Hollow Kingdom
Alex Wilson
Description
A nostalgic and soulful exploration of humble origins, resilience, and the rediscovery of true wealth in simplicity. 'Hollow Kingdom' evokes the warmth of retro Southern soul, reminiscent of Leon Bridges, with its intimate verses, soaring choruses, and heartfelt storytelling. The song contrasts the allure of city life with the enduring power of childhood memories and the enduring love of family and place.
Lyrics
[Verse 1 - G Em7 C D] We grew up where the blacktop turned to gravel and dust, Just a number on a mailbox, no town sign for us. Every house leaned sideways when the hard wind blew, Tin roof choir singin' every time the storm came through. You wore wildflowers like a crooked crown, Called that busted front porch the finest place in town. Bare feet thrones on the cool moss stone, Fireflies hangin' like lights in a throne room of our own. [Pre-Chorus 1 - Em7 D/F# G C Em7 D] Folks from the city used to point and laugh, Say, 'Ain't nothin' up there but a bunch of scraps.' But up in that valley where the creek ran clear, We were rich in the kind of gold that don't disappear. [Chorus - G D/F# Em7 C G/B C D] They called it a hollow, we called it a kingdom, Tin-roof castle and a dirt-floor freedom. You spun circles in your hand-me-down gown, I drank creek water like the best wine around. We didn't have much, but love came ringin' like a hymn, We were crownless royals in our hollow kingdom. [Verse 2 - G Em7 C D] I left on a bus when the leaves turned red, Chasin' neon halos and a big-city bed. Swapped whippoorwills for the siren sound, Cardboard coffee on the far west side of town. Every payday when the whistle cried, I'd see you on that hillside in my mind. Bare ankles muddy, sky in your eyes, Turnin' that nothin' into somethin' money couldn't buy. [Pre-Chorus 2 - Em7 D/F# G C Em7 D] They said, 'Boy, you made it, look at all you own,' But the walls felt empty like a house with no home. So I saved up paychecks, quarters and grace, Bought a one-way ticket back to that place. [Chorus 2 - G D/F# Em7 C G/B C D] They called it a hollow, we called it a kingdom, Tin-roof palace and a dirt-floor freedom. Where you spun circles in your hand-me-down gown, And I drank creek water like the best wine around. I had full cupboards but I missed that hunger within, To be crownless royals in our hollow kingdom. [Bridge - Am7 Bm7 C G/B Am7 Bm7 C D] Road's still narrow and the signs still rust, That old porch is saggin' but it remembers us. You're there in the doorway with your barefoot grin, Sayin', 'Took you long enough to come back in.' We ain't richer now in a bankbook way, But your laugh still turns the darkest night to day. And if we ever have a little one runnin' these hills, We'll teach 'em how a hollow can be a kingdom still. [Final Chorus - G D/F# Em7 C G/B C D] They'll call it a hollow, we'll call it a kingdom, Tin-roof castle and a dirt-floor freedom. They'll spin circles in their hand-me-down gown, We'll drink creek water, never let 'em drown. We may die nameless on some old county limb, But we'll live and love royal in our hollow kingdom. [Tag / Outro - G Em7 C D] Hollow kingdom, hollow kingdom, Nothin' on a map, everything we needed in it. Hollow kingdom, hollow kingdom, They called it a hollow, we called it a kingdom...