"WILDFIRE"

[alandhopewell]

I've always had country songs that I liked, but "Wildfire" is my all-time fave. I first heard it on the Big 8, CKLW, when it came out in '75, and was mesmerized. The melody, the lyrics, and the story in particular fascinated me, to the point that I spent time poring over books on folklore to find the legend the song was based on. When I bought the 45, I wore it out listening to it over and over.

[Dawn]

I've always liked this song a lot, too, especially the album version with the piano intro and ending. Very intriguing, mysterious lyrics.

[Beatles4ever]

Such a hauntingly beautiful song....I've always loved it.

[H2IZCOOL]

Beautiful mysterious song.

What is the legend, BTW?

[Ken]

A great tune, I first heard it on Ktel's Music Express album back in '75.

[Wldpuma]

Yep,

That's an awesome song traxx!

[alandhopewell]

h2izcool said:

Beautiful mysterious song.

What is the legend, BTW?

As it develops, there is none...the thing is, there is a folklore motif, called the "stormbringer", generally a ghost that's a harbinger of storms or other bad weather. If you'll recall, she (and the pony) died in a blizzard, and there's the line that says she rides "with a whirlwind by her side...." so, I'd surmised that there WAS a legend, and went digging for it.

[boogieman68]

One of my favorites from '75. To this day it's the only song that has ever made me cry. I'm sentimental for animals and it is such an emotional song.

[Cool Hand Logan]

Love that song.

[gremashlo]

This song is creepy as hell, especially as I am from Nebraska--it indicates that our horses are skittish; our barn stalls are made out of papier mache; and that our womenfolk go charging out into blizzard conditions apparently wearing nothing more than a nightgown (and that our men would rather stay inside and sing about their frozen demise than rescue them). Plus, our weather turns from "killler frosts" to blizzards within seconds--which actually is true.

[alandhopewell]

gremashlo said:

This song is creepy as hell, especially as I am from Nebraska--it indicates that our horses are skittish; our barn stalls are made out of papier mache; and that our womenfolk go charging out into blizzard conditions apparently wearing nothing more than a nightgown (and that our men would rather stay inside and sing about their frozen demise than rescue them). Plus, our weather turns from "killler frosts" to blizzards within seconds--which actually is true.

Nebraska's really hit, music-wise, eh...you've got "Wildfire", Loose Bedspring's "Nebraska", which is about Charles Starkweather, and Richard Marxs' "Hazard", about another dead female.

[H2IZCOOL]

alandhopewell said:

gremashlo said:

This song is creepy as hell, especially as I am from Nebraska--it indicates that our horses are skittish; our barn stalls are made out of papier mache; and that our womenfolk go charging out into blizzard conditions apparently wearing nothing more than a nightgown (and that our men would rather stay inside and sing about their frozen demise than rescue them). Plus, our weather turns from "killler frosts" to blizzards within seconds--which actually is true.

Nebraska's really hit, music-wise, eh...you've got "Wildfire", Loose Bedspring's "Nebraska", which is about Charles Starkweather, and Richard Marxs' "Hazard", about another dead female.

And don't forget the 76-39 massacre at the hands of Kansas. --

Oops, sorry Grem. Shouldn't have mentioned it.

[gremashlo]

h2izcool said:

alandhopewell said:

Nebraska's really hit, music-wise, eh...you've got "Wildfire", Loose Bedspring's "Nebraska", which is about Charles Starkweather, and Richard Marxs' "Hazard", about another dead female.

And don't forget the 76-39 massacre at the hands of Kansas. --

Oops, sorry Grem. Shouldn't have mentioned it.

AAAAUGH! It WASN'T A DREAM??? AIEEEEEEE!

Now we'll have to walk around worshiping Dorothy and the Tin Woodsman! AND I have to marry my cousin!

NAH--a dedicated minority of Kansans don't marry their cousins.

[gremashlo]

alandhopewell said:

gremashlo said:

This song is creepy as hell, especially as I am from Nebraska--it indicates that our horses are skittish; our barn stalls are made out of papier mache; and that our womenfolk go charging out into blizzard conditions apparently wearing nothing more than a nightgown (and that our men would rather stay inside and sing about their frozen demise than rescue them). Plus, our weather turns from "killler frosts" to blizzards within seconds--which actually is true.

Nebraska's really hit, music-wise, eh...you've got "Wildfire", Loose Bedspring's "Nebraska", which is about Charles Starkweather, and Richard Marxs' "Hazard", about another dead female.

Bob Seger's "Turn the Page" also mentions Omaha in a less than cuddly manner...but, Omaha is the destination for the trucker in "Convoy", as well as the site for the four "young chiquitas" in "We're an American Band"...so it's a wash.