Joe Ely (born February 9, 1947) is an Austin, Texas, honky-tonk/country musician. Ely, born in Amarillo, spent his formative years from age 12 in Lubbock, Texas.
Shortly after high school, in 1970, with fellow Lubbock musicians Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock, he formed The Flatlanders. According to Ely, "Jimmie was like a well of country music. He knew everything about it. And Butch was from the folk world. I was kinda the rock & roll guy, and we almost had a triad.
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#----------------------------------PLEASE NOTE---------------------------------# #This file is the author's own work and represents their interpretation of the # #song. You may only use this file for private study, scholarship, or research. # #------------------------------------------------------------------------------# #
Date: 10/16/96; 2:13:00 PM From: "Krall, Steve" Subject: Joe Ely: Highways and Heartaches
Highways and Heartaches Written and performed by Joe Ely As appearing on the album, Love and Danger Transcribed by Steve Krall ([email protected])
This is a pretty simple song....the verses are primarily one chord. Listen to the album to understand what's going on.
Highways and Heartaches
Intro: GCG
Verse 1: G Leaving California G She is on my mind G I left her back in Travis County G Crying to a clothesline
D Steel guitar on the radio, Cuttin' slow and mean I brought home the bottle She just wanted beans
Chorus GC Highways and heartaches GC Go together like you and me GC Do you ever think about it GC When the night is sad and lonely.
Verse 2: I wonder if she's watching TV Cryin' with soap opera stars I wonder if she's seen it in me Or if we've gone to far.
Look at all the lovers, Runnin' from their past Gassin' up just to get somewhere But goin' nowhere fast
Chorus
Bridge: D Do you ever think about it When the night is sad and lonely
Verse 3: Runnin' away don't stop the pain It just delays the cryin' What's left unsaid is better swallowed Is covered up with lyin'
Though the song is over I can still hear the steel guitar's And though the past is gone for good It still helps to swallow hard.