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I have often struggled with my own idealism, and wrote most of this song quite a while ago after some good natured teasing by my co-workers regarding how I had such a tendency to see everything in black or white / right or wrong terms. I came across it the other day and decided to finish it off. I realize it's too personal to be of any commercial value. I did it mostly for fun and experience/practice. Both Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard were big musical influences on me, so I tried to use Biab to try and create a sound that was kind of a mixture of them both. If you decide to give it a listen, I'd be pleased to know what know what you think, good or bad - oops there I go again!

Been This Way Too Long

Now I was born in Northern Nevada, but that was quite a long time ago.
And then my daddy moved us all to California when I was just two years old.
My mama and my dad, they taught me wrong from right.
They said, ‘Be slow to anger son, but prepare to fight.
If they ever cross you when you know you’re in the right, then make a stand’.

Now my daddy’s folks are all from Oklahoma, and my mama’s folks are up Montana way,
so even though I was raised in California, I’ve got country blood running through my veins.
‘Cause no matter where I lived my neck kept turning red
and that’s just the way it is, but I guess it’s for the best.
There ain’t no one to blame, so never mind the rest. Here I am.

And when you look at me everything you see is country to the bone.
And it’s a mystery why I could never leave well enough alone.
It’s either good or bad, it’s right or it’s wrong,
but I could never change, I’ve been this way too long.

Now my mama wanted me to be well mannered, but I kept turning more like daddy every day.
Her social dreams for my life all soon were shattered ‘cause I kept following his rough and rowdy ways.
I learned to stand up on my own and to walk my own road.
Some people didn’t like it, but I guess they came to know
it’s just the way it was and the way it still goes. Here I am.

And when you look at me everything you see is country to the bone.
And it’s a mystery why I could never leave well enough alone.
It’s either good or bad, it’s right or it’s wrong,
but I could never change, I’ve been this way too long.

Yeah, when you look at me everything you see is country to the bone.
And it’s a mystery why I could never leave well enough alone.
It’s either good or bad, it’s right or it’s wrong,
but I could never change, I’ve been this way too long.
No, I could never change, I’ve been this way too long.

The Biab band:

Drums: Brian Fullen, _MEMPHIS.STY
Bass: Byron House, _MEMPHIS.STY
Rhythm Guitar: Jason Roller, _MEMPHIS.STY
Electric Finger Pick Guitar: Jason Roller, _MEMPHIS.STY
Lead Guitar: Brent Mason, _ROADSTR.STY
Mandolin: Andy Leftwich, _SWFOLKM.STY
Dobro: Steve Hinson, _HAYRIDE.STY
Harmonica: TJ Klay, _HAYRIDE.STY

Brad, in my humble opinion you nailed this, especially lyrically. Fully enjoyed it man.
I could easily see Johnny Cash singing this back in the day.
Just 1 small nit, you have a great voice, growl when appropriate, don't hold back.

They said, ‘Be slow to anger son, but prepare to fight.

This song is about pluck, grit and testosterone; belt it out baby

Indeed you did a good job with this one Brad.

An effective choice when it comes to the BIAB band members.

Interesting lyrics and I particularly like the harmony vocals in this one.

Rob

I think that you nailed the Waylon and Merle sound.

Great vocal and lyrics - I believe that this has commercial value just the way it is now.

Great mix.

Hey Brad...you really nailed the Merle and Waylon vibe with this one...this is your best BiaB track so far IMO and the story and lyrics give us a great idea of who you are though it could be sung by any country artist...Merle sang 'Okie Form Muskogee' and he was from California...great job of putting the lead instruments in the right spots...all your songs are so conversational and you really know how to pack a lot of lyrical content into a 3 minute package...this is top-notch brother...really enjoyed it!!

If I say, "This is so good. Man, this guy is so bad" would that be all good? Well, this is all good, Brad. Some of the best country --heck, some of the best songs are personal. When you're that way, you should never change no matter how jealous your co-workers get.

Well, Brad...I'd say you're never gonna change

A nice Country sound (the old kind).

Everything is at a good balance.

Keep 'em coming.

fj

Brad,

You did a great job with this tune! Don't sell yourself short on the commercial appeal of this! People like to hear "personal" songs because they can relate to them! Your performance was great, and you also did a fine job putting those realtracks together! My only advice would be on those stops, would be to let the drums keep playing through while the other instruments stop to give it a more natural feel. That's just my taste though. You could insert a couple of cymbal crashes or hits in those spots, if you access to those type of files, on another track to hit with the other instrument stops. Enjoyed the tune!

Thanks, Torrey

Hey there Bass Thumper, I have to admit I got kind of a chuckle out of your description of the song. I've never considered myself a strong vocalist, but thanks for the vote of confidence. I just happen to sing for free, so it's more affordable! Actually, a recent illness left me without the use of one of my lungs. Singing at all is difficult, but I keep trying.

Thank you Rob, I'm always guessing at where and how to use BGV's.

Thanks for the listen Mario. Both Merle and Waylon used a steel guitarist named Ralph Mooney for a while. I always thought he was a big part of their sounds, and probably my favorite player in their bands. Unfortunately he died before Biab came out. I sure wish I could have used his playing on this one.

Thank you Dan, that means a lot.

Thanks Marty - you're always so uplifting!

Thanks for giving it a listen Floyd. I found myself struggling with the drum volume again, but I kept telling myself, "No, Floyd always says to keep them up!" So that's what I did. Thanks for the help.

I didn't think of that Torrey. Thanks for giving it a listen and for the suggestion. I'll have to do some experimenting.

Brad

Yikes, you're down one lung down? You'd never know it from your singing.
Here's hoping for a full and complete recovery.

Brad,

I need more time to process this.

Here is what I think so far.

The LYRICS are brilliant, your best I think. Really, really good.

The music, to me, doesn't do the lyrics justice because it seems too "canned" and Grand Ole Opry or something.

But the lyrics are incredible. I hear it more with a modern country attitude, a dark edge and some acoustic in there, more snarly.

This is a fighting song.

You nailed the country attitude. You are either wrong or wrong. And that's just the way I am.

THAT is country.

I vote for edgier and a different style but I don't know what to suggest right now. All I know is I love these lyrics man.

p.s.

I remember one of your first posts sounded just like Steve Earle here and I pointed it out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvaEJzoaYZk

Remember???

I think the song should have THIS kinda swagger and attitude and you have done it before.

So when you get to the punch line, you almost hold it, and say:

'Cause I been this way way too long...

Copperhead road style.

And I think you could have 100,000 people standing up saying:

"Oh Hayle Yeah."

You've done you influences proud.
Good song.
Mix wise the vocals seem dropped in and the drum placement does my head in a bit but I can hear your reasoning.

Hello Brad ...

IO somewhat agree with David's comment. I think if this was slowed down about 10 bpm and strong Luther Perkins rhythm guitar in the background, it lift this up quite a bit.

Great lyric ... really, really good! This song comes across to me as a Merle Haggard writer with a Waylon performance. Nothin' wrong with that! I know you're voice has been compromised by your medical issues - just keep on singing as you do. It ain't all that bad!

Alan

Hello Brad
Really good song
Top sung
The background track is extremely good
You used BiaB really well
As always great work Brad
Thanks for sharing
Many greetings
Andi ;-)

Hi Brad,

Nice, traditional country song!

Nothing wrong with a personal song that tells a story in my book.

I dig the vocal, especially where you added the harmonies.

Good one, enjoyed!

Good old style country - back further than Waylon and Merle we think. Yeah!

We like the RT’s you assembled and felt they accompanied your vocals and lyric well.

Janice said it would fit right in as a guest performance on the old Buck Owens tv show.

Kudos!

J&B

Thanks for the listen and comments David, Ray, Alan, Andi, Dave, Janice and Bud. I'm surprised the lyrics have gone over as well as they have. It was fun putting this one together because the music reminds me of what I grew up on. I'll have to put some thought into changing the style and slowing it down a little as David and Alan suggest. I do remember that one you sent me from Steve Earle David, but man you're setting the bar kinda high.

Brad