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A Road Worth Driving Down

by Tom May

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1.
Dear Companions 04:00
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"Dear Companions" Words and music by Tom May, copyright October 2016 Blue Vignette Music, ASCAP chorus Dear Companions, on this lonesome life's highway you pointed me to the byways so deserted and unknown when the going got rough, you listened to me patiently poured another shot of whisky, then showed me the road back home verse 1 The rogues and the scoundrels, warned me about the pitfalls steered me away from the guardrails not as strong as they appeared and though sometimes I fell prey to appetite and desire most of the tragedies I endured were not as bad as I had feared repeat chorus verse 2 now the travelers and pickers who have shared my weary road helped me to bear the load, when the songs did not work out a fraternity of outlaws, living somewhere on the edge making music that makes a difference of that we had no doubt repeat chorus verse 3 seductive smiles and cotton dresses thigh high boots and raven tresses their common sense deserted them I guess, those nights they spent with me but of all those wives and lovers, I remain ever grateful all the best evenings I ever had were in their loving company repeat chorus verse 4 Close friends are never forgotten who have shared my winter wine together we have bided time, and I am thankful for my son his own journey underway, sometimes I miss those younger days I have regrets but mostly pride in the man I have become repeat chorus
2.
A Road Worth Driving Down 04:32
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A Road Worth Driving Down June 2016 Words and music by Tom May, copyright 2016 Blue Vignette Music, ASCAP 1. South of Cody, Wyoming 125 The daybreak sky is alive as the early morning rain subsides, there are purples, reds, and blues on this sleepy Sunday sunrise, it is clear what I must do So I marvel through the windshield give thanks to the goddess of chance for the privilege of being here, as those colors begin to dance stop beside the two lane, hear the rangeland's lonesome sound reflect upon the pleasures of a road worth driving down 2. Up close to the timberline, Colorado Aspen glows September, before the first autumn snow Trail Ridge Road is cold and frosty all the tourists have gone east just my van and a dozen mountain goats find the tundra's stark relief So I marvel through the windshield give thanks to the goddess of chance for the privilege of being here as those colors begin to dance stop beside the two lane, Rocky Mountains all around reflect upon the pleasures of a road worth driving down 3. Nebraska sandhills, vacant Hwy 2 back to the land that I once knew where my parents weathered the worst hard times the prairie towns are nearly gone pheasants fly up from the ditch, as sunflowers greet the dawn So I marvel through the windshield give thanks to the goddess of chance for the privilege of being here, as prairie lights begin to dance stop beside the two lane hear the magpies mournful sounds reflect upon the pleasures, of a road worth driving down 4. US 97, spans the Columbia River Blue in the great Northwest, where I found you sunset on the Cascade Peaks still finds me not alone you are my constant friend and northern star who will journey with me home So we marvel through the windshield give thanks to the goddess of chance for the privilege of being here as light on Mt. Adams begins to dance stop beside the two lane hear the river's rushing sounds reflect upon the pleasures, of a road worth driving down stop beside the two lane where the memories abound reflect upon the pleasures of a road worth driving down
3.
September 1862 05:46
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"September 1862" a memorial to the battle of Antietam Words and music by Tom May, copyright June 2016 Blue Vignette Music, ASCAP 1. Johnny, my Johnny, now what's that sound I hear? see the rows of the ragged men marching northward with no fear only 50 miles from Washington, see the glint of their polished steel I hope that they don't spot us, before we finish our breakfast meal It's warm here close to Sharpsburg, but summer's almost done perhaps we will be spared, if this battle can be won we crushed them again at Bull Run, and Shenandoah in the east if we rout them this far north, perhaps they just might sue for peace chorus So c'mon boys, build up that fire, the nights are chilly now forget your homes and your sweethearts far away break the coffee beans with the rifle butts, add some turnips to the stew we're camped beside Antietam Creek, it's September 1862 2. Burnside moves so slowly-McClellan's even worse even knowing Robert Lee's plans, these generals are a curse to the brave men dressed in blue, who outnumber confederates 2 to 1 who will die in bloody lanes, before this battlefield is done McClellan lacks resolve, but Lee has resolve to spare so much so that he leaves but one way, for us to escape and get out of there the two great armies blunder, 'til they meet on that gruesome day if the rebels can somehow triumph, France and Britain might join the fray repeat chorus 3. Stonewall Jackson takes Harpers Ferry, then joins Longstreet in the field gallant men fall to minie balls and calvary swords of tempered steel the carnage of the shrapnel, from the cannons relentless fire makes countless women widows, dressed in funeral attire advantage gained and lost, until the bridges finally fall to the overwhelming force of the Union, until no ground is gained at all The order for retreat is heard, in Lee's reluctant voice atop his grey mare "Traveler", he can see he has no choice repeat chorus 4. No day in our short history, has cost so many brave men's lives given grudgingly on both sides, so that the nation could survive so that Lincoln could proclaim, the sin of slavery was at an end with a prayer to our better angels, that we could unite again Now 150 years have passed and the country is restless still hear the echoes of Jim Crow, feel the ghost of Emmit Till across the land folks are voting again, out of ignorance and fear against that battle cry of freedom, they no longer seem to hear......... chorus X2
4.
Solstice Moon 02:59
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Solstice Moon (song for Debbie) written by Tom May, Blue Vignette Music, ASCAP copyright January 2012 The First time I met you, you brought me some wine Cabernet and Merlot, a blend Little did I know as we drank round the fire you were my partner, wife and best friend Chorus Now I remember on this cold frosty night How the fushias were brightly in bloom As we walked hand in hand down an old Irish path By the light of a big solstice moon you are tender but tough, when I’m in my cups And we laugh about the years I roamed free When I’m foolish and vain, I’m reminded again I’m a luckier man, than I used to be Chorus There’s a tall holly hedge in a faraway land I go there sometimes in my dreams where some old standing stones keep the secrets of time amidst an ancient field , forever green in a burgundy cloak, held with a bright silver brooch You hold me so close to your arms and all of my troubles, and all of my fears dissappear in the warmth of your charms
5.
Little Coast Bar 03:35
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"Little Coast Bar" for the Sportsman Pub n' Grub/Rob Royster- Pacific City Oregon Words and music by Tom May, copyright June 2016 Blue Vignette Music, ASCAP chorus; Where the dories fish for salmon and Cape Kiwanda guards the shore there's a sleepy seaside village, that the tourists once ignored a red flashing light there marks it, folks come from near and far 'cause there's nothing quite as cozy as a drink in that little coast bar 1. The decor is not fancy, the furnishings aren't new but the waitresses are friendly and sometimes will flirt with you it's a place where locals gather, that welcomes strangers too even on a rainy Friday night they'll find a place for you repeat chorus 2. Rob surveys the clientele, the wailing jukebox cries Norma drinks a Heidelberg on a stool she occupies Phil and Leslie are holding court, Billy's telling lies a young pool player doubles down on his bet to clear the side repeat chorus 3. There are some that prefer high style, or a bland domestic brew rather than an Oregon hopped creation that will make a man of you so give me fishermen and loggers, in a down to earth small town a place with just one stoplight, where a body can slow down repeat chorus 4. So if you're ever in the Great Northwest, on the road to the three capes when the rain begins to fall and the hour is turnin' late find the pub they call "The Sportsman" , be prepared to stay lucky for you, there's a cute motel just a half a block away! repeat chorus
6.
The Vineyard 04:00
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"The Vineyard" written by Tom May, Blue Vignette Publishing, ASCAP copyright May 2016 1. I live in a vineyard, on a south facing slope surrounded by grapevines, irrigated by hope that the sun will look kindly, the rains gently fall that summer's not to cold, but the nighttimes are cool 2. from the time they are grafted, take root in the soil they need pruning, careful attention and toil that the fruit may be sweet, the flavor complex as they blend into a vino you will never forget bridge: like our children and friends the grapes thrive and they grow with generations of kindness, to ripen them slow but the vineyard is fragile, making fruit only so fine as the soil and the sun can turn into red wine 3. Through the decades the vineyard grows up and does change like lovers who leave, when vintage bottles are drained but greet the strangers you welcome, as they wait at your door with a fine glass of pinot, from the harvest before 4. Now the cities are grand, with their glamour and style the restaurants and bright lights entertain for awhile but give me the vista from these Oregon hills when sun sets in the vineyard, and my glass is refilled repeat bridge 5. Now I am older, I've traveled so far away nothing left for me to do, but wait for yesterday so I rock on my porch, in the cool evening shade and drink the fruit of the vine, from this life I have made repeat bridge 6. I live in a vineyard, on a south facing slope surrounded by grapevines, irrigated by hope that the sun will look kindly, and the rains gently fall that summer's not to cold, but the nighttimes are cool....... I rock on my porch, in the cool evening shade drink the fruit of the vine, from the life I have made.......
7.
Winterfolk 03:36
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"Winterfolk " written by Tom May , Blue Vignette Publishing ASCAP January 2013 chorus Hello Old Friends, welcome in from the rain and the snow We have gathered here together for those outside we do not know By this kindness to our brothers we admit we too are cold Feel the fires of injustice, sing the songs of Winterfolk 1. Amidst the Douglas fir and cascades gleaming white There’s a woman wrapped in blankets, asleep in Portland town tonight Her mansion is a doorway the bottle her only friend She dreams of a warm soft bed and a hot meal once again repeat chorus 2. We are all just short footsteps away From calamity and heartbreak and the price we would have to pay So let those without a sin cast the first sharpened stone Let the rest of us resolve to make the homeless feel less alone repeat chorus 3. As long as one is hungry, without a home Each of us is poorer, when the least fortunate have none There but for fortune, on the streets we too could be Let us pledge here tonight, to end this poverty repeat chorus, end
8.
Fond Farewell 04:40
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"Fond Farewell" Words and music by Tom May, copyright July 2016 Blue Vignette Music, ASCAP 1. When you looked up above, you saw the canopy high the forests of Eden could never be cleared too many trees there to count, giving us air that we breathe who would ever have thought, they would almost disappear massive Doug Fir, in a forest so deep silent as time before those great giants fell now the big ones are gone, we chopped them all down without even so much, as a fond farewell 2. When you looked down below, to the river so clean millions of salmon were making their way too many to count, a marvel to see native people revered them, and to them they did pray Sockeye and King, Silver and Chum no one went ever went hungry as the bounty was shared then the big dams were built, fish habitat razed now those great fish are making, their own fond farewell bridge So I sing this ballad refrain for the wonders that are gone and the ones that remain will our testament be, just a hot silent dawn when the gifts we've been given are gone 3. You looked up at the sky at the sound of their wings passenger pigeons all across this wild land too many to count, the sight would make your heart sing how they all disappeared I cannot understand I have heard of those days, when their song filled the sky as sweet as a chorus from a thousand small bells now they are gone, we crowded them out without even the grace, of a fond farewell 4. When you looked to the west, across the great plains millions of bison grazed on the short grass a miracle of life, where it seldom does rain giving food, heat and shelter in this landscape so vast Blackfoot and Sioux, Comanche and Crow would track the great herds before the Iron Horse came then we shot them for sport, for their tongues and their hides leaving great piles of bones, and a legacy of pain repeat bridge 5. Most men are ruthless, will take what they want ignoring the cost to those left behind as we breed without limit, yet demand ever more the very fabric of life, we now undermine But amidst all of this grandeur, even with all of our luck in this lottery of chance, even the deepest of wells must someday run dry, when we use it all up until all that remains, is our own fond farewell But amidst all of this grandeur, even with all of our luck in this lottery of chance, even the deepest of wells must someday run dry, when we use it all up
9.
A Passing Storm 03:57
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"A Passing Storm" Words and music by Tom May, copyright September 2016 Blue Vignette Music, ASCAP 1. Midwestern summer heat, humidity was high a young man, just 17 yearning to touch the sky she responded to his singing, to his passionate guitar her tender kiss and sweet embrace, began his journeys far chorus cause as he played, the lightning flashed the bar suddenly turned warm was it fate or twisted fortune or just a passing storm 2. Canadian snow and ice, where opportunity did abound to learn his craft on humble stages in great cities and small towns drinking deeply of the magic of being young and so alive so enamored of the music singing folksongs to survive repeat chorus 3. From Boston to St. Louis Seattle to St. Paul goin' anywhere folks would listen until he thought he'd heard it all from Nebraska to the Yukon to Colorado's mountains grand driven by ballads, wine, and women across this verdant land repeat chorus 4. Haven't seen him a few years or heard those lonesome songs some say he's down in Reno or he's been in Portland all along he had some trouble down in San Antone got into a fight in a cowboy bar I remember his songs when I'm traveling when this highway turns dark 5. here's to you tramps and rounders still singin' from near and far it's tougher now than it used to be to make a living with a Martin guitar in a land where few folks listen to a tender word or a sing a long look out for the man who insists upon the gentle power of his song Repeat chorus
10.
We'll Not See His Like Again 04:20
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We'll not see his Like Again" for Don Younger Words and music by Tom May, copyright May 2016 Blue Vignette Music, ASCAP chorus; We'll not see his like again that old tavern rat was one of our best friends pour another Youngers bitter - chat 'til the afternoon soon ends Don, we'll not see his like again 1. The first time I walked into the Horse Brass Pub he treated me just like a long lost pal now his laughter has traveled with me through the decades and miles tonight I'd give tomorrows freedom, to have a pint with him right now repeat chorus 2. It's not the beer, it's the BEER Don would always say like some riddle from a puzzle that he loved you couldn't pry him from the pub when he was determined there to stay we would argue about politics, and I miss his every day repeat chorus 3. McAllens 10 year whisky and Camel cigarettes he didn't nibble round the corners of this game with a twinkle in his eyes, when his deals did not work out he'd say "not to worry there mate-we'll get there all the same" repeat chorus 4. Joellen kept him focused on matters close at hand while Brian, Clay and Arthur served the brew they had a feel for all things British, you would think you traveled far perhaps to a ploughman's pub in Surrey, where they still SMOKE in the bar repeat chorus 5. Sometimes late at night, when the light is gettin' dim and October's chilly winds begin to blow a white haired ghost sits on a stool, at the old Horse Brass a kindly spirit here among us, requesting ONE MORE GLASS- but now..... repeat chorus
11.
Wherever I Go 03:00
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Wherever I Go Chorus Wherever I go, Whatever I do, I will always regret not being the man you thought you knew Wherever you are, if I am away *Look towards the moon, I will always be waiting there for you ** Look towards the west (2) *** Listen to the wind, I will always be singing there for you (3) 1. When the wood stove is warming as the winter light is quickly fading I'll be there to stoke the fire as the embers glow CHORUS ** 2. When the rains are falling and good red wine is sweetly flowing remember me and our summer journeys down those twisting mountain roads __________________________________________________- chorus *** Now the leaves are falling hear the morning doves, softly calling in the cedars they'll be safely nesting as we walk hand in hand below chorus *

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released January 15, 2018

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Tom May Portland, Oregon

For over 45 years, Tom May has written and performed his songs full-time, primarily across the U.S. and Canada. This is his 14th album. Along the way he has founded and produced folk festivals and his syndicated radio program "River City Folk" , now in its 32nd year. Find out more at
tommayfolk.com ... more

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