by Alex Wilson
Album
Backbone of America
Year
2025
Genre
Americana/Country/Folk/Roots Rock
Duration
3:52
Description
"Tales from the Heartland" is a rootsy Americana anthem celebrating the resilience and spirit of working-class individuals in rural America. The song paints vivid pictures of miners, farmers, factory workers, and truckers, highlighting their hard work, determination, and the pride they take in building a life in the heartland. With a driving rhythm, heartfelt vocals, and touches of fiddle and harmonica, this song is a tribute to the backbone of America.
Lyrics
Verse 1 In the heartland’s dust, where the sun don’t quit, Calloused hands carve dreams from the gravel and grit. Miners swing picks ‘neath the Kentucky clay, Farmers sow hope through the long, hard day. Pre-Chorus Sweat on their brows, fire in their soul, Buildin’ a life where the heartland rolls. Chorus Tales from the heartland, sing ‘em loud, sing ‘em proud, Workers risin’ up, shakin’ earth with the sound! From the coal-dark depths to the fields of green, These are the stories of the folks we’ve seen! Verse 2 Factory lines hum where the midnight oil burns, Truckers haul heavy while the big wheels turn. Waitresses smile through the ache in their feet, Every small-town heart keeps the rhythm sweet. Pre-Chorus Blood in their veins, fight in their core, Carvin’ out futures where the heartland soars. Chorus Tales from the heartland, sing ‘em loud, sing ‘em proud, Workers risin’ up, shakin’ earth with the sound! From the coal-dark depths to the fields of green, These are the stories of the folks we’ve seen! Bridge Raise a glass to the hands that build, to the hearts that bleed, To the mamas and daddies plantin’ every seed. In the hollers and plains, their voices unite, Singin’ tales of the heartland, burnin’ bright tonight! Let the children remember the stories we hold, The strength of our people, more precious than gold. May they carry the torch through the generations, Of this American spirit, that defies all nations. Chorus Tales from the heartland, sing ‘em loud, sing ‘em proud, Workers risin’ up, shakin’ earth with the sound! From the coal-dark depths to the fields of green, These are the stories of the folks we’ve seen! Outro (Fiddle flourish, hard stomps) Tales from the heartland, let ‘em ring, let ‘em fly, Workin’ folks forever, holdin’ up the sky!
Notes
Instrumentation: Acoustic guitar (fingerpicked and strummed), electric guitar (light overdrive for solos), bass guitar (walking basslines), drums (steady, driving beat), fiddle (prominent, provides melody and ornamentation), harmonica (adds texture and bluesy feel), backing vocals (harmonies on the chorus). Tempo: Medium tempo, driving feel. Key: G Major. Mood: Uplifting, anthemic, proud, respectful. Structure: Verse/Pre-Chorus/Chorus/Verse/Pre-Chorus/Chorus/Bridge/Chorus/Outro. Performance Notes: The song should be performed with passion and conviction. The vocals should be strong and emotive. The fiddle and harmonica solos should be energetic and bluesy. The rhythm section should provide a solid foundation for the song. The bridge should build in intensity, leading into the final chorus. The outro should be energetic and celebratory, ending with a strong instrumental flourish and stomping to emulate a live folk performance.