by Elaine Ernst Schneider
"I call her firefly, 'cause, oh my, she radiates moonglow ..."
When the sidewalks are rolled up, the Bobwhite quail are cuddled in their nests, and the Tennessee horses are resting from their walks, then it's time to settle in on the side of a hill to watch the fireflies put on an evening show of lights and whimsy. Tony Bennett understood the "Firefly." He knew the glitter that it brought "when the sun (went) down." No doubt he'd been to Nashville.
The Force of Time
Nestled along the banks of the Cumberland River, Nashville began as Fort Nashborough, built on what was called the French Lick and named for Revolutionary War general Francis Nash. Explorers, hunters, and settlers poured in, drawn to the promise of a better life. It's not too different today. The Tammy Wynette hit "My Elusive Dreams" chronicles a man's journey from town to town, including a trek to Tennessee, "where he heard of work in Nashville."Just as time has uplifted and eroded the land to create such spectacular miracles of nature as the Nashville Dome, and the Cumberland River has likewise carved out its niche over time, so has Nashville made its place as a metropolitan urbanity with a thriving economy. Nashville's industrial boom took place in the early 1900's, the result of inexpensive electric power offered by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Today, Nashville boasts businesses that headquarter insurance and finance companies as well as several large printing and publishing houses. Workers may also find jobs in glass, clothing, and shoe manufacturing plants, tire companies, and heating and cooling equipment factories. It's no wonder that many a Nashville traveler decides to stay awhile, believing he'll see "Better Days" in "Nashville…" and be able "to get some money."
City of Dreams
It's been said that all roads to country music begin and end in Nashville. Consider the implications of that statement. Somebody's done you wrong? In the mood for a "Brand New Tennessee Waltz"? Go to Nashville and sing about it. Who knows? Maybe you'll become a star.Marty Stuart referred to himself as a dreamer in his February 2000 InReview article. And Marty opined that Nashville was the place for dreamers. He traveled 430 miles on a Greyhound Bus just to get there!
It's a scary prospect starting out with nothing more than a dream, but the courageous make the trip. Austin Lounge Lizards told of a fellow who was warned, "Do Not Go to Tennessee" in a song by that title. But the hero made the trek anyhow, singing "I was goin' out to Nashville. I was gonna be a star. I would have my name inlaid between the frets of my guitar." Things turned out pretty well for that country troubadour, as the lyrics go on to say, "I got a deal with MCA ... a #1 hit song."
Another recipient of an MCA contract, according to the "Workin' for MCA" song lyrics, testified that success wasn't always instant. Lynyrd Skynyard sings, "Seven years of hard luck … up in Nashville, Tennessee…I worked in every joint you can name, yes, every honky tonk…(but) I signed my contract, baby…They're gonna … make me a superstar."
The Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville celebrates such successes. And Grand Old Opry is still showcasing new talent, as it has since 1925. John Michael Montgomery explains about the Opry in his song "It's What I Am."
I got my first guitar when I was just a boy
I was playing the blues instead of playing with toys.
Listening to the Opry and daydreaming of those neon lights…
Nashville in my sights.
Julian Austin had an eye on neon lights in the song "Diamond." Traveling along in an old truck that "hit the highway (with) Nashville the next stop," the would-be singer dreamed that he would see "his name up in neon lights." Before the song ends, our dreamer has been discovered at the Bluebird Café. He is soon to be "sold out in every town."
Not just a fantasy place in some songwriter's head, the Bluebird Café is a real live jumping-off point for today's country music talent. Kathy Mattea and Garth Brooks both got their starts there. Blues, country, and folk music--you can't beat the shows.
Those folks "born and raised" in Nashville might tell you that playing guitar and writing country music just "comes with the territory." The Lovin' Spoonful's "Nashville Cats" lyrics explain.
Well, there's sixteen thousand eight hundred 'n twenty-one mothers from Nashville.
All their friends play music and they ain't uptight if one of the kids will,
Because it's custom made for any mother's son to be a guitar picker in Nashville.
Dance Away Without Me
Not every Nashville lyric is a testimonial of good news. Waylon Jennings didn't hit the "big time" right at first and he queried country music cohorts, "Are You Sure Hank Done it This Way?" Jennings related his story in that song's lyrics, explaining, "Somebody told me when I came to Nashville…'Ole Hank made it here and we're all sure that you will.' But I don't think Hank done it this-a way."Lyrically speaking, the Indigo Girls "came to (Nashville) with half-open hearts, dreams … and illusions of a brand new start," but they said Nashville didn't give them "half a chance with its southern style ... and whispers." As far as the Indigo Girls were concerned, the folks in the heart-of-country-music city could just "dance away" without them, and they made that perfectly clear in their song, "Nashville."
Country Crows sang about Maria who "came from Nashville with a suitcase in her hand." She obviously had left the City of Dreams. But, then, who can judge by Maria? She trucked out of that town too, leaving the poor fellow who loved her with a heavy heart and the memory "'Round Here" of a girl who would always be "on (his) mind."
Even those native to Nashville don't always stay. And that's tricky business for sure. The lyrics of Jimmy Buffet's "West Nashville Grand Ballroom Gown" hint at debutante rebellion as a young girl found herself "a long way from West Nashville … and society's plan."
In the Indigo Girls' "Nashville," the lyrics suggested that the "town is made for people passing through." An interesting thought. And not one that others haven't entertained.
Just Passin' Through
Used Cars gave up the names of several places on their "trip list" in the song "Land of Rock." Nashville was among the towns heading the list. "I wanna be in Nashville," they sang, "in the home of country." There's good interstate to get there, you know.Saxon let us in on a tour made by a "Midnight Rider" who was "rollin' right on through the USA…driving into Nashville on the interstate highway." Melissa Etheridge packed her bags and laid out a trip through "Tucson up to Santa Fe…" then on to "Nashville (where Barbara said they were) welcome to stay." Then to sweeten the deal, Etheridge threw in the final enticement for which the song is entitled, "You Can Sleep While I Drive." Well, who wouldn't take her up on that one?
Whether you are there for the long run or just passin' through, be sure to take a gander at Nashville's Frist Center for the Visual Arts. Opened in May of 2001 in the revitalized downtown post office, The Frist Center houses exhibits year round. And stop by the Parthenon at Centennial Park. A giant statue of Athena welcomes you to the only exact replica of Athens' temple. In complete contrast to the Parthenon is Andrew Jackson's home, The Hermitage, located--as you might imagine--on Old Hickory Boulevard.
But when it's all said and done, and you're driving away from the country music city, put "Nashville Skyline" in your car's CD player. You'll want to remember the "feel" of the city that is fast disappearing in your car's rearview mirror. Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash did some pickin' and grinnin' for this good-time CD that will have you bouncing along with the music rather than the road.
So chalk it up for a good visit. And I hope you spied a firefly while you were there.
Elaine Ernst Schneider is a freelance writer and music teacher. She has been writing since high school and has published articles, songs, and children's work. Presently, Elaine is a curriculum author for Group Publishing and Managing Editor for www.lessontutor.com.
