by Alex Wilson
Album
Holler & Steel
Year
2025
Genre
Country/Folk/Americana
Duration
3:45
Description
A powerful country-folk anthem about resilience and the unyielding spirit of a person forged in the hardships of rural Kentucky. The song celebrates hard work, self-reliance, and the enduring strength found deep within, symbolized by the metaphor of 'Kentucky steel.' It blends heartfelt storytelling with a driving musical arrangement.
Lyrics
Verse 1 Born in a holler where the shadows fall, Kentucky’s call echoes through it all. No kin to lean on, just my own two hands, Scratchin’ for dimes in this rugged land. Work through the pain, through the ache and the cold, Buildin’ my life from the grit in my soul. Pre-Chorus Forged by sweat and a lonesome fight, Pushin’ through dark to a spark of light, My will’s the fire that burns all night. Chorus Carved from the hills where the wild winds wail, Risin’ through hardship, I’ll never fail. I got work-worn blood and a heart that’s real— It don’t break easy, it’s Kentucky steel. Verse 2 Every dime’s a war, every scar’s a sign, Clawin’ through struggle for a piece of mine. Pain’s just a teacher, it’s the life I know, Standin’ up stronger where the tough winds blow. No one to catch me, but I learned to stand, With a stubborn heart and these calloused hands. Pre-Chorus Forged by sweat and a lonesome fight, Pushin’through dark to a spark of light, My will’s the fire that burns all night. Chorus Carved from the hills where the wild winds wail, Risin’ through hardship, I’ll never fail. I got work-worn blood and a heart that’s real— It don’t break easy, it’s Kentucky steel. Bridge Fiddle cuts clean like a blade through the strife, Each note’s a pulse of this hard-earned life. From the holler’s depths, I’m unyielding and free, This spirit’s my own, it’s what’s shapin’ me. My roots run deep in this weathered ground, Where strength is a virtue and silence is sound. Chorus Carved from the hills where the wild winds wail, Risin’ through hardship, I’ll never fail. I got work-worn blood and a heart that’s real— It don’t break easy, it’s Kentucky steel. Post-Chorus Every ache’s a step, every scar’s my claim, Fuel for the fire that keeps my flame. I stand unbroken, it’s just what it is. Outro Hollers keep hummin’, but I’m holdin’ my ground, Kentucky steel’s the strength I’ve found. Oh, Kentucky steel's the strength I've found.
Notes
Instrumentation: Acoustic guitar (fingerpicked and strummed), banjo (sparse but driving), upright bass, fiddle (prominent, especially in the bridge), mandolin (fills and harmonies), and subtle percussion (brushes on snare, kick drum). Tempo: Medium tempo, slightly driving, conveying a sense of forward momentum and determination. Key: G Major Form: Verse-Pre-Chorus-Chorus-Verse-Pre-Chorus-Chorus-Bridge-Chorus-Post-Chorus-Outro. Performance Notes: Vocals should be raw and heartfelt, conveying both vulnerability and strength. The fiddle part in the bridge should be particularly expressive, reflecting the emotion of the lyrics. Consider adding a slight reverb to give the song a sense of space and depth. Banjo fills in the verses to add a rhythmic and textural element. Dynamic contrast is important; build intensity towards each chorus. The Outro should fade out slowly, leaving a feeling of quiet resilience.