end in sight. Either way, it seemed like the right time to revisit the song, and to record it in a new way. Also, I became a father in May of 2021, so instead of having free reign over noise-making in my house, and instead of having loads of free time, my recording sessions have become condensed and sequestered. Don't wake the baby! This new creative limitation has produced some thrilling results.

Given the new sonic world, I am declaring this song "The birth of Honky Tronica" or Honky Tronk for short. Take a listen, and you'll see what I mean. I appreciate you listening, and for joining me in this musical process.

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Want more in-depth, behind the scenes info on my music? Consider joining my Patreon. I post all kinds of videos, interviews, and "secret" music over there. Thanks for your support.

www.patreon.com/jacksonemmer

Example of Patreon video: youtu.be/iaqcKGn7-DQ

lyrics

there's 28 bullet holes in the utah border sign
when you fly over that colorado line
is you coming? is you going?
the rattlesnakes don't care.
way on down that colorado line.

go head north to laramie,
wind so sharp your tears'll freeze
you'll see why those cowboys like to drink
now my money's gone, but i'm feeling fine
feeding off the sweet sunshine
way on down that colorado line.

my mind got lazy rhyming
down the lonesome road to limon
figured a little prairie would do me good
sure, i dreamt of tennessee
but came back home with my tail between
back over that colorado line

fell for a girl i didn't know
with auburn eyes and alpenglow
mountain men would kill to dance with her
it could've worked, but for my wife
for my job and for my life
back over that colorado line

there's 28 bullet holes in the utah border sign
when you fly over that colorado line
is you coming? is you going?
the rattlesnakes don't care.
way on down that colorado line.

credits

released January 14, 2022
Jackson Emmer: songwriting, vocals, production, acoustic guitar, mixing and mastering.
Mike Facey: upright bass.
Josh Kaler: pedal steel.
Chris Kelly: artwork.

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Jackson Emmer Carbondale, Colorado

Drinking coffee and writing songs.

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