by Alex Wilson
Album
Hollow Ground
Year
2025
Genre
Blues/Americana/Folk Blues
Duration
3:52
Description
A soulful blues ballad about escaping a difficult past in a coal-mining town. 'Blackberry Creek Blues' tells the story of a young man leaving behind poverty and hardship, carrying the weight of his upbringing while searching for his own path and sound. The song blends raw emotion with a touch of hope, reflecting the resilience of the human spirit against a backdrop of rural struggle. Features a blend of acoustic guitar, harmonica, and subtle percussion to create a mournful, reflective atmosphere.
Lyrics
Title: Blackberry Creek Blues (Verse 1) Sun bleeds orange through the pines, 'nother day done broke Down Blackberry Creek Road, where the silence only spoke Of broken promises and ghosts that linger in the air Daddy's shadow on the porch, a weight I couldn't bear. Sixteen years and a busted arm, a guitar and a suitcase old Walked away from that hollow, a story yet untold. (Chorus) Blackberry Creek Blues, singin' in my soul A melody of hardship, a story to unfold Of coal dust and callouses, a heart both tough and worn Blackberry Creek Blues, the day that I was born. (Verse 2) Found a shack down by the river, traded work for bed Pickin' beans and diggin' coal, a roof above my head This rusted six-string sings my sorrow, sings my pain A broken boy from broken mountains, singin' in the rain. Ain't lookin' for no pity, ain't lookin' for no fame Just tryin' to find my own damn rhythm in this life's hard game. (Bridge) Mama used to hum a hymn, a whisper in the dark Said, "Boy, find your own damn light, leave your own damn mark." Her words echo in the hollers, a comfort and a guide As I wrestle with the demons that I keep locked inside. (Verse 3) Now the years have flown like river stones, smooth and worn and gray, I still hear that creek a'callin' at the close of every day. Got a little bit of comfort, built a life of my own, But Blackberry Creek still whispers, 'You can never truly roam.' (Chorus) Blackberry Creek Blues, singin' in my soul A melody of hardship, a story to unfold Of coal dust and callouses, a heart both tough and worn Blackberry Creek Blues, the day that I was born. (Outro) Yeah, Blackberry Creek Blues, they run deep and strong Like the roots of these old mountains, where I belong. Where I belong. Blackberry Creek...oh, Blackberry Creek...
Notes
Instrumentation: Acoustic guitar (fingerpicked or Travis-picked), harmonica (especially on intro and between verses), stand-up bass (walking bass line), light percussion (brushes on snare, possibly a shaker). Tempo: Slow, deliberate, around 68 BPM. Feel: Reflective, mournful, but with an undercurrent of resilience. Harmonica should have a slightly breathy, melancholic tone. Guitar should emphasize the lower register to create a sense of weight and gravity. Consider adding a subtle slide guitar solo after the second chorus. Vocal Delivery: Raw, emotive, slightly raspy voice. Emphasize the storytelling aspect of the lyrics. Consider a slight vocal break during the bridge to highlight the emotional weight of the lyrics. The outro should fade out slowly, with the harmonica carrying the final notes.