Ballad of the Crimson Kings - Ray Wylie Hubbard live performance

They're this band called the Crimson Kings
Come from a-Carolina, Tennessee
Make our stand across wild strings
Old dreadnoughts and drop-down D's
Our roots run deep, true and tough
As the tree of life lays down the mandolin
We don't flinch, oh and we don't bluff
For our hearts have been kissed by hickory wind

There are some who can arise above blind faith
Others just can't seem to pray
Then there are those that are condemned by the gods to write
They sparkle and they fade away

Now we'll run, we're the reckless kind
But we have not turned our backs on the savior choir
See each life, all center-twined
So we've come together for with the wheels on fire

Now some don't know that they are blessed
Perhaps this is what gives their sorrows ease
Well I might be wrong, oh, nevertheless
Sweet mother of pearl, say a prayer for a Crimson King

There are some who can arise above my fate
Others just can't seem to pray
Then there are those that are condemned by the gods to write
They sparkle and they fade away

There are some who can arise above blind fate
Others just can't seem to pray
Then there are those that are condemned by the gods to write
They sparkle and they fade away
Sparkle and they fade away
Sparkle and they fade away

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excellent video edit by bloodmeridian at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98jlLxpRu0A

if you like Ray's music he is quite prolific re: song writing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YybZSormD_4&list=PLuTGtzvg6wtD4EPYKNRhwbc6qr-jyQhma

one of my many faves of his, 'Drunken Poet's Dream' :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30m54CkyIKo&list=PLuTGtzvg6wtD4EPYKNRhwbc6qr-jyQhma&index=5