FAWM: "Howdy Stranger"

Howdy Stranger

2 weeks ago by @paulmilne

Skirmish: STRANGER (@corinnecurcio)

Howdy Stranger

paulmilne

00:00

Liner Notes

#skirmish #stranger #unexpectedguest I think the ancient law of hospitality where you welcome a stranger into your home should be revisited for our times.

I have edited the lyrics from the first take, once I started singing...

Lyrics

(Edited)

Howdy stranger Come on in and sit here by the fire It's dark outside and cold You are welcome

Howdy stranger Come on in and have a bite to eat And a long cool drink You are welcome

Middle: It looks like you have been through hell And not been treated very well But in this house you are my guest You are my guest

Howdy stranger Come on in and lie here by the fire Rest your weary bones You are welcome

Comments

@housewystan 4d

I agree. Your vocals feel like a warm fire to sit next to. Love the bright guitar and the lyrics are giving country vibes for sure. I appreciate the thought of recognizing what the other person might have been through that day.

@paulmilne 3d

Thanks, the demo needs a bit of work but I'm really happy with what I've done in the time I had

@bobjestes 1w

A very nice, inviting song. Simply, yet effectively presented. Very good job!

@corinnecurcio 1w

Really nice welcoming music to compliment your lyrics. Glad you were able to finish it and thanks for joining skirmish

@petefelton 1w

Excellent work Paul. Love the guitar playing and it suits the lyrics really well.

@paulmilne 1w

Thanks Pete. It took me awhile to come to the music but when it came it came in a flash.

@markblevis 1w

Very nicely done. I feel like I'm there.

@paulmilne 1w

Thanks Mark!

@barbara 1w

Sweet! This lyric has a beautiful emphasis on warmth and generosity of spirit; it exemplifies a respect for our shared humanity and reflects a trust that we could use much more of, so thank you for putting it out there. I think the people of Minneapolis have also modeled this so well of late. The music is wonderfully gentle and rolling, a great match for the kindness of the message.

@paulmilne 1w

I couldn't ask for a nicer comment, thanks so much! Exactly the feeling I was reaching for.

@alyxanderjames 2w

Love this take on hospitality!

@paulmilne 1w

Demo up now, hope you'll have a listen.

@alyxanderjames 1w

Thanks for letting me know! This sounds great. Soothing melody and it really does feel welcoming!

@paulmilne 1w

Thanks Alyx, I wanted to keep it simple to not water down the welcoming emotion. Glad you liked it 🙏🏼

@markblevis 2w

It's hard not to hear Willie Nelson singing this. To be clear, I don't think it's the similarity to "Hello wall." I think it's the earnestness of the lyrics and the awareness of the singer. Will you be recording this?

@paulmilne 2w

Oh yes, absolutely.

@strumandstress 2w

Nice topical take on the prompt.

@paulmilne 2w

Thanks, it was the first idea that came to my head on reading the prompt.

@tjeff 2w

I agree. I also think of this in terms of welcoming travelers who have come to our land seeking refuge. Powerful lyric.

@paulmilne 2w

Troubling times all around, we need to extend the hand of friendship where we can.

@musicsongwriter 2w

Very cool take on the prompt. Visual writing.

@paulmilne 2w

Thanks, I do seem to think in terms of visual scenarios.

@johnstaples 2w

Well, I love this! It has a gentle kindness throughout! Offering a stranger warmth, food and rest! Beautiful words that remind us we can still be Good & Kind in dark times.

(I'll admit I half expected a trick at the end like a vampire or something!)

@paulmilne 2w

Damn, why didn't I think of that? I guess then it would be a different kind of song. Thanks for the enthusiastic comments.