Nashville" is an Amy Ray song, written about her experiences at

Vanderbilt U. As Emily said, "She didn't fit in." This song

originally appeared on "Color Me Grey," and then on "Blue Food."

Occasionally, it would feature a cool harmonica part by Sandy

Garfinkle. Emily, by the way, claims to hate playing this song,

which is pretty odd, considering it's still in their repetoire, and

likely will be on the next album. This particular version of the

lyrics is compiled from ten different versions, so it's really kind

of a "best of." Whatever I heard most often.





Nashville.



As I drive from your pearly gates

I realize that I just can't stay

All those mountains, they kept you locked inside

And hid the truth from my slotted eyes



I came to you with a half-open heart

Dreams upon my back - illusions of a brand new start

Nashville, can't I carry the load?

Is it my fault that I can't reap what I sow?

Nashville, did you give me half a chance

With your southern style, and your hidden dance away?

(Now you dance away, now you dance away)



All those voices, they whisper through my walls

They said I was falling fast, they say I'm losing it all

They say I'm running blind to love of my own

But I'll be walking proud - I save what I still own



I fell on my knees to kiss your land

But you are so far down

And I can't even see to stand in Nashville

You forgot the human race

You see with have a mind

What colors are the face?

Nashville, I'd like to know your fate

I'd like to stay a while

But I've seen your lowered states today

(I've seen them today, honey, I swear I've seen them today)



Now I'm leaving - I've got all these debts to pay

You know we all have our dues - I'll pay 'em some other place

I'd never ask that you pay me back

We all arrive with more - I left with less than I had



Your town is made for people passing through

A last chance for a cause I thought I knew

But, Nashville, you tell me what you're gonna do

With all your Southern style - it'll never pull you through

Nashville, I can't place no blame

But if you forget my face I'll never call your name again

(No, never again, never again)



I fell on my knees to kiss your land

But you are so far down

And I can't even see to stand in Nashville

You forgot the human race

You see with half a mind

What colors are the face?

Nashville, I'd like to know your fate

I'd like to stay a while

But I've seen your lowered states today

(I've seen them today, honey, I swear I've seen them today

I'm running away, I'm running away

I'm running, I'm running, I'm running away