Juli was the inspiration to my song "Juli Kaye." She lost her brave battle with cancer today but God gained an angel in Heaven. Please pray for my son Nathan and me as we struggle with her loss. God Bless my fans and friends on ReverbNation.
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The world lost a music legend at 4:30PM EST on August 16, 1977 when Elvis Presley died at his Graceland Mansion in Memphis, Tennessee. He was 42 years old. Elvis' impact on modern popular music and culture will last forever. All of us musicians should take some time today to reflect on the life and legacy of The King of Rock n' Roll.
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Recently, Melissa Fix and I wrote a song together. I plan to record it sometime in 2013. I want to share the lyrics with my ReverbNation family.
“Off Road Orchestra”
Words and music by Melissa A. Fix and Shane Alan Swaim copyright 2013
Verse One
Driving down the highway
Strumming on my banjo
I let go of the steering
And off the road I go
Crashing through the forest
Knocking down the pines
Muddling through the White Oak Swamp
Music on my mind
Chorus
God gave me this gift of song
I sing all day long
Music lifts my spirits
I can't do nobody wrong
Verse Two
I am thankful for my four wheel drive
Splashing through the mud
The catfish go a jumping
When I give them gears a shove
The bobcats run behind the trees
When my headlights shine
Soon I’m on the road again
Keeping it between the lines
Repeat Chorus
Verse Three
Down in my backwoods cabin
I strum on my old guitar
I sing at every open mic
Down at Brewballs Bar
My life is but a story
Of which I write this song
I’ll sing it to my honey
And the world can sing along
Bridge
We have an off road orchestra
Out here in these woods
My friends and family play and sing
Around the neighborhood
Repeat Chorus
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Hi Friends, I just want to let everyone know that I am currently practicing my music on a daily basis. Most of the time, I am playing my originals and trying to make them sound better. I still like to play the cover songs as well. I want to learn more contemporary covers in the future. I plan to increase my number of open mic sets in the near future and continue to listen to fine artists of all genres on ReverbNation daily. I continue to practice Yoga and do cardiovascular conditioning on a daily basis. All musicians must keep in shape, you know. Well, that is about all for now. Thank you, friends, for supporting my passion for music. From time to time, life ain't too bad. Musically, Shane
Reply
Recently, I have completed three new songs which I plan to record and upload to Reverbnation soon. I have performed these songs at several live venues and the reception has been positive.
"Moonkitty" – Lyrics and music by Shane Alan Swaim copyright 2012
Verse 1:
Meditating by the water, dancing in the morning sun
In a circle never ending, joining hands unite as one
Singing all in unison with soulful harmony
Reaching for the sky with heightened sensuality
Shedding inhibitions liberally and naturally
With Moonkitty
Bringing Peace and tranquility
Verse 2
Body painting, Summer Solace, Burning Man, and tie die clothing
Tantra Goddesses and Hippie Chicks suntanned bodies glowing
Dancing around the burning flames late into the night
In harmony with nature posing by the fire’s light
Sleeping in the desert dreaming peacefully and free
Is Moonkitty
Her toes are painted pretty
Verse 3
She’ll listen to the Rolling Stones and California Dreaming
Classic Rock, Woodstock, Psychedelic healing
Wynonna, Sheryl Crow, and Melissa Etheridge too
The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, and The Who
Chillin in the breeze with her groovy family
Is Moonkitty
They’ll occupy the city
Verse 4
Bodies dancing, honest passion, moving freely to the beat
Liberating, fascinating, satisfying, sweet
Tantalizing, galvanizing, Hippies are refined
Gratifying love guaranteed to blow your mind
Growing up artistically, now the perfect hippie
Moonkitty
Intellectual and witty
Peace and tranquility
Moonkitty
"Backwoods Cougar" – Lyrics and Music by Shane Alan Swaim copyright 2012
Backwoods Cougar won’t you come outside and play
Walking through the woods, it’s gonna be a sunny day
Swimming in the river, in the sun she’ll lay
Backwoods Cougar got a rifle and a four wheel drive
Diggin’ Bocephus and a Country Boy Can Survive
Drives her truck in the swamp, rides a Harley through the countryside
Backwoods Cougar gonna make some bearcat stew
Got a still in the cellar where she makes a little homemade brew
When the sun goes down, we’re gonna have a little rendezvous
Backwoods Cougar she can climb a sweet gum tree
Swinging on a rope jumping in the river wild and free
Won’t you come on down and spend a little time with me
Backwoods Cougar won’t you come outside and play
Walking through the woods, it’s gonna be a sunny day
Swimming in the river, in the sun she’ll lay
Backwoods Cougar, won’t you come go my way
"I’ll Be Back in Carolina Before Dawn" – Lyrics and Music by Shane Alan Swaim copyright 2012
Verse 1:
I miss those sandy beaches on that sunny Beaufort shore
I’d love to search the western hills for Cherokee folklore
I’d hike the Blue Ridge Parkway
Shop and dine at Shatley Springs
Wander through the Biltmore Mansion, it’s a Carolina thing
Chorus
I’m fighting back the tears in Minnesota
Singing about my Carolina Home
I’ll dine on barbeque and RC Cola
Play my at The Flatiron all night long.
Verse 2:
At Charlotte Motor Speedway
Earnhardt’s at his best
When Rhonda Vincent comes to town
You’re welcomed as her guest
The Carolina Opry
Makes its home at Myrtle Beach
At Little Johns and Merlefest
Bluegrass stars are in your reach
Repeat Chorus
Verse 3:
Wingate and Wake Forest
Shine with Southern pride
In Raleigh, Boone, and Monroe
You can still get chicken fried
From Asheville down to Wilmington
And through Catawba Falls
A piece of Heaven’s waiting
I hear Carolina call
Repeat chorus
End: I’ll be back in Carolina before long
Reply
To all of my fans and friends in the path of Hurricane Sandy: My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Please be safe and evacuate your area if necessary. God Bless you all. Sincerely, Shane
Reply
For the past 3 days now, I have seen an increase in my song plays and new fans. I really appreciate the expanded interest in my music and songwriting. My local, national, and global ranks are moving upward and I am very pleased with that. I will definately add additional songs on my playlist as I record them. Please let me know what you want to hear. I love it when fans and friends write to me. Feel free to drop me a line or offer suggestions any time via ReverbNation, Facebook or email me at theguitarman@att.net. Also you all are welcome to call me on my cell phone (336) 681-8632.
Reply
I would like to wish my ReverbNation fans and friends a happy and safe Independence Day. Take time to give thanks for our freedom. God Bless all of you. Sincerely, Shane
Reply
My music is a bridge linking the past, present, and future. During my shows, I perform Hank Snow songs such as "I've Been Everywhere" and "Music Making Mama From Memphis." I also perform my latest compositions such as "Downtown Gate City Blues." Classic Rock covers such as "Bad Bad Leroy Brown" and "I Only Want To Be With You" are included in most of my gigs. Music is a timeless journey and I have a passion for traditional songs. We must always remember our heritage and be aware of the history we are making today.
Reply
Dick Clark's everlasting contributions to American entertainment have made a positive impact on our culture. We will be forever young because of his influence and optimism. From American Bandstand to the game shows he hosted to his New Year's Eve shows, his youthful vigor touched us all. He will always be America's eternal teenager. God Bless You, Mr. Clark.
Reply
The Shane Alan Swaim Experience - A Journey Through Americana in Story and Song / Blog
My wife Juli went to Heaven today
Juli was the inspiration to my song "Juli Kaye." She lost her brave battle with cancer today but God gained an angel in Heaven. Please pray for my son Nathan and me as we struggle with her loss. God Bless my fans and friends on ReverbNation.
Reply
August 16, 1977 - The Day The Music Died
The world lost a music legend at 4:30PM EST on August 16, 1977 when Elvis Presley died at his Graceland Mansion in Memphis, Tennessee. He was 42 years old. Elvis' impact on modern popular music and culture will last forever. All of us musicians should take some time today to reflect on the life and legacy of The King of Rock n' Roll.
Reply
Off Road Orchestra
Recently, Melissa Fix and I wrote a song together. I plan to record it sometime in 2013. I want to share the lyrics with my ReverbNation family.
“Off Road Orchestra” Words and music by Melissa A. Fix and Shane Alan Swaim copyright 2013
Verse One Driving down the highway Strumming on my banjo I let go of the steering And off the road I go Crashing through the forest Knocking down the pines Muddling through the White Oak Swamp Music on my mind
Chorus God gave me this gift of song I sing all day long Music lifts my spirits I can't do nobody wrong
Verse Two I am thankful for my four wheel drive Splashing through the mud The catfish go a jumping When I give them gears a shove The bobcats run behind the trees When my headlights shine Soon I’m on the road again Keeping it between the lines
Repeat Chorus
Verse Three Down in my backwoods cabin I strum on my old guitar I sing at every open mic Down at Brewballs Bar My life is but a story Of which I write this song I’ll sing it to my honey And the world can sing along
Bridge We have an off road orchestra Out here in these woods My friends and family play and sing Around the neighborhood
Repeat Chorus
Reply
Fine Tuning
Hi Friends, I just want to let everyone know that I am currently practicing my music on a daily basis. Most of the time, I am playing my originals and trying to make them sound better. I still like to play the cover songs as well. I want to learn more contemporary covers in the future. I plan to increase my number of open mic sets in the near future and continue to listen to fine artists of all genres on ReverbNation daily. I continue to practice Yoga and do cardiovascular conditioning on a daily basis. All musicians must keep in shape, you know. Well, that is about all for now. Thank you, friends, for supporting my passion for music. From time to time, life ain't too bad. Musically, Shane
Reply
New Songs To Be Released Soon
Recently, I have completed three new songs which I plan to record and upload to Reverbnation soon. I have performed these songs at several live venues and the reception has been positive.
"Moonkitty" – Lyrics and music by Shane Alan Swaim copyright 2012 Verse 1: Meditating by the water, dancing in the morning sun In a circle never ending, joining hands unite as one Singing all in unison with soulful harmony Reaching for the sky with heightened sensuality Shedding inhibitions liberally and naturally With Moonkitty Bringing Peace and tranquility Verse 2 Body painting, Summer Solace, Burning Man, and tie die clothing Tantra Goddesses and Hippie Chicks suntanned bodies glowing Dancing around the burning flames late into the night In harmony with nature posing by the fire’s light Sleeping in the desert dreaming peacefully and free Is Moonkitty Her toes are painted pretty Verse 3 She’ll listen to the Rolling Stones and California Dreaming Classic Rock, Woodstock, Psychedelic healing Wynonna, Sheryl Crow, and Melissa Etheridge too The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, and The Who Chillin in the breeze with her groovy family Is Moonkitty They’ll occupy the city Verse 4 Bodies dancing, honest passion, moving freely to the beat Liberating, fascinating, satisfying, sweet Tantalizing, galvanizing, Hippies are refined Gratifying love guaranteed to blow your mind Growing up artistically, now the perfect hippie Moonkitty Intellectual and witty Peace and tranquility Moonkitty
"Backwoods Cougar" – Lyrics and Music by Shane Alan Swaim copyright 2012 Backwoods Cougar won’t you come outside and play Walking through the woods, it’s gonna be a sunny day Swimming in the river, in the sun she’ll lay Backwoods Cougar got a rifle and a four wheel drive Diggin’ Bocephus and a Country Boy Can Survive Drives her truck in the swamp, rides a Harley through the countryside Backwoods Cougar gonna make some bearcat stew Got a still in the cellar where she makes a little homemade brew When the sun goes down, we’re gonna have a little rendezvous Backwoods Cougar she can climb a sweet gum tree Swinging on a rope jumping in the river wild and free Won’t you come on down and spend a little time with me Backwoods Cougar won’t you come outside and play Walking through the woods, it’s gonna be a sunny day Swimming in the river, in the sun she’ll lay Backwoods Cougar, won’t you come go my way
"I’ll Be Back in Carolina Before Dawn" – Lyrics and Music by Shane Alan Swaim copyright 2012 Verse 1: I miss those sandy beaches on that sunny Beaufort shore I’d love to search the western hills for Cherokee folklore I’d hike the Blue Ridge Parkway Shop and dine at Shatley Springs Wander through the Biltmore Mansion, it’s a Carolina thing Chorus I’m fighting back the tears in Minnesota Singing about my Carolina Home I’ll dine on barbeque and RC Cola Play my at The Flatiron all night long. Verse 2: At Charlotte Motor Speedway Earnhardt’s at his best When Rhonda Vincent comes to town You’re welcomed as her guest The Carolina Opry Makes its home at Myrtle Beach At Little Johns and Merlefest Bluegrass stars are in your reach Repeat Chorus Verse 3: Wingate and Wake Forest Shine with Southern pride In Raleigh, Boone, and Monroe You can still get chicken fried From Asheville down to Wilmington And through Catawba Falls A piece of Heaven’s waiting I hear Carolina call Repeat chorus End: I’ll be back in Carolina before long
Reply
Hurricane Sandy
To all of my fans and friends in the path of Hurricane Sandy: My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Please be safe and evacuate your area if necessary. God Bless you all. Sincerely, Shane
Reply
Song Plays and Fans
For the past 3 days now, I have seen an increase in my song plays and new fans. I really appreciate the expanded interest in my music and songwriting. My local, national, and global ranks are moving upward and I am very pleased with that. I will definately add additional songs on my playlist as I record them. Please let me know what you want to hear. I love it when fans and friends write to me. Feel free to drop me a line or offer suggestions any time via ReverbNation, Facebook or email me at theguitarman@att.net. Also you all are welcome to call me on my cell phone (336) 681-8632.
Reply
Happy July 4th to my ReverbNation family
I would like to wish my ReverbNation fans and friends a happy and safe Independence Day. Take time to give thanks for our freedom. God Bless all of you. Sincerely, Shane
Reply
Legacy
My music is a bridge linking the past, present, and future. During my shows, I perform Hank Snow songs such as "I've Been Everywhere" and "Music Making Mama From Memphis." I also perform my latest compositions such as "Downtown Gate City Blues." Classic Rock covers such as "Bad Bad Leroy Brown" and "I Only Want To Be With You" are included in most of my gigs. Music is a timeless journey and I have a passion for traditional songs. We must always remember our heritage and be aware of the history we are making today.
Reply
Dick Clark 1929-2012
Dick Clark's everlasting contributions to American entertainment have made a positive impact on our culture. We will be forever young because of his influence and optimism. From American Bandstand to the game shows he hosted to his New Year's Eve shows, his youthful vigor touched us all. He will always be America's eternal teenager. God Bless You, Mr. Clark.
Reply