Music is an important part of my life. I like listening to it, watching it being played, and playing along with it; sometimes loud. It is a language of the soul beyond words, even poetry. It gets us moving, thinking, and most of all, feeling. It takes us back to a specific place and time. I can think of times I needed more music in my life, but never less. Without music life become perfunctory and emotionally dead. We need music in our life.
The music of our youth holds a special place in our hearts. I am not sure why. It seems like a lot of the songs are targeted to younger people. It’s their thing to embrace, especially if their parents’ generation hates it. The teenage years are rife with emotions. Every little up or down seems huge. Music provides a way to express it.
My musical tastes are all over the place. I’m not much into rap, hip-hop, or metal (though my son keeps trying). I only like country that is authentic like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Chris Stapleton. Of course, I have never gotten over the music of my youth, The Moody Blues, the Beatles, Clapton, Jim Croce, Elton John, Pink Floyd, Elvis Presley, and The Alman Brothers. Some artists I have picked up in more recent years include U2, Springsteen, Fernando Ortega, Coldplay, The Black Keys, The Mavericks, and The Avett Brothers.
More recently, I have taken a liking to Alabama Shakes, Nathaniel Ratecliff and The Night Sweets, and The Red Clay Strays.
I like songs and bands that are freshened up versions of the music of my youth.
Finally, I am getting to my point. Let’s get acquainted with The Red Clay Strays. They are one of music’s fastest rising bands, formed in Mobile, AL in 2016, the group is having a breakout year, as they were nominated for Emerging Act of the Year at the 2024 Americana Music Awards and continue to achieve massive success with their single, “Wondering Why.” With over 100 million streams to date, the track spent a week at #1 on Spotify’s Viral 50 USA Playlist and six-consecutive weeks at #1 on the Americana Singles chart.
They are a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll, with a hint of the blues and some spiritual references in their lyrics. Brandon Coleman leads with a strong, passionate voice. A Facebook commenter, wrote that Brandon is 1958 and the band is 1974, but it works.
“Wondering Why” is a good enough song, but my favorite is “I’m Still Fine”. It’s a huge emotional swing from quiet thoughtfulness to bold proclamation and the chord progression and intensity convey it so well.
The lyrics are pure raw poetry and prayer. Everyone can identify with going through something so horrific and hurtful that you expend so much emotional energy you reach a point where you feel numb. Now, you are trying to reassure others and yourself that you are, in fact, still fine. That’s what this song is about.
Maybe you could give it listen. We can use a little more music in our lives.
I’m Still Fine
Sometimes I feel like I can’t feel
This isn’t real, I should be hurting
I was alone, I was a song
Music and bone, God’s perfect wordingAnd could the people understand this?
I’m as bruised as a used up canvas
I’m awfully nice but I’m cold as ice
I’ve been through hell but I’ll be alrightPeople here living it up, I think they’re blind
I think they’re out of their minds
Not one of them has had this
God’s not giving me up, no, I’m just fine
It’s just a matter of time
Though I don’t feel my sadnessI know it should be there, maybe I’m too tired to care
But I’m still fineI’m on display, I’ve lost my way
Oh God, I pray, let this pass over
I lost the note, I rocked the boatI’ve even choked, I lost my composure
People here living it up, I think they’re blind
I think they’re out of their minds
Not one of them has had this
God’s not giving me up, no, I’m just fine
It’s just a matter of time
Though I can’t feel my sadnessI know it should be there, maybe I’m too tired to care
Maybe I’ve been giving my love and all my time
Yeah, yeah, know I’m stronger in the long run
Oh, but father, I’m afraid you picked the wrong onePeople here living it up, I think they’re blind
I think they’re out of their minds
Not one of them has had this
God’s not giving me up, no, I’m just fine
It’s just a matter of time
Though I can’t feel my sadnessI know it should be there, maybe I’m too tired to care
Maybe I’ve been giving my love and all my time
Oh, I know I should be scared, maybe I’m too tired to care
But still I’m fine, oh, oh, I’m still fine
