I live on south bank of the Colorado River in Austin, Texas. There is a boardwalk which stretches several miles over water and through forest, between the Western edge of my property all the way to Austin’s East Side. Installed along the railings are bronze belts engraved with lines from country music songs. As you walk, you hear the cicadas buzzing strong, you smell the sweet grasses, you feel the heat of the Texas summer sun drawing sweat from your pores. You see turtles, ducks, herons, dragonflies, beetles, caterpillars. The tallest trees are covered in vines, and the bushes are webbed with spider silk. Bikers and runners fly by. Kayaks and canoes coast the water. There is one section of the bridge that sings when you stand on it — a very gentle ringing, a tinkling like bells. The whole experience is magical and sensual — and what makes it even more special is these bronze belts, honoring country music culture and reminding us of the deep musical roots of this city and of the southern United States.
Mojo hand – Lightin’ Hopkins
I’m Just an Old Chunk of Coal – Billy Joe Shaver
Me, Upon My Pony, On My Boat – Lyle Lovett
Only Daddy That’ll Walk The Line – Waylon Jennings
Como La Flor – Selena
Pride And Joy – Stevie Ray Vaughn
San Antonio Rose – Bob Wills
Crazy – Patsy Cline
Nyquil Blues – Alvin Crow
Two Headed Dog – Roky Erickson
Hey Baby Que Paso – Texas Tornados
I’m Walking the Floor Over You – Ernest Tubb
She’s About a Mover – Sir Douglas Quintet
Musta Notta Gotta Lotta – Joe Ely
I Wanna Go Home With the Armadillo – Jerry Jeff Walker
Bubbles in My Beer – Willie Nelson
