Autumn In The Northland

Prairie Anthem

Autumn has always been my favorite time of year. In the northland there’s something special about the beautiful vibrant and contrasting colors in the trees, the air, the sky and fields. Oh, and that big ‘ol harvest moon….It’s a time of harvest and Halloween pranks, a time to honor soldiers and a time for giving thanks.

I have many fond memories
Autumn has always been my favorite time of year. In the northland there’s something special about the beautiful vibrant and contrasting colors in the trees, the air, the sky and fields. Oh, and that big ‘ol harvest moon….It’s a time of harvest and Halloween pranks, a time to honor soldiers and a time for giving thanks.

I have many fond memories associated with Fall/Autumn in the northland from playing outside when I was younger to taking walks or car and bike rides in my later years.

In the northland, we have a variety of seasons. I love them all and enjoy what each season brings. You might choose another, but Autumn gives me something no other season does.
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Homemade

Prairie Anthem

These 12 songs are a compilation of singles that have been released over the past couple of years on streaming services. The pandemic changed things for us. Playing it safe, we decided to not record in a studio as we did on our first album, but opted to utilize our home studios. We recorded and mixed remotely, sharing files and ideas. The sound
These 12 songs are a compilation of singles that have been released over the past couple of years on streaming services. The pandemic changed things for us. Playing it safe, we decided to not record in a studio as we did on our first album, but opted to utilize our home studios. We recorded and mixed remotely, sharing files and ideas. The sound engineering/mixing required a huge learning curve for both of us that continues to this day. We also developed a healthy respect for the professionals!

As for the album title, we looked for themes or threads that ran through each song. Because we wrote, recorded and mixed these songs in our homes it seemed fitting to title it “Homemade”.

Finally, we would like to offer a special thanks to our families who encourage and support our music and to our “groupie friends” who loyally show up at our gigs and request our songs. This is a very satisfying and fun ride!
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The Farmhouse

Prairie Anthem

On this debut album release, the duo Prairie Anthem, explores simple truths about home, family and life's lessons. Their guitar interplay and tight vocal harmonies create a unique musical platform for their lyrics. Adding guest artists contributing mandolin, fiddle, pedal steel, bass, drums and percussion to select tracks serves to sweeten and
On this debut album release, the duo Prairie Anthem, explores simple truths about home, family and life's lessons. Their guitar interplay and tight vocal harmonies create a unique musical platform for their lyrics. Adding guest artists contributing mandolin, fiddle, pedal steel, bass, drums and percussion to select tracks serves to sweeten and spice their tasty songs.
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Six String Salute

Prairie Anthem

Throughout our country’s history people have served to protect and defend us. Without these good people making the sacrifice we would not enjoy our freedom. This song is dedicated to those who have served in war and peacetime and their loved ones, who also make their own sacrifices.

I used a couple cliché’s, but they ring true for me. “Freedom
Throughout our country’s history people have served to protect and defend us. Without these good people making the sacrifice we would not enjoy our freedom. This song is dedicated to those who have served in war and peacetime and their loved ones, who also make their own sacrifices.

I used a couple cliché’s, but they ring true for me. “Freedom isn’t free” and “All gave some and some gave all”, say it best and most folks can relate. I wanted to include the loved ones because they too make their own kind of sacrifice for our freedom.

In the end this song is just a straightforward heartfelt simple tribute, a thank you and an expression of my gratitude to the service men and women and their loved ones. I will never forget!
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Opinions

Prairie Anthem

You may ask, what inspired this song? Due to the proliferation of social media, news outlets evolving into opinion-based formats, and a world where we are bombarded with information and issues of the day, is it any wonder that there is an abundance of opinions? Is it also any wonder that there is so much divisiveness amongst us?

I believe
You may ask, what inspired this song? Due to the proliferation of social media, news outlets evolving into opinion-based formats, and a world where we are bombarded with information and issues of the day, is it any wonder that there is an abundance of opinions? Is it also any wonder that there is so much divisiveness amongst us?

I believe opinions are an important part of our life. For me, they guide me in my daily decisions, help to keep me safe, cause me to take action or not, etc. One definition of opinions I found is, “a belief based on experience and on certain fact, but not amounting to sure knowledge”. I find this true in my life. I have changed my opinions many times based on new information. I think opinions are where we intersect or disconnect. It is the place where we agree, disagree, seek common ground and possibly grow.

So how/why do opinions become a lightning rod and cause such a wide divide at times? Speaking for myself, it’s when they are expressed with negative overtones like hate, ridicule and lies. I don’t mind a debate, but I won’t engage with those who won’t accept the principles of decency and mutual respect. Is it really necessary to denigrate the person with opposing views to express your own? I admit I fall short many times, but as hard as it may be, I try to give respect to the person holding an opposing view. Writing this song, helped me sort out issues having to do with opinions. Hope it does the same for you…. even if you disagree.
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Originals

Prairie Anthem

As humans, we share certain characteristics, but there is only one of us. We are truly all originals. There never has been, nor will be, another one of you or me. Everything from our smile to our DNA makes us unique. We interpret our own reality, based on what we learn from independent thought and the things we’ve been taught and it helps shape
As humans, we share certain characteristics, but there is only one of us. We are truly all originals. There never has been, nor will be, another one of you or me. Everything from our smile to our DNA makes us unique. We interpret our own reality, based on what we learn from independent thought and the things we’ve been taught and it helps shape our personality.

From birth to death, we have an opportunity to leave our mark on humanity. I not only think about the effect we have during our lifetime, but also what we leave for future generations. Some take advantage of this gift of opportunity and others squander it.

We come in different shapes and size, different color hair and eyes; differences in gender, age and race. Regardless of our internal thoughts and beliefs and outward physical appearances, we are wonders, one and all! I believe that if we give a greater value to these differences and if we share a sacred bond of unity, we as a human race, are stronger exponentially!
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Maybe

Prairie Anthem

Inspired by the many dimensions, possibilities and unexpected nature of love and relationships. When it comes to love, you never know. This couple seems to have lost theirs. In their search, the guy is offering up some places to look and encouraging an open mind about the many possibilities for what might have become of it and the potential
Inspired by the many dimensions, possibilities and unexpected nature of love and relationships. When it comes to love, you never know. This couple seems to have lost theirs. In their search, the guy is offering up some places to look and encouraging an open mind about the many possibilities for what might have become of it and the potential causes. Maybe it carelessly fell out of their grasp, or maybe one of them had a momentary lapse.

He talks in terms of “we” and “one of us” as if there is a possibility she may be at fault. He makes a passionate plea and explains that this has happened before and maybe they’ll find it again.

Lastly, he declares that it may not be either one’s fault. “Maybe someone came along and stole it: maybe we’ll never know the facts”. He can only hope. In desperation, he makes one last appeal, “when it comes to love you never know, you never know”. She listened, but did she buy it? Maybe…..
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Miracles and Majesty

Prairie Anthem

Maybe it’s because I’m getting older. Maybe it’s because of the times we live in. This song is about my appreciation and gratitude for all the beauty in this world. From the sunrises and sunsets to the birds singing to the clear blue water and all the other wonderful things and people in this world. It’s impossible to list all the beautiful things
Maybe it’s because I’m getting older. Maybe it’s because of the times we live in. This song is about my appreciation and gratitude for all the beauty in this world. From the sunrises and sunsets to the birds singing to the clear blue water and all the other wonderful things and people in this world. It’s impossible to list all the beautiful things in one song, but this is my feeble attempt to capture the essence of my thoughts and feelings within these lyrics.

Every day I see the miracles and majesty surrounding us. I wish everyone had this appreciation. If we did, we would take much better care of this planet and every creature living here. There are some who believe the world is here to serve us and they take what it has to offer without concern for the consequences. There will be consequences….. My hope is to provoke thought and generate awareness about what we are doing to our world. If we don’t support this planet, it will not support us.

So, take in all the beauty around you and experience it with all your senses. You don’t need to understand it to appreciate it. You don’t need to take a great deal of time. In fact, just inhale a breath of fresh air and experience how your mind and body responds. I would like future generations to enjoy all of this beauty just as we do. We truly do have so much to be thankful for – miracles and majesty!
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Goin' Walkin'

Prairie Anthem

Huh? What? Was there an expectation? Anyone who is or has been in a relationship may relate to this situation. Communication (or lack thereof) it is said, is the cause of many conflicts. Without words, as imperfect as they are, they are still crucial to establish expectations. This guy is getting a lesson on this.

Maybe his actions led her to
Huh? What? Was there an expectation? Anyone who is or has been in a relationship may relate to this situation. Communication (or lack thereof) it is said, is the cause of many conflicts. Without words, as imperfect as they are, they are still crucial to establish expectations. This guy is getting a lesson on this.

Maybe his actions led her to believe something other than he intended. Maybe she read into his actions a little too much. Maybe she heard him say things and she interpreted them differently than what he intended. It happens… Either way, now it’s time to discuss it. He’s tempted to blurt out what he’s thinking/feeling, but perhaps past experience tells him to slow down, buy some time, take a walk and think about it.

He’s learning. He’s becoming more sensitive. He doesn’t want to discount her feelings, so he makes a deal…. Give me some time for self-reflection and I won’t dispute your recollection. He’s goin’ walkin’. This song is inspired by some of the walks I have taken and some I wish I would have taken.
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Outlaw's Prayer

Prairie Anthem

Even this hardened cowboy outlaw has a soft spot for his loyal and trusted friend, Willy Boy. This horse has got him out of a lot of tight spots and kept him one step ahead of the law for years.

However, he realizes after a long day’s ride that Willy Boy is worn out from runnin’. He comes to a realization that “it’s the end of the ride”.

On
Even this hardened cowboy outlaw has a soft spot for his loyal and trusted friend, Willy Boy. This horse has got him out of a lot of tight spots and kept him one step ahead of the law for years.

However, he realizes after a long day’s ride that Willy Boy is worn out from runnin’. He comes to a realization that “it’s the end of the ride”.

On bended knee with hat in hand and Willie Boy at his side, in the dark of the tired night, he tries to strike a deal with the Lord. He views himself as a “no-good, no-count, hell-bound outlaw that won’t make it into Heaven, but begs for mercy that ol’ Willie Boy will receive his Heavenly wings. Maybe, even a tear falls.
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