Rod Mcneil
Tim O'Brien · Other Songs - Tim O'Brien
Out of trial and error and gigs that I've played
It might be the money or the town that it's in
But mostly it's people make you come back again
There was one little place that I played every year
It's outside of Pittsburgh and I guess it's still there
Just a little old Moose lodge, the crowd was okay
But you'd never got rich from the money they'd pay
It's mostly been silent since Rod was around
That place used to ring with a bluegrassy sound
And I'll never forget the way he made me feel
A big man with a bigger heart, named Rod McNeil
You might arrive tired and dark in a gloom
Then he'd buy a big dinner and pay for your room
Pete Rowan would hug him and call him his dad
That day the lonely road didn't seem bad
Well, I saw this and said that I'd buy it for Tim
Didn't I Marty, he'd say with a grin
And I keep that toy fiddle on my window sill
To remind me of Rod and those gray Pittsburgh hills
Now it's mostly been silent since Rod was around
But that place used to ring with a bluegrassy sound
And I'll never forget the way he made me feel
A big man with a big heart, named Rod McNeil
Rod Mcneil
Tim O'Brien's "Rod Mcneil" stands as a testament to his deep engagement with traditional English folk music. Known for his distinctive acoustic guitar style and clear, emotive vocals, O'Brien has built a career on interpreting and revitalizing songs from the British Isles. This track reflects his commitment to the genre, showcasing the narrative storytelling and melodic simplicity characteristic of his work. While O'Brien is often celebrated for his original compositions, his recordings of traditional material highlight his versatility and respect for the folk canon. The song fits within a broader discography that bridges American and British folk traditions, offering listeners a glimpse into the rich tapestry of songs he has helped preserve and popularize through his extensive recordings.

