River In My Name

[Verse 1]
Granddad’s hat on the dashboard
Dust on my boots, red clay
He said, “Boy, your blood runs deeper
Than this broken highway”
Feathers on the rearview swinging
Old song humming in my head
Every mile I feel it stronger
Like the road itself is being led
[Chorus]
I got a river in my name
Running wild through my veins
From the hills to the plains
I can hear it when it rains
I’m a little bit blues
Little skyline, little flame
Every step that I take
That river sings my name
[Verse 2]
Mama hums low in the kitchen
Cornbread warm on the pan
Tells me of her father’s father
How he never left the land
Boot-stomp beat on the front porch
Hands on skin, that old-time sound [hand drum pattern]
Stars lean down just to listen
While our stories circle round
[Chorus]
[Bridge]
Bare feet in the cool creek water
Moonlight dancing on my hands
I whisper “I remember”
Even what I never understand
[low vocal register] Old words carried on the night wind
[high harmony] New dreams hanging in the air
Two worlds braided like a lariat
Same heart beating there
[Chorus]

country, Warm pop-country blues crossover with hints of Native American hand drum patterns and flute textures. Mid-tempo groove with round bass, brushed snares, and twangy electric guitar fills. Male vocals, earthy and intimate on the verses; chorus opens with stacked harmonies and a soaring, wordless vocal chant on top. Sparse keys for color, plenty of room for the vocal storytelling., pop, country blues