: Music

Solid Ground

(Hungrytown)

We had just opened for one of Ollabelle's earliest shows, and were just knocked out by their gospel renditions. Properly inspired, we set out to write something gospel, but the theme that emerged turned out to be secular, with redemptive overtones. It's about taking chances in your life, not just staying in your comfort zone.

Ken was sitting at the B3 organ and came up with the melody and chord progression, and I wrote the words as we were going along. It's an interesting hybrid--part old-time country, part bluegrass, and part Irma Thomas. RH

At the top of the stairs it's a long way to fall
A mighty sad way to go.
If the waiting makes you restless and impatient to start
Just remember, you're too young to know.

So meet me at the top
And I'll take you down
I'll plant your feet on solid ground.
The way can be lonely, ragged and steep, but you'll rest at the end of the day.

A prisoner might think he longs to be free
When he looks on the hills and the sky.
But when his pardon comes down
And they open the gate
He turns 'round and walks back inside.