West Texas Sun

Nanci Griffith · There's A Light Beyond These Woods [1990]

Wash away the tears, all the angry times we shared

All the feelings and the sorrows, come and gone

We have let them slip away, because I'm standing here today

And I'm smiling at your old west Texas sun



I remember times when you'd weathered out my mind

But you always had a peaceful word to say

And you could always bring a smile, mischief in your eyes

Still, I'm glad the miles keep me separate from your games



You know you're still as wild as those old west Texas plains

Standing by the highway, do you still call my name?

Lord, I can't believe it's been such a long, long time

Since I've seen that Texas boy smile



Well, I'll be heading out of town, I may stop by next time around

Hell, it's raining, but at least that's something real

I came shackled down, with fears about our dreams and wasted years

And now I know exactly how to feel



Wash away the tears, all the angry times we shared

All the feelings and the sorrows, come and gone

We have let them slip away, because I'm standing here today

Smiling at your old west Texas sun

West Texas Sun

Nanci Griffith's "West Texas Sun" serves as a quintessential example of her signature acoustic storytelling, blending folk and country traditions with a distinctively warm, sun-drenched atmosphere. Recorded on the 1990 album "There's A Light Beyond These Woods," the track exemplifies Griffith's ability to weave lyrical narratives that evoke specific places and moods without resorting to cliché. Her voice, characterized by its gentle resonance and conversational delivery, anchors the recording, inviting listeners into a reflective state often associated with her work during the early 1990s. The song reflects the broader tapestry of her discography, where she frequently explores themes of isolation, connection, and the American landscape through intricate harmonies and sparse instrumentation. As a staple of her catalog, "West Texas Sun" remains a defining piece that showcases her enduring influence on the acoustic folk revival and her mastery of creating intimate, evocative soundscapes.