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John Barleycorn

from All the Way Home by Ben Travis

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about

This song was actually written by my dad, Gerald Travis. I'm not sure when he wrote it, but it's a pretty poignant song when you realize that he was never really able to say "it's the end" to alcohol, and this probably had a lot to do with his dying at age 56.

I redid the song with a different rhythm and a much higher quality, but I put his original song in at the end, so it segues from me singing his song to him singing his song.

lyrics

You told me that I was so smart
You told me that I was so strong
I didn't think I'd ever leave you
But you've been around me too long

(chorus)
You put up a good fight I know
But I'm telling you it's the end
Even though you're still out there for me
John Barleycorn you're not a good friend

When it was time to celebrate
You were right there with me each day
But you were taking all my time
Driving some good friends away
[to chorus]

Sometimes I still miss you, you know
We went out again and again
But now it's fun just to wake up
And remember where I have been
[to chorus]

credits

from All the Way Home, track released June 1, 2004

license

all rights reserved

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about

Ben Travis image

Ben Travis Nashville, Tennessee

I’m a Nashville-based audio engineer and producer. I work primarily with singer/songwriters and bands with original music to help them create a musical product they can be proud of without paying the prices of major studios.

I'm also an independent artist and songwriter. My music invites listeners to think and ask meaningful questions about the world around them. ... more

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