Cimarron County

We all need somewhere to live something to eat and someone to love

In this world enough, there’s enough to go round

If it wasn’t for greed, well just how hard can that be

We’re all trying to live the simple life, use what we need and just get by

It’s nice to have a little drink and smoke

I dedicate to heaven above the gifts I have and all my love

You’ve got enough why worry if you’re broke

Cimarron, Cimarron County

The pamphlet said come to Boise City

We got tree-lined streets paved with gold

You can start your new life in Boise City Business is good, land you can hold

Cimarron, Cimarron County

So we sold all we had which was little

Pointing towards our distant star

Headed out west like a pioneer Saying goodbye to Wichita

But there’s no sign of the railroad

The trees have all gone the well is run dry

Stanley and Kline are in Leavenworth

If we don’t get some rain we’re all gonna die

We’re all alone with the dust storms

No-one to help us nowhere to run

My wife and my kids are all sick now

I pray O God what have I done

Cimarron …..

We all need ……

Composition Notes

I became fascinated by the 'dustbowl' in the US those black and white moving images of the soil blowing away and the settlers having to run away or die. Then I read about Oklahoma and how it was promised to the First Nations after they were evicted from everywhere else but even Oklahoma was exploited for settlers. Although I hadn't been to America at the time I felt connected to the situation somehow.

At the time I was doing a lot with Country music so this is inspired by the storytelling style of Steve Earle. I wanted the middle section to sound like being blown away in a dust storm.

Written and recorded February 2015