Blue In The Valley

1 week ago by @rocketgrrrl

Blue In The Valley

rocketgrrrl

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Liner Notes

#folk #girlwithukulele #flute #queer

When they were much younger - and so was I - my child and I hiked a little of the Appalachian Trail. Our packs were heavy, we had climbed quite a ways, and we had started late. We kept up the pace with songs and stories. I remember meeting a woman - who was at the time around the age I am now - who asked me my 'trail name.'

I don't think I knew myself well enough then to answer correctly. They say you sometimes meet yourself when you walk far enough. I wonder if we never really meet ourselves until the end, when we fully understand who we are.

Thought about performing this one on my mountain dulcimer, but I really liked the baritone ukulele better for it. It's in response to the #dailywritingprompt, which had the phrase "blue hills" from the poem "Tattered Hope" by #carlsandburg.

Lyrics

Blue in the Valley
Jemma Kline

One thousand feet up to the ridgeline, blue in the valley down below.
I met her there, along the lakeside, with silver hair just like my own.
Though that was then, and I was younger, face not yet shaped by all these years,
So when she smiled and asked my trail name, I couldn’t tell her what I feared.

I think you’re me,
Whom I’ve met walking.
I think you’re me,
Whom I’ve met here.
For I’ll be free,
Now that I’m walking.
Yes, I’ll be free,
Now that I’m here.

I brought my child along that ridgeline, the one whose dreams I surely know.
We walked till nighttime, telling stories, singing songs, skipping stones.
And still today, when we’re together, we share our wishes and our fears,
Those Blue Ridge Mountains reflect our memories; those Blue Ridge Mountains reflect our tears.

I think you’re me,
Whom I’ve met walking.
I think you’re me,
Whom I’ve met here.
For I’ll be free,
Now that I’m walking.
Yes, I’ll be free,
Now that I’m here.

(flute)
I’m still high atop that ridgeline, seeing far, and breathing clear.
And I will walk it to the ending, where at the last, I will be me.

I think you’re me,
Whom I’ve met walking.
I think you’re me,
Whom I’ve met here.
For I’ll be free,
Now that I’m walking.
Yes, I’ll be free,
Now that I’m here.

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