The Only Country Halloween Playlist You Need

It's Halloween-time, and that means you are likely hearing more of "The Monster Mash", "Ghostbusters" and "Thriller" these days.  But if your tastes tend more toward country music, as mine do, I thought I would share a little Halloween compilation of country music songs with you.  

In truth, only one of these songs actually has anything to do with real ghouls and goblins, and that distinction goes to Buck Owens and his 1974 Monster's Holiday.   The others fall more into the category of Halloween- related.  See my notes below, and let me know if you think of any others that belong on this list.  Oh, and give each one a click to see and hear its YouTube video. 

Modern Country: 

• Ghosts - Ross Ellis  
• This one is brand new, just released in 2018, and with a name like "Ghosts" it was sure to make my list.  
• Halloween - Walker Hayes
• The name says it all.  And even though this one isn't technically about Halloween itself, it's still a great song.  AND this fella is one of my neighbors!  Give it a listen.  It's GO-OOOD!
• Better Dig Two - The Band Perry
• It doesn't get creepier than digging not one, but two, graves. 
• Creepin' - Eric Church
• Here's another one that I included because of it's name.  I mean- creepin'.  Yep, as in someone is creepin' up on you. 
• Bones - Little Big Town
• "You've got bones in your closet."
• The Thunder Rolls - Garth Brooks
• This one is spooky- not in ghostly kind of way.  But spooky nonetheless.  And with a similar forecast for our Halloween night this year, I think Garth Brooks may just be singing our song. 

Traditional Country: 

• Ghost in this House- Alison Krauss
• Let's be clear.  Everything this woman sings is haunting.  In a GOOD way.  That voice.  But c'mon-  "I'm just a ghost in this house..."
• Midnight in Montgomery - Alan Jackson
• This one is a close second in the spook factor.  If you followed 1990s country, (and I did) then you will remember this one that is actually about an encounter with a ghost.  But not just any ghost- the ghost of Hank Williams. 
• (It's a) Monster's Holiday - Buck Owens
• Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolfman, Hunchback- yep, they are all accounted for in this country classic. 
• Diggin' Up Bones - Randy Travis
• For my money, it doesn't get much better than Randy Travis crooning about diggin' up bones. 
• Gravedigger - Willie Nelson
• This one makes the list because of it's name, obviously. 
• Elvira - Oak Ridge Boys
• Here's another that has nothing to do directly with Halloween.  But it's Elvira.  And who doesn't like to geek out on the "oom poppa omm poppa mow mow"?
• The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia - Reba McEntire
• If you are really old school, go for the Vicki Lawrence version.  
• The Devil Went Down to Georgia - The Charlie Daniels Band
• If that fiddle solo doesn't give you the chills, then nothing will. 
• Haunted Heart - Sammy Kershaw
• Even the video is a little spooky!  This was was contributed by blog reader, Jackie Furr.  Thanks, Jackie!
• Ghost Riders in the Sky - Johnny Cash
• Another oldie, but goodie, and another Jackie contribution.  

Even though all of these songs made my personal Halloween playlist, they do not complete my list of Halloween tunes.  Check out Harris Sister Donna's Halloween playlist for even more songs to add to your lineup this Halloween. 

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Karaoke and Corona

Are you in the market for a new feel-good, warm-weather, fun-loving, bring-on-the-good-times kind of song?  Well, I've got just the tune for you to try. It's my new go-to song for the weekend, and it's called Karaoke and Corona. Just mentioning the name of this tune is already putting you in the mood for the weekend, right?

And if you aren't already familiar with the band, let me introduce you to O'Shea.   They are an award-winning country music husband and wife duo from Australia- two of the most talented and genuinely humble artists/musicians/good people I have had the pleasure of meeting. They are the real deal, and so is their music.  In fact, they just launched their most recent album, 61-615, which pays homage to their roots in Australia (61 is the country code there) as well as their country music home here in Nashville (615 is the area code here.)  You can learn all about Mark and Jay, and their amazing music here: http://therealoshea.com/.

But back to Karaoke and Corona!  It was recently taken for a spin on The Highway on Sirius XM.  What a huge deal!!  And it's such a fun and funky summertime anthem.  I just can't wait to hear more.  Here's the click for the video.  It's tons of fun too!  So, what are you listening to these days?

Merry Christmas from the Family

Here's another not-so-classic country Christmas tune that I've put into my regular rotation lately.  If you aren't already familiar with this one, let's just say it's pretty much the National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation in the song version.  It starts with family members getting drunk on champagne punch and homemade eggnog.  Incidentally, John and I have hosted several Christmas get-togethers lately, and those have been our drinks of choice too.  Hmmm, coincidence?  I plead the fifth.   

In any case, I like the version sung by Montgomery Gentry.  Here's the click to give it a listen. 

And here are the lyrics.  I think I pretty much have them memorized at this point.  :)

Mom got drunk and Dad got drunk
At our Christmas party

We were drinkin' champagne punch

And homemade eggnog

Little sister brought her new boyfriend

He was a Mexican

We didn't know what to think of him

Til he sang Feliz Navidad

Feliz Navidad

Brother Ken brought his kids with him
The three from his first wife Lynn

And the two identical twins

From his second wife Mary Nell

Of course he brought his new wife Kaye

Who talks all about AA

Chain smokin' while the stereo plays

Noel, Noel, The first Noel

Carve the turkey turn the ball game on

Mix Margaritas when the eggnog's gone

Send somebody to the Quik-Pak store

We need some ice and an extension cord

A can of bean dip and some Diet Rite

A box of pampers, some Marlboro Lights

Hallelujah everybody say cheese

Merry Christmas from the family

Fran and Rita drove from Harlingen
I can't remember how I'm kin to them

But when they tried to plug their motor home in

They blew our christmas lights

Cousin David knew just what went wrong

So we all waited on our front lawn

He threw the breaker and the lights came on

And we sang Silent Night

Oh Silent Night o' holy night

Carve the turkey turn the ballgame on

Mix Bloody Marys cause we all want one

Send somebody to the Stop 'n Go

We need some celery and a can of fake snow

A bag of lemons and some Diet Sprite

A box of midol, some Salem Lights

Hallelujah everybody say cheese

Merry Christmas from the family

Kung Pao Buckaroo Holiday

This is the point in the Christmas season where my taste in Christmas music turns to either the

true blue classic carols OR the tunes that are just completely outside-the-box.  This one falls into the latter category.  I have been enjoying this one lately and thought I would share.  It's good for a laugh and it features some of my favorite country crooners as the Kung Pao Buckaroos- George Jones, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Whispering Bill Anderson- the first two of whom are sadly no longer with us.  So it's especially good to hear them again, and especially in such a silly and light-hearted song.  

Take a listen here: 

And here are the lyrics for those who want to follow along...

And now the grand old opera theater proudly presents a special holiday edition of the Adventures of the Kung Pao Buckaroos

Well, it's a Kung Pao Buckaroo Holiday

Whatever you do watch what you say

If you're easily offended well that's okay

It's a completely non-offensive and politically correct holiday

We catch up with our three cowboys one cold December night huddled around a camp fire.

How 'bout we sing some holiday songs?

Yeah, hey George, you wanna lead us off?

Yeah, I got one.

Oh Chri-biip-mas tree oh Chri-biip-mas tree how lovely are thy branches...

Why am I getting bleeped again?

Haven't you heard guys? You can't say Chri-biip-mas you gotta say Holiday

I can't say Chri-biip-mas?

No, you might offend somebody.

Who is offended by Chri-biip-mas?

You know you might offend the biiiips and the biiiips and the atheists.

What?

Time to politically correct.

I'll lead this off.

On the first day of Chri-biip-mas my true love said to me...

Jimmy, are you listening?

What?

You can't say Chri-biip-mas.

Why not?

If you can say he-biiiip on the last record,

Why can't I say Chri-biip-mas?

I didn't make the rules.

Hey listen guys, it's not that difficult, all you gotta do is change Chri-biip-mas to Holiday.

You know, instead of saying white Chri-biip-mas, you say I'm dreaming of a whi-biiip Holiday.

Why did I get bleeped?

You've got to say Caucasian.

So I have to sing, I'm dreaming of a Caucasian holiday?

Sure, that won't offend anyone.

Well, it's a Kung Pao Buckaroo Holiday,

Whatever you do watch what you say

If you're easily offended well that's okay

Why do these people have to feel that way? How come they get offended so easily?

It's a completely non-offensive and politically correct holiday

I'm just trying to come up with a song here.

Let's sing one together, everybody ready? George?

Ready.

Bill you ready?

I'm ready.

Jimmy? Jimmy? Jimmy?

Okay!

We three kings of or-biiiiiiiiip are bearing gifts we've traveled real far....

Sorry boys, you have to say Asia now.

What?

Oh, come on just try.

I've got to get hyped up for this.

We three kings of Asia are....

That sounds like horse cr-biiiip

Oh lord, okay. How 'bout Little Drummer boy?

Nope, that offends short people.

And you can't say drummer 'cause that'll offend real musicians.

How 'bout little -hahaha- town of Bethlehem.

What's with all the short jokes?

Hey how 'bout we do Silent Night?

No, it offends people hard of hearin' and afraid of the dark.

What did he say about a shark?

Shark?

This happens every year.

Well, it's a Kung Pao Buckaroo Holiday,

Whatever you do watch what you say,

If you're easily offended well that's okay,

It's a completely non-offensive and politically correct holiday.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

No.

I can't say ho?

No, you might offend some... Women.

So basically, we can't sing anything?

I think that's a bunch of bull biiiip.

Softer, George, it's more effective.

I think that's a bunch of bull biiiip.

Wait just a dar-biip minute...

No, no, no..

You now what? I don't care who we offend, I'm gonna sing Chri-biip-mas carols if I wanna sing Chri-biip-mas carols.

Louder, Bill, it's more effective.

I don't care who we offend, I'm gonna sing Chri-biip-mas carols if I wanna sing Chri-biip-mas carols.

Me too.

We wish you a merry Chri-biip-mas, we wish you a merry Chri-biip-mas, we wish you a merry Chri-biip-mas, and a happy ne-biip year.

We can't say new; it'll offend the old folks.

And you better not offend them.

Us...

Heaven South

Brad Paisley just released a new album today, for the first time in three years.  And among the new releases is a song called Heaven South.  As a long time Brad Paisley fan, of course I like it.  But once I caught a glimpse of the video, I was sold even more.  He actually filmed the video in our own backyard- downtown Franklin, TN.  GASP!!!

We have lived here for years.  It is just a few miles south of Nashville (perhaps appropriately lending itself to the song title "Heaven South") and has all the small town southern charm that you could ever hope for.  It's a modern day Norman Rockwell painting come to life.  It's also home to many of the great country music stars old and new- Brad Paisley included.   What a beautiful place to call home!  

Brad Paisley hasn't even released this video yet to his YouTube channel, but he did pop it out on his official Facebook page yesterday, and my little town has once again become "Facebook famous"!  

Here's the video:  https://www.facebook.com/bradpaisley/videos/10156013139368098/.

   

Yep, that's our town square, our courthouse, our local theatre, our main street, and our little back roads.  Yes, we live in Heaven South.  We kind of always knew it. 

A Country Christmas Playlist

Christmas and country music- two of my very favorite things!  And never better than when you combine the two.  Here's a quick list of some of my favorite country Christmas songs, most of which aren't on the regular rotation on the Christmas radio stations this time of year.  So they might just give you a break from the same old songs, and will definitely be sure to give you a smile and a big helping of Christmas cheer!

1. A Christmas to Remember - Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers
2. Hard Candy Christmas - Dolly Parton
3. O Holy Night - John Berry
4. All I Want for Christmas is You - Vince Vance and the Valiants
5. Beautiful Star of Bethlehem - The Judds
6. Two Step 'Round the Christmas Tree - Suzy Bogguss
7. The Christmas Guest - Reba McEntire
8. Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer - Elmo and Patsy
9. Tennessee Christmas - Alabama
10. Meet Me Under the Mistletoe - Randy Travis
11. Merry Christmas from the Family - Montgomery Gentry
12. Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy - Garth Brooks
13. Let There Be Peace on Earth - Vince Gill
14. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee
15. Pretty Paper - Willie Nelson
16. Where are you Christmas? - Faith Hill
17. Christmas in Dixie - Alabama
18. Mary Did You Know? - Kenny Rogers, featuring Wynonna Judd
19. Thank God for Kids - The Oak Ridge Boys
20. Redneck 12 Days of Christmas - Jeff Foxworthy

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Radio Classics on Sirius Radio

Sometimes you just stumble onto something good, and it takes you by surprise.  Such was the case recently when I discovered Sirius Channel 148.  This channel is the Radio Classics channel on Sirius radio and it features classic shows from the Golden Age of Radio, from the 1920s through the 1950s, before television took over in the American household. Occasionally, they also broadcast the original vintage commercials from this era on the air too. 

Oh, and what a treat it is.  Especially if you are going to be listening in long enough to hear an entire episode.  Most episodes they air are about 30 minutes in length, and you can tune in at the next scheduled time to pick up on your favorite radio show where you left off, just like they did it back in the good old days.  

They have all the old familiar classic radio shows.  Not sure which one I was listening in on recently, but it was a mystery, and you could hear all the radio sound effects.  I can just picture all the actors by their microphones with their scripts and the sound guys with all their gadgets chiming in at just the right time.  

Here's the link to the Radio Classics webpage for more info on programming and scheduling.  Check it out.  This is a good one.  I promise. 

Forever Country: 50 Years of Country Music Greatness

In celebration of CMA's 50 year anniversary this year, they recently created and released the Forever Country music video.  It is a mash up of three iconic country music songs- John Denver's Country Road, Willie Nelson's On the Road Again, and Dolly Parton's I Will Always Love You.  The Harris Sisters recently shared this video among ourselves, and while we don't always agree on music, this was one that satisfied even our diverse musical tastes. 

The video features 30 CMA Award Winning artists- everyone from Ronnie Milsap and Charlie Pride to 1990s sensations Reba and Brooks and Dunn to newer artists like Brett Eldridge and Kacy Musgraves.   Brad Paisley is the first artist to sing on the track. Faith Hill is the first female artist to add her vocals.  Little Big Town is the first country group to chime in (and incidentally, they appear in the video and throughout the song more than any other artist).  Willie Nelson (of course) sings parts of his famous On the Road Again, and Dolly Parton is the last artist to appear as she finishes off the track with her famous I Will Always Love You lyrics. John Denver is no longer with us to add his talents to his famous Country Road, and his absence makes you miss him, and lots of others, who have already passed on.

For those paying close attention, you will also note that Randy Travis makes a cameo in the video, though he doesn't actually sing.  Sadly, he suffered a stroke a while back and isn't able to but I love that he is included in the piece.  He is also credited as one of the 30 artists. Here's the video.  Check it out.  I keep watching over and over (and over).  I see and hear something new every time, and I cannot get enough. 

I thought this video was really neat too.  It's the making of the video, and shows and explains how they put it all together- lots of behind the scenes too.  

And in case you are still trying to figure out who's who in the video and who's singing which parts (especially as the songs start to layer over one another), here's the breakdown you are looking for.

Part 1: John Denver, “Take Me Home, Country Roads”

“Almost heaven, West Virginia (Brad Paisley) / Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River (Keith Urban) / Life is old there, older than the trees (Tim McGraw) / Younger than the mountains (Faith Hill) / Growing like a breeze (Hill, McGraw) / Country roads, take me home (Little Big Town) / To the place (Luke Bryan) / I belong (Bryan, Miranda Lambert) / West Virginia (Lambert), Mountain mama (Bryan) / Take me home (Blake Shelton) / Country roads (George Strait).”

Part 2: Dolly Parton, “I Will Always Love You” mashup with “Take Me Home Country Roads”

“If I … (Kacy Musgraves), All my memories (Eric Church) / Should stay (Musgraves), They gather ‘round her (Church) / I would only be in your way (Musgraves), Miner’s lady, stranger to blue water (Ronnie Milsap) / So I’ll go (Charley Pride), Dark and dusty (Dierks Bentley) / Yet I know (Pride, Musgraves), Painted on the sky (Bentley) / I’ll think of you each step of the way (Trisha Yearwood), Misty taste of moonshine, teardrop in my eye (Bentley) / Country roads, take me home (Lady Antebellum) / To the place, I belong (Shelton),And I … (Carrie Underwood) / West Virginia, mountain mama (Strait), And I … (Underwood, continued) / Take me home, country roads (Darius Rucker), Will always love you (Martina McBride).”

Part 3: Willie Nelson, “On the Road Again” mashup with “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and “I Will Always Love You”

“On the road again (Jason Aldean) / Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway (Rascal Flatts) / We’re the best of friends (Aldean) / Insisting that the world keep turning our way, and our way (Willie Nelson) / Country roads, take me home (Brooks & Dunn, with a reply from Alabama) / To the place (Rucker), And I … (LBT) / I belong (Rucker), Will always love you you (LBT) / West Virginia, mountain mama (Brett Eldredge), I will always love you (Reba McEntire) / Oh take me home, country roads (Urban).”

Part 4: The Finale — An all-song mashup

“Oh I hope life treats you kind, and I hope you have all you dreamed of (Reba McEntire) / I wish you joy and happiness (Alan Jackson) / But above all this I wish you love (Vince Gill) / And I … (Carrie Underwood) / Will always love you, I … (Underwood with Paisley) / Will always love you (McBride), Take me home (LBT) / Country roads (LBT) / Take me home (Bentley, Musgraves) / And I … (Yearwood), Country roads (Bentley, Musgraves) / On the road again (McGraw), Will always (Yearwood) / Love You (Yearwood) / I will (Hill) /Just can’t wait to get on the road again (Jackson), Will always (Hill), Take me home (Bryan) / Love (Hill) / Country roads (Church) / You (Hill), The life I love is making (Eldredge) / Music with my friends (Eldredge), Take me home (Milsap) / And I will always love you… (McBride), With my friends (McEntire, Lambert) / Country roads (Milsap) / I can’t wait to get on the road again (Aldean) / Take me home, country roads (LBT) / And I will always love you, I will always love you (Dolly Parton).”

The 2016 CMA Awards will air on Nov. 2 at 8PM ET on ABC.

A Date with Destiny: My Night with Dolly Parton

Last month, I fulfilled one of my long time bucket list items.  I saw Dolly Parton in concert, and I cannot even begin to tell you what a treat it was for me.  I am a fan from YEARS back.  I remember growing up on her songs in the 70s and 80s, listening to her new music in the 90s, and following her career all along the way ever since.   There is just something so completely genuine about Dolly that makes you feel like you know her (and want to know her more).  And let me tell you, her voice was just as pure as it ever was.  The night was amazing from beginning to end, and I doubt that I will ever forget it.  So let me share a little with you. 

To begin, Dolly Parton is 70 years old, and she hasn't been on a nationwide US tour like this in decades.  She has been busy recording and making movies, and she does a lot of touring overseas. So when I read earlier this year that she would be launching her Pure and Simple Tour across the US this summer, I knew I would have to be there.  Little by little dates began to go on sale, and we were able to secure really good tickets for this once in a lifetime show. I don't know how many other tours and shows she will perform (or if she will ever actually "retire") but I sure am glad I finally got to see her live in concert. 

The name of her show "Pure and Simple" couldn't have been a better fit for the treat we were in for.   There were no jumbo tron screens, no opening acts, no announcer to bring her out onto stage, and her band consisted of only three musicians in addition to herself.  But as she was quick to point out "Pure and Simple" did not mean no rhinestones, no glitz or glitter.  No. Dolly is always true to herself, and those sorts of things seem to just follow her.  Maybe that's another reason I love her so much. 

So, when the time came for the show to begin, the lights dimmed and the crowded roared with excitement.  Just then one by one, the three musicians came out onto the stage, and began to sing "Hello Dolly", and then on cue, she walked into the spotlight and the show began.  She started the show with "Why'd You Come in Here (Looking Like That)", a hit from 1989.  I instantly recognized it and started singing right along.  So did everyone else.  The excitement was palpable.  She quickly followed with "Jolene"- one of my all time favorites!  Bang, bang, right out of the gate, she was one fire.  

She sang song after song, hit after hit.  All of her big hits that we all immediately know and love. But as if that weren't enough, it was the time between the songs that was so incredibly special.  She told stories about her life, about her family, her childhood and her upbringing, her faith, her husband, her music and her career, and on and on.  She was so funny,  Many of her stories led her into another song.  And then she would pause and tell another one.  It was like you were chatting with an old friend in your living room.  She was not just singing to us or performing for us.  We felt included in this very special night.  We were a part of something so big and so wonderful.  She was genuine and sincere.  One of her stories even made me cry.  This woman is a legend and a pro.  I can't say enough.

I found a clip on some of the concert that we attended on You Tube.  Take a look and a listen here. 

And as if all that weren't enough, she played virtually every musical instrument known to man over the course of the evening.  Of course, we knew she played the guitar.  But she soon switched out to a mandolin, a dulcimer, a violin, the harmonica, even a saxophone, and then the piano.  I know I'm missing a few because we kept count that night and it was close to 10.  Every single instrument she played was white and covered in rhinestones.  What a talent!

She filled us in on the projects she's been working on, including her new album by the same name as her tour- Pure and Simple.  At the time of the concert it had not even been released yet, but it is available now.  She played us a few of her new songs, which were fabulous, of course.  She also mentioned that she was working on releasing another album with Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris. Apparently, they recorded many songs together back in the day that never made it to an album, so they are resurrecting those and compiling them into an album for release later this year, I believe.  And we all remember her wonderful "Coat of Many Colors" movie from last Christmas.  It was such a huge hit, and there was so much more of that story to tell, that she has made another movie to follow it for this Christmas season, called "Christmas of Many Colors".   And Dolly herself will be playing a very special part in that movie.  I just cannot wait!!

She finished the show with "I Will Always Love You" which sum up my sentiments about Dolly exactly.  This concert did not disappoint.  On the contrary it was far more than I could have ever expected.  There are still a few dates her concert tour calendar, so if you are lucky enough to find her coming your way, definitely make time to see this show.  You will not regret it, I PROMISE!

One Man's Trash: Vintage Disney Halloween Record

Well, the calendar says it is September now AND we are also past Labor Day, which is the unofficial start to fall time.  That's good enough for me.  Time to start getting into the Halloween swing of things.  And what better way to start than with a brand new edition of One Man's Trash.  

And what a score I have to share with you.  Take a look at this vintage Disney Halloween record.  I just so happen to have a two year old who has recently discovered (and fallen in love with Huey, Dewey, and Louie). And she also is starting to understand what Halloween is too!  (We've been talking it up a lot lately!) In any case, this darling record was a no-brainer when I discovered it at a little antique shop a few weeks ago. 

The record itself is in great shape, and dates back to 1974.  It contains Halloween songs and stories, as shared by the great Disney company.  To be honest though I would have still bought this just for the album cover.  It is darling.  Great vintage graphics and in very good condition. 

The cover noted that there were two bonus masks inside.  Yeah right, I thought.  Now that would be too good to be true.  But alas...

They were there!  They were paper masks on each side of the interior record cover.  No one ever cut into them, so they were still there, and in perfect condition!  Double score!  The first mask is a Jack-o-lantern. 

But the second mask- oh that second mask!.  I am in love with this vintage Witch Hazel mask.  She sure is a beauty!

So how much did I pay for all this gorgeous vintage Halloween goodness?  One dollar!!!  Yep, I also couldn't believe my good fortune.  It was meant to be.  And I couldn't resist checking to see what similar records are selling for.  A quick search today shows upward of $25 for this exact record in far lesser condition.  

So there's a little look at my most recent vintage score.  And just in time for Halloween, which is right around the corner.  What vintage treasures have you been finding lately?

Lexi's Latest Jam: Rocky Top

We just returned from a long weekend in the hills and hollers of Tennessee, and it was there that I was reminded that our little one, Lexi, sure does enjoy herself some pickin' and grinnin'.  Of course, she gets it honestly.  I love it too!  And you cannot- CANNOT- get away from any such jam session in the great state of Tennessee without hearing good ole Rocky Top somewhere on the set list.  It is one of the official state songs of TN, and has become a fan favorite at all of the University of Tennessee games too.  

In any case, Rocky Top has become Lexi's latest jam.  Although she's heard it many times before, something just clicked this time, and now she's asking for it by name.  So I play it for her over and over.  And we dance, dance, dance all around the house.  What fun!

Incidentally, another thing we cannot seem to get away from every time we visit the mountains of TN are the old time photos.  Here we all are this most recent trip.  That's the Harris Sisters' Daddy and his wife Nancy, along with my hubby John, sweet Lexi, and me.  Daddy looks like he just walked out of one of his favorite westerns!

And there's little Lexi just being precious.  She's so good at it.  I loved her little dress, and she did a great job holding those flowers too!

And it was actually just this time last year we were in the same part of the country with John's parents for a long weekend, and we took similar pics then too.  That's John's dad, Larry, his mom, Jan, and of course me and our little family.  Lexi was only a year old and we were all shocked that she sat still for this picture.  Larry also looks like he just walked straight out of a Western. :)

And of course, long time followers of the blog will remember these fun photos.  That's all the Harris Sisters: Misty, me, and Donna, along with Misty's daughter, Charlotte.  These pictures were taken a few years ago on one of our famous Girls' Weekends. 

So what do all these photos have to do with Rocky Top?  Well, they were all taken on trips to Gatlinburg, Tennessee over the years. And Gatlinburg is actually the birth place of the song Rocky Top!  If you listen to the lyrics, you will pick up on references to the country life- "Ain't no smoggy smoke on Rocky Top.  Ain't no telephone bills."  And for your reference, I'm including the full lyrics below.  You will need them when you start singing and tapping along to this classic.

So here's one of my favorite videos of the Osborne Brothers performing their hit.  They do a great job giving a little history of the song right before they dive into it, so listen up.  It's so much fun!

And here are those lyrics for you.... 

Wish that I was on ol' Rocky Top

Down in the Tennessee hills

Ain't no smoggy smoke on Rocky Top

Ain't no telephone bills

Once I had a girl on Rocky Top

Half bear, the other half cat

Wild as a mink, sweet as soda pop

I still dream about that

Once two strangers climbed ol' Rocky Top

Lookin' for a moonshine still

Strangers ain't come down from Rocky Top

Reckon they never will

Corn won't grow at all on Rocky Top

Dirt's too rocky by far

That's why all the folks on Rocky Top

Get their corn from a jar

I've had years of cramped up city life

Trapped like a duck in a pen

Now all I know is it's a pity life

Can't be simple again.

Rocky Top you'll always be

Home sweet home to me

Good ol' Rocky Top

Rocky Top Tennessee, Rocky Top Tennessee

And to leave you with another fun video, here's our Lexi (and me) jamming to Rocky Top from our most recent trip to the mountains. 

And here she is dancing with another sweet little girl who saw Lexi dancing and decided to join in. 

We had front row seats at this concert, so Lexi just made herself at home.  But that's what you do in the mountains, right?   

So that's a little look into what we've been up to lately, and definitely what we've been listening to lately.  Never a dull moment around here!