samantha crain, “big rock”
from: under branch & thorn & tree, 2015
“Stuck on a rock in the middle of the river
Stuck on a rock with my worries so wide
How do I smile and wave as they pass me by?
I’m stuck on a rock until the bed runs dry
The house that I live in should be condemned
The car that I drive doesn’t drive
They say I should be happy for my friends living high
But I’m stuck on a rock for the longest time
But it’s a big rock
A big flat rock
Make myself a little home
Even though I’m all alone
The view’s alright
I just need a small drought
Not much of a drought
So I can get the water level down
Get my feet back on the ground this time
Stuck in between floors on the elevator
Stuck in a box with my worries so tall
How do I smile when my ride going up has stalled?
I’m stuck in a box while they’re all on the job
But it’s a big box
A pretty good box
Make myself a little home
Even though I’m all alone
I’ve got some time
I just need a great thought
That I can write down
Let it grow here and incubate
No matter if I end up late this time”
Samantha Crain was a powerlifter in high school. She has continued lifting her powers as a moving singer songwriter. Her compositions move easily between folk, indirock and Native American influences. But she also enlists string sections, horn arrangements and choral technique layering of her own voice to expand her artistic range. In a word, these records are crafted top to bottom. In “Big Rock,” reminiscent of J.J. Cale’s guitar sound, the tune’s catchy pace, optimism and her distinctly humane phrasing make it officially slyly wily.
Here’s the record cover from which “Big Rock” emanates!