And yes, Steve Earle can write a song.
Yes, he is a radical leftist, but his songs are great.
Home to Houston
When I pulled out of Basra they all wished me luck
Just like they always did before
With a bulletproof screen on the hood of my truck
And a Bradley on my back door
And I wound her up and shifted her down
And I offered this prayer to my lord
I said “God get me back home to Houston alive
and I won’t drive a truck anymore”
Early in the mornin’ and I’m rollin’ fast
Haulin’ nine thousand gallons of high test gas
Sergeant on the radio hollerin’ at me
Look out up ahead here come a R.P.G.
If I ever get home to Houston alive
Then I won’t drive a truck anymore
Earle and I have a lot in common except for the politics. Both of us were around the music scene around San Antonio circa 1966-68. Later in the middle 1970’s Earle went to Nashville and I went to Knoxville. I had a stint in the USAF prior to 1977 and went on to UT for another life. Earle hit it big songwriting. I follow his show and catch him from time to time referring to things we both saw during the 60’s around San Antonio. I think I caught him in a “story” when he said he went to see Hendrix in San Antonio...he was the same age I was and Hendrix’ first album hadn't been released...Hendrix opened for the Monkees. I think Earle was there as a bunch of other 15 year olds were...to see the Monkees and we got introduced to Hendrix. The driving age in Texas then was 14 and we drove from Del Rio to San Antonio to see the Monkees...