Last month, my good buddy Brian Hall quietly released yet another gem of a record, Carnival tricks in the flatland darkness. We call him a “laser beam of soul,” and if you go to Outside Records and order a copy of the record, you’ll understand why.
Brian creates these wonderful portraits of life in small-town America, and he does it with such a big heart, such authenticity and depth of feeling—it’s just wonderful, soulful music and I’m really grateful Brian continues to share his gift with all of us. Here’s one of my favorite tracks. Enjoy, and then go buy the record!
3:30 Whistle (July 14, 15 and 16, 1999)
Burning out
burning out
burning out
where are they now
Voices inside my head voices on the radio
say the same old things on the same old streets
nowhere to go
got a different car but baby babe we’re in the same old town
it can make you proud when the big parade comes
and buddy it can bring you down
Burning out
burning out
burning out
where are they now
Half awake streets and churches marking every block
get the local news and the high school blues at the Main Street barber shop
they say going twenty five will keep you safe and alive
but all the pretty girls they don’t slow down
so check out those tail lights
Burning out (3:30 whistle blows)
burning out (3:30 cries)
burning out (3:30 whistle knows)
where are they now (baby we’ll be here for life)
Your childhood dreams were getting sold
packed em on a truck and they sent em all
Burning out (3:30 whistle blows)
burning out (3:30 cries)
burning out (3:30 whistle knows)
where are they now (we’ve got a wonderful life)
All songs and photographs Copyright © Brian Hall.