Gulf Coast Highway
Nanci Griffith · Little Love Affairs [2009]
He worked the rice fields with their cold dark wells
He worked the oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico
The only thing we've ever owned is this old house here by the road
And when he dies, he says he'll catch some blackbird's wing
He will fly away to heaven, come some sweet blue bonnet spring
She walked through springtime when I was home
The days were sweet, the nights were warm
The seasons changed, the jobs would come
The flowers fade and this old house felt so alone
When the work took me away
And when she dies, she says she'll catch some blackbird's wing
And she will fly away to heaven, come some sweet blue bonnet spring
Highway 90, the jobs are gone
We tilled our garden, we set the sun
This is the only place on earth blue bonnets grow
And once a year they come and go at this old house here by the road
And when we die, we say we'll catch some blackbird's wing
And we will fly away to heaven, come some sweet blue bonnet spring
Yes, when we die, we say we'll catch some blackbird's wing
And we will fly away together, come some sweet blue bonnet spring
Gulf Coast Highway
Nanci Griffith's 'Gulf Coast Highway' stands as a poignant addition to her discography, reflecting her signature blend of folk, Americana, and storytelling. Recorded for the 2009 album 'Little Love Affairs,' the track exemplifies her ability to weave personal narrative with broader social observation. Griffith's voice, characterized by its warmth and emotional depth, delivers lyrics that explore themes of isolation and connection along the coastal landscape. As a key figure in the American folk revival, she continues to produce recordings that honor traditional songwriting structures while addressing contemporary realities. This work contributes to her extensive body of work, which has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated following for its lyrical clarity and musical integrity.