In my previous post I wrote that the Outlaw Sippin Band is my fifth most favorite person in Dickinson, North Dakota. Besides stating that from here on, Emil Anheluk will now be known as “The Edge” for his accordion playing, I wrote that they would all be more famous if they wrote about the bad things in western North Dakota. It is so easy to write about the everyday struggles here in North Dakota, it is something that I feel strongly about, it is something that everybody here shares and has in common, and anybody here ought to be able to sing about it with conviction
The origin of my first song that I submit to Outlaw Sipping is as follows: On Sunday in Watford City I was in the Tractor Supply, and there was this attractive girl about 26 years with long dark hair wearing jeans and a baseball cap that walked past me friendly, and about six feet behind her was her boyfriend about 38 years that passed me friendly, not glaring at me for looking at his girlfriend. They seemed like an ordinary Watford City couple.
When I got home to my apartment in Watford City, I met this same girl on the stairs, she said that she had lived upstairs for about a month now. I didn’t know. She recognized my truck and knew I lived there. Later that night, I was talking to my neighbor lady who is my age, mid forties, and she did not approve of this couple, saying it was sick and disgusting, the age difference. To me, nothing could seem more normal. An experienced male worker who could get a job anywhere, with money and a nice truck, having a nice looking younger girlfriend who wanted to be safe and protected. They are looking out for each other.
I wrote this song about this couple on Sunday, what they were thinking as they were driving around Watford City, and shopping at Tractor Supply, getting home, and she says, “Take your chicken and your thing.”
This is the first rough draft that I didn’t like too much:
Male vocals:
We’re getting further behind on the pipeline, don’t know how we’re going to pick it up.
I’ve got payroll to do, and payroll to meet, don’t know how we’re going to pick it up.
You’re here with me and you’re all that I see, and I’ll never give you up.
Here living with me is all that matters to me, and I’ll never give you up.
Female vocals:
It’s a warm summer day and I’m glad to be out, but I wish I were home.
I’m so far away from my family and friends, that I wish I were home.
We’re so far behind on the pipeline, don’t know when we’ll be done.
I’m glad that I’m here with you, can’t stand being alone.
Male and Female vocals together:
It’s a warm summer day and I’m glad to be out, but I wish I were home.
I’m so far away from my family and friends, that I wish I were home.
Being with you is what matters to me, can’t stand it when you’re gone.
I couldn’t find the right rhythm in that. I started thinking about the Lynyrd Skynyrd song:
Tuesday’s goooooone With the wiiiiiiiiind
My baby’s gooone With the wiiiiiind
Tuesday you seeee She had to be freee
Take your chickennnnn And your thiiiiiiinngg
So I re-wrote my song to fit the rhythm and melody of “Tuesday’s Gone”:
Male vocals:
Further behiiiiind On the pipeliiiiine
You’re here with meeeeeee You’re all that I seeeeeeee
Having you heeeere Is all I neeeeed
Female vocals:
It’s a warm summer daaaaay Wish I were hooooome
So far awaaaay From my family and friennnds
So far behiiiiind On the pipeliiiine
Don’t know wheeennnn We’ll be dooonnnne
Male and Female vocals together:
Looordaaaaay aaannd
Take your chickeeeennnnn! And your thiiiinngg!
Take your chickeeeennn! And your thiiiiinnggg!
This thing you bought from Tractor Supply! Right here baby!
Now that, is a good song!
Dickinson58601 