by Alex Wilson
Album
Coal Dust Memories
Year
2025
Genre
Country/Bluegrass/Folk
Duration
3:18
Description
A high-energy bluegrass tune celebrating the carefree joys of childhood in a rural Appalachian holler. 'Holler Full of Hijinks' paints a vivid picture of a bygone era with lightning-fast banjo licks, driving mandolin chops, and spirited fiddle melodies. The song evokes images of coal camp life, youthful mischief, and the simple pleasures of nature, all underscored by a bouncy upright bass and infectious handclaps. A harmonica adds color, while playful instrumental breaks highlight the virtuosity of the musicians, creating a heartwarming and toe-tapping ode to simpler times.
Lyrics
Verse 1 Back in the holler where the creek runs wild, Coal dust tickled this scrappy young child. Mama’s cornbread sizzled, hot in the pan, I’d swipe a piece and then off I’d ran. Hole in my pocket, not a dime to my name, Chasin’ bullfrogs through the blackberry flame. Sneakin’ apples from the neighbor’s old tree, That coal camp life was a hoot for me! Chorus Oh, holler full of hijinks, wild and free, Runnin’ through the hills, just a kid like me! Banjo’s poppin’, fiddle’s skippin’ along, Kick up your heels to this bluegrass song! From the creek to the ridge, it’s a rollickin’ spree, Holler full of hijinks, that’s the life for me! Verse 2 Train whistle hooted as it rumbled on by, I’d wave at the engine with a squint in my eye. Old mutt Rusty chased the dust in a whirl, Tail like a propeller, givin’ it a twirl. Cousin Sally strummed her mandolin loud, We’d dance in the dirt till we drew a crowd. Fireflies blinkin’ like a starlight show, That holler kept me hoppin’, always on the go! Chorus Oh, holler full of hijinks, wild and free, Runnin’ through the hills, just a kid like me! Banjo’s poppin’, fiddle’s skippin’ along, Kick up your heels to this bluegrass song! From the creek to the ridge, it’s a rollickin’ spree, Holler full of hijinks, that’s the life for me! Bridge When the sun sank low and the crickets got bold, We’d spin tall tales ‘bout goblins and gold. Ain’t had much, but we had a blast, Makin’ memories quicker than a bobcat’s dash! Verse 3 Patched-up britches, but I’d scamper and roam, Buildin’ stick forts by the old mill’s foam. Grandpa’s stories ‘bout a mule named Blue, Had us gigglin’ till the night was through. We’d clap and stomp by the porch’s dim light, Singin’ to the stars till we got it just right. That coal camp racket was a wild, fun game, Every day a spark in that holler’s flame! Chorus Oh, holler full of hijinks, wild and free, Runnin’ through the hills, just a kid like me! Banjo’s poppin’, fiddle’s skippin’ along, Kick up your heels to this bluegrass song! From the creek to the ridge, it’s a rollickin’ spree, Holler full of hijinks, that’s the life for me! Outro So here’s to the holler and the tricks we’d play, Holler full of hijinks, livin’ day by day! (Repeat and fade) Holler full of hijinks...
Notes
Instrumentation: Banjo (Scruggs style picking), Mandolin (chop chords and melody fills), Fiddle (double stops and reels), Upright Bass (walking bassline and percussive slaps), Acoustic Guitar (rhythm and occasional fills), Harmonica (bluesy accents). Tempo: Upbeat and driving, aiming for a lively feel. Key: G Major. Vocals: Youthful and energetic lead vocal with optional harmony vocals in the chorus. Arrangement: Focus on showcasing the instrumental virtuosity with short solos between verses and after the bridge. Consider a key change (e.g., to A Major) for the final chorus to heighten the energy. Pay attention to dynamics, building intensity throughout the song. The outro should gradually fade with repeated 'Holler full of hijinks...' vocals, possibly layered with instrumental echoes.