#dublinblues

“Well, I wish I was in Austin,

In the Chili Parlor Bar

Drinkin’ Mad Dog Margaritas

And not carin’ where you are”

Guy Clark "Dublin Blues"

I have a top three favorite artists, and it goes as follows: 1. George Strait, 2. Guy Clark, and 3. Merle Haggard. Today, I'm delighted to share one of my favorite songs of all time, written and performed by my number two. 

I wish I was in Austin in the Chili Parlor bar drinkin' Mad Dog Margaritas and not carin' where you are

Truth be told, shortly after moving to Austin, I went to the Texas Chili Parlor in an attempt to try and walk in Guy's shoes. I sat in the wooden bar, ate some damn good chili, drank a Mad Dog Margarita, and gazed at the walls as if I could feel what inspired Guy to write this song. It was a cool thought, but no such magic occurred for me that day. However, anytime I go back there, I can't help but think of Guy Clark. 

I'll spare y'all my rendition of Guy Clark's well-known history, talents and accomplishments. But it's important to know today, that Guy is from Monahans, Texas.

I have been deeply moved and inspired by Guy Clark's songwriting for a while now. The second time I got to see him was in late 2012 here in Austin. He performed sitting down, with his buddy Verlon Thompson, in a small, dark, quiet theater on the UT campus. He even stumbled through a couple song requests (by some annoying, drunk attendees), forgetting some of the words. But that didn't matter to me. Being in the second row in front of one of my idols was enough to keep my engrossed for days. His performance resonated so much in me, that I knew I had to write a song about it. I even started jotting down lines on my phone in the middle of his set! I know that's really bad etiquette, but as a songwriter, I'd like to think he'd understand that sudden stroke of inspiration. I finished that song in the next couple of days, and it's one that I'm very proud of (listen here).

I went to Nashville for my first time this past January. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Brennen Leigh and Noel McKay were playing at The Station Inn one night, and guess who ended up sitting ten feet from me... I met Guy after their show, shook his hand nervously, told him that he had a huge influence on me, and to have a good night. He asked for my name, thanked me, and said goodnight. Turns out almost everything I predicted in my song had become a very real feeling during those brief moments. I'll never forget that day.