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You can listen to AND purchase both of Eldon's albums directly from this page!  You can either buy the CD (which we recommend, as the artwork and insert are amazing), or you can choose to download the album directly (at a lower cost).  The downloadable files are 100% digital, and are rendered at 192 kbps--which is higher quality than you'll find at iTunes, Amazon, etc.!  Either way, you can't lose!  If you want to download either, or both, albums, just click on the link directly below the song list, which is labeled, "Buy all digital files for $9.99," and follow the instructions to get your music.  ENJOY!

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  • The Other Side
  • Down The Road
The Other Side
The Other Side
$15.00
The Other Side
All songs on "The Other Side" were written by Eldon Johnson, with the exception of "Time After Time," which was written by Cyndi Lauper and Rob Hyman. "Back Side Of The Storm" was co-written with Darrin Wentz. All songs were recorded in Fargo, ND, at HLM Studios, with additional recording at Media Productions. The album was co-produced by Eldon Johnson and Darin Karnes, and Darin was the studio engineer on the project, with assistance from Todd Wawers.
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1. 35 Play Buy MP3
2. escape Play Buy MP3
3. Gonna Pull Up My Roots Play Buy MP3
4. The Other Side Play Buy MP3
5. '59 olds Play Buy MP3
6. Ride Play Buy MP3
7. and the crowd goes wild Play Buy MP3
8. Tennessee Star Play Buy MP3
9. playground Play Buy MP3
10. Eye To Eye Play Buy MP3
11. Back Side Of The Storm Play Buy MP3
12. wurlitzer Play Buy MP3
13. 6-Foot Blues Play Buy MP3
14. Stay Play Buy MP3
15. Come Back To Me Play Buy MP3
16. Solitaire Play Buy MP3
17. Tightrope Play Buy MP3
18. Notcher Man Play Buy MP3
19. The Pieces Of Me Play Buy MP3
20. peace Play Buy MP3
21. Time After Time Play Buy MP3
Buy All Digital Files for $9.99!
Eldon's sophomore album, "The Other Side," is a MUST-HAVE! Described as a cross between Keith Urban and Dave Matthews, this album has something to satisfy music-lovers in ALL genres!
Down The Road
Down The Road
$15.00
Down The Road
All songs written by Eldon Johnson, with exception of "Lord, I Hope This Day is Good" (Dave Hanner), and "When I Was a Young Man" (Dean Vestal). Primary recording was at Makoche Recording Studio in Bismarck, ND, with additional recording by Butch Hause in Colorado. "Down The Road" was self produced by Eldon Johnson and True North (Jim Ed Hodges, Dean Vestal).
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1. Down The Road Play
Down The Road
It seems to happen more and more these days
Friends move on, and then they move away
Though I know it's just a part of life
The words "goodbye" just never come out right

As they move so many miles away
These simple words are all I need to say

I'll see you down the road
When we'll laugh and smile and talk of days of old
It's hard to say goodbye, but in my heart I know
That I'll see you down the road

And now we've come together in this place
To mourn a loss and sing "Amazing Grace"
God has called another to His side
And the words "goodbye" just will not come out right

Now you've gone so far, far away
But these same words are all I need to say

I'll see you down the road
When we'll laugh and smile and talk of days of old
It's hard to say goodbye, but in my heart I know
That I'll see you down the road

Yes, it hurts to say goodbye, but through the Lord I know
That I'll see you down the road
Yes, I'll see you down the road
Lyrics
Down The Road
Notes
My uncle Einar "Rick" Johnson had a massive heart attack and passed away very unexpectedly on May 28, 1999. It struck me quite hard, and the words to "Down the Road" just started coming to me. I wrote it in about 1 1/2 days, and sang it "unannounced" at the funeral. Of all of my songs, this is one that seems to garner most of the attention, and is a personal "favorite" of many people. I guess this is because the words are so true, and are so universally relevant to us all. We all will continue to deal with death throughout our lives, and I feel that this song is a very healthy and positive way to cope with the pain of losing loved ones. I have played "Down The Road" at many funerals, and it has also been used by a professional videographer in his pictorial/slideshow DVD's for family services and funerals. On a different note, the song was written in a much slower, relaxed 2/4 feel, which is how I still typically play it in live settings. It wasn't until Jim Ed and I started plotting songs out for the album that we decided to speed it up into more of a straight country 4/4 style (as we felt there were enough slower songs, and we needed another solid mid-tempo tune). I was instantly pleased with how it sounded after we modified it, which is how you hear it on the album.
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2. What's the Chance of That? Play
What's the Chance of That?
Well, I woke up this morning from a perfect dream
Thoughts of you inside my head, though you're a distant memory
And it seemed so real, yeah, it felt so sweet
I thought it was September, when you were still with me

So, I closed my eyes again
And tried my hardest to pretend, but then, (I thought)

What's the chance of that happening to me?
It's an unrealistically low probability
So, now I'll wake up
It's just a dream, it wasn't real, yeah, that's what it seems

And I felt so strange for the rest of the day
Stumblin' round like a clown, in a constant cloudy haze
Searchin' for some solace, in my mind of make-believe
Then suddenly recalling the grim reality

So, I'd close my eyes again
And try my hardest to pretend, but once again, (I thought)

What's the chance of that happening to me?
It's an unrealistically low probability
So, now I'll wake up
It's just a dream, it wasn't real, oh, that's what it seems

In my head, you're already gone
And have been for oh, so long
But in my heart, the memory lives on
And I can't quit dreaming about you

But I've got to stop dreaming about you
But what's the chance, what's the chance, what's the chance of that?
It's just a dream
It wasn't real
It wasn't you
Lyrics
What's the Chance of That?
Notes
This song originally got its concept from a very good buddy of mine, Bryan Guthmiller (he would want me to tell you that he's from the Jamestown Guthmillers, and not the Pettibone clan--they're a rough bunch, apparently). Bryan can oftentimes be heard making comments like "What are the chances 'this' or 'that' will happen?" Most of the time, I'd say there is typically about a 95% chance that whatever he is predicting won't happen, WILL happen! Once I got the title, the song took off in a completely different direction--as you can tell from the lyrics. It's a story about a guy that woke up from a dream about his "Ex," and realizes that he's just not that lucky to actually have gotten her back (whether that would be lucky or not, I'll leave up to your own interpretation). You get the idea throughout the song that these are recurrent dreams, and he just wishes that he would stop having them and move on with his life. Moral of the story: Women can still control your life even after they're long gone!
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3. Home Play
Home
As I sit here listenin' to the wind whistlin'
And the crickets--they compose their symphony
I can't quite remember why I ever
Doubted this is where I'm supposed to be

I set my mind to go, because I felt so trapped
But, now I know, it's where the heart is
And not where you hang your hat

Home is not just a house that you go to every night
And it's not just a town where you hoped the price was right
The grass looked so green, but then summer turned to fall
So, I came back when I learned home is found inside of us all

I knew it would be hard, so I hardened my heart
And set out on my own to find my way
But, all the unfamiliar places and unfriendly faces
Had me doubting I could make it one more day

So, I set my mind to go, because I felt so trapped
For I had learned it's where the heart is
And not where you hang your hat

Home is not just a house that you go to every night
And it's not just a town where you hoped the price was right
The grass looked so green, but then summer turned to fall
So, I came back when I learned home is found inside of us all

Inside of us all
Inside of us all
Lyrics
Home
Notes
"Home" is probably my personal favorite out of all the songs that I've written! My mom gave me the idea about writing a song about "being back home," but I think she had something more upbeat and snappy in mind. I remember going out to Springbrook Dam, which is about 10 miles from Williston, with my guitar, pad and pen, and little digital recorder. I was kind of working on something else, and honestly wasn't even thinking about the concept of "Home." As is typical for North Dakota in the spring, the wind was blowing about 30 mph. What seemed stranger, however, was that it was the middle of the day, and the chirping of crickets was almost deafening! I actually recorded the sound, and still have it to this day. I didn't get too far with coming up with a song while at the dam, what with the high winds and annoying crickets.....but on the drive back to town, things started falling into place in my head: "As I sit here listenin' to the wind whistlin'.....and the crickets, they compose their symphony.....I can't quite remember why I ever doubted this was where I'm supposed to be." The song was completely written before the end of the day. "Home" is essentially about how life can take you to different places and locales, but "Home" is a personal and static concept that lies within each of us--as the song says, it's not just a house, and it's not just a town...but, rather, home is inside of us all.
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4. Tricycles and Tonka Trucks Play
Tricycles and Tonka Trucks

I remember when I was a young boy
When the things that meant most in my life
Were simple and pure, honest and secure
No worries, problems, troubles, or strife

Playin' ball with the boys at the schoolyard
Invariably would lead to a fight
Then, Mike would hate Ben, but soon we'd all be friends again
And the games would go on 'til the dark of night

Oh, Lord, I wonder where the time has gone
Memories can take me back, but they cannot right the wrongs
Life's much harder now, sometimes I feel so out of touch
How I long for days of old, with tricycles and Tonka Trucks

Truth and honesty, these days, are merely gestures
People talk not from their hearts, just from their mouths
When they say their lies to me, I'd like to hand them a tiny
Yellow back-hoe, and let them figure it out

Oh, Lord, I wonder where the time has gone
Memories can take me back, but they cannot right the wrongs
Life's much harder now, sometimes I feel so out of touch
How I long for days of old, with tricycles and Tonka Trucks

Oh, Lord, I wonder where the time has gone
Memories can take me back, but they cannot right the wrongs
Life's much harder now, sometimes I feel so out of touch
How I long for days of old, with tricycles and Tonka Trucks

Yeah, life's much harder now, am I ever out of touch
How I long for days of old, with tricycles and Tonka Trucks
Lyrics
Tricycles and Tonka Trucks
Notes
I wrote "Tricycles and Tonka Trucks" in 1996, shortly after graduating with my Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of North Dakota and entering the work force. As anyone who has gone through the transition from college to the "real world" will attest, there are a lot of changes and increased responsibilities that hit you all at once. You also start to realize more and more about how the world works, and that things (and people) are not always what they seem--and are typically much more complicated. This song takes you back and is a reminder of the "simpler times" of childhood, when the biggest worry you might have had was getting home on time for supper. A personal favorite line of mine is in the third verse: "When they say their lies to me, I'd like to hand them a tiny yellow backhoe and let them figure it out." If this line doesn't make sense to you, I feel sorry for you, as you obviously had a deprived childhood!
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5. Lord, I Hope This Day is Good Play
Lord, I Hope This Day is Good
Lord, I hope this day is good
I'm feeling empty and misunderstood
I should be thankful, Lord, I know I should
But, Lord, I hope this day is good

Lord, have you forgotten me?
I've been praying to you faithfully
I'm not saying I'm a righteous man
But, Lord, I hope you understand

I don't need fortune, and I don't need fame
Send down the thunder, Lord, send down the rain
But when you're plannin' just how it will be
Plan a good day for me

Lord, I hope this day is good
I'm feeling empty and misunderstood
I should be thankful, Lord, I know I should
But, Lord, I hope this day is good

You've been the King since the dawn of time
All that I'm askin' is a little less crime
It might be hard for the devil to do
But it would be easy for you

Lord, I hope this day is good
I'm feeling empty and misunderstood
I should be thankful, Lord, I know I should
But, Lord, I hope this day is good
Lyrics
Lord, I Hope This Day is Good
Credits
Author: Dave Hanner
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6. I'll Go On (Sarah's Song) Play
I'll Go On (Sarah's Song)
A young boy is kneeling and playing
With Sarah, his friend 'cross the street
Two innocent kids in a sandbox
And two hearts completely carefree

They meet every day at the playground
They run, and they play hide-and-seek
Then, one day, she found him so quickly
And he placed a quick kiss on her cheek

No words were spoken, both faces turned red
And a voice from his heart, put the words in his head

The angels in heaven are smiling
It's as if they already knew
What you mean to me, it's so easy to see
That I'll go on loving you

A young man is kneeling and saying
Sarah, I love only you
And please say you'll be mine forever
Because for me, there is no one but you

The angels in heaven are smiling
It's as if they already knew
What you mean to me, it's so easy to see
That I'll go on loving you

An old man is kneeling and praying
His old heart is breaking in two
So beautifully peaceful, she's laying
And through his tears, these words somehow get through

The angels in heaven are smiling
It's as if they already knew
What you mean to me, it's so easy to see
That I'll go on loving you

Though God's called you home, since a boy, I have known
That I'll go on loving you
Yes, I'll go on loving you
Lyrics
I'll Go On (Sarah's Song)
Notes
As you can tell from most of the songs on the album, I like to tell stories and "paint pictures" through layers of words. I love the story that "I'll Go On" tells, which is about love that endures a lifetime--and even beyond. This is my dad's favorite song, I believe. Even though this little boy didn't know exactly what he was feeling for Sarah, he knew that it was something very special, which we find out as the song continues to unfold. When I wrote the song, I put a lot of thought into the wording at the beginning of each verse, and it turned out pretty neat. As you will notice, the first verse starts out with "A young boy is kneeling and playing..." Third verse: "A young man is kneeling and saying..." Fourth verse: "An old man is kneeling and praying..." In each of those passages, it indicates the chronological passing of time within the story (as the boy/man ages), and paints a vivid picture of him "kneeling" down in each of those situations. To tie it all together, the verbs all rhyme with each other (even though it wasn't required)--playing, saying, praying. Ah yes, I love this songwriting gig! No animals (or girls named Sarah) were harmed in any way during the writing of this song--and I've had to reassure my wife that I've never dated a Sarah!!! That name just worked well for the song, that's all!

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7. Two Kids Play
Two Kids
Two kids from different worlds
A tough boy and a daddy's girl
Both wantin' the same thing
Not lettin' life get in their way

One grew up way too soon
And one born with a silver spoon
But that don't matter, 'cause true love is blind
They're heart to heart, and two of a kind

Though their folks don't see it that way
There they stand, hand-in-hand today

Through sun or rain, through darkness or light
They'll stand together and they'll face every fight
And no matter what other people say
These two kids are coming one today

Most give them six months, or less
And say they'll never pass this test
Too young and too immature
Their foolish love will never endure

But, the kids don't see it that way
And there they stand, hand-in-hand to say

Through sun or rain, through darkness or light
We'll stand together, and we'll face every fight
And no matter what other people say
These two kids are coming one today

As their car speeds away
Off into the night, you can hear them say

Through sun or rain, through darkness or light
We'll stand together, and we'll face every fight
And no matter what other people say
These two kids are coming one today

These two kids are coming one today
Lyrics
Two Kids
Notes
I remember coming up with the main guitar riff for this song in my parents' living room. This is typically how I write--where I come up with the instrumental construct of the song long before I'm thinking of lyrics. As I continued rocking back and forth from C to G, the melody started creeping into my mind, as well as the idea for the song being about a budding relationship between two completely mismatched kids. It's the age-old "forbidden love" scenario, where their parents are completely against it, and everyone else gives it "six months or less." The "two kids" are undaunted by all of this, however. The last bridge/chorus in the song sums up their resolve and commitment to each other: "As their car speeds away off into the night, you can hear them say 'Through sun or rain, through darkness or light, we'll stand together and we'll face every fight; and no matter what other people say, these two kids are coming one today.'"
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8. Somewhere Down The Line Play
Somewhere Down The Line
Somewhere down the line I see a better day for me
But is it real, or make-believe?
If this life I see comes true, I'll owe it all to You
As You bless me

And I know it's gonna take some time
And I know each day I'm on your mind
Amen

Somewhere down the line I see a new reality
When my smile will set me free
And through my eyes I will see the path You've set for me
And how You've blessed me

But I know it's gonna take some time
But You know each day it's on my mind
Amen

Somewhere down the line I see a chance to be
All You want out of me
When I get there, I'll look back on the trials I've had to pass
And I'll fall to my knees

Because I knew that it would take some time
And I'm thankful for this life of mine
Amen
Lyrics
Somewhere Down The Line
Notes
As you can probably tell from several of the songs on the album, my faith is very important to me. I have worked part-time as a Christian contemporary music/worship coordinator for about 7 years, and literally hundreds of people have asked me if "Down the Road" is going to be a Christian album. Never being one to be short of words, that typically brings on a good 5-10 minute conversation. In a nutshell, I take them through the following logic: I am a Christian.....I wrote the material, which therefore includes my personal beliefs, values, morals, and ethics.....therefore, regardless of whether the songs are "in your face" about God and religion or not, they are, in fact, Christian songs. With that being said, "Somewhere Down the Line" is the one song on the album where there really aren't any gray areas regarding what it's about. I purposely kept it simple, without any harmony or backing vocals, as the song is just so pure and honest. I wrote this song at a time of heightened personal angst, as you might well have guessed by the content. Things just were not going well for me, and the harder I tried, the more it seemed like things kept getting worse. Once again, it's a universal feeling we all can relate to, as I doubt that anybody is exempt from those types of feelings from time to time. Through my faith, I realized that "this too shall pass," and that God would see me through to better times--which He certanly did, and always does.....Amen.
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9. You With Me Play
You With Me
If I was blind, would you help me to see?
And, if I lost my way, would you safely lead me?
And, if I was broken and just couldn't walk
Would you carry me away from here?

If you could fly, would you carry me up
To a place far away in the sky up above?
And if I was broken and just couldn't move
Would you carry me away from here?

I want to go, but I won't go alone
And I need to grow before I am full-grown
Darlin' I hope you see
That I need you with me

Now, life's moving faster, and sometimes I feel
Like I'm losing control, I'm asleep at the wheel
A boy in man's clothing with dreams far and wide
But, without you, they'll all stay inside

I want to go, but I won't go alone
And I need to grow before I am full-grown
Darlin' I hope you see
That I need you with me

It's hard to sit back when I yearn to move on
If I don't take the chance, soon the chance could be gone
Darlin' I hope you see
That I need you with me
Lyrics
You With Me
Notes
I wrote "You With Me," which was originally titled "I Need You With Me," in 2003. I really like how this song came together, and is probably one of my favorite "harmony" songs on the album. It also wins the award for the longest breath required to sing a passage (the very last line of the song, with the extended hold). I sang both the lead melody and the tenor harmony in the song (Dean sang the other harmony), and I never realized before how much more difficult it is to hold a sustained note in falsetto versus your normal voice! I like how smoothly this song flows along in 6/8 time, and a lot of attention was paid to dynamics. In essence, the song is about having a dream, and realizing that you don't want to chase that dream without the one you love by your side.....and also realizing that the dream may have a limited amount of time in which it can be achieved: "It's hard to sit back when I yearn to move on; if I don't take the chance, soon the chance could be gone." Here's to all of the dream chasers out there--which I hope is everybody, as we all need one!
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10. God and Everybody Play
God and Everybody
Well, here I go again, it's another sleepless night
Contemplating, postulating, questions in my life
It seems these days that I'm the only one who doesn't know
Exactly where I'm supposed to be, and where I'm supposed to go

Well, a short path lies behind me, but a long road is ahead
And, I wish I had some answers, as these questions in my head
Turn to words spoken in darkness, but who will hear a word I've said?
And these shadows on the wall offer no advice at all (and now it's)

Two o'clock in the morning and sleep's nowhere in sight
I lie awake asking questions about my life
Like, "How do I fit in," and "Where should I go"?
It seems like only God and everybody knows

Well, you know I'm not complaining, I'd just like a little clue
A little hint, some proper guidance, an idea of what to do
It seems this town's a brick wall, maybe I should just crash through
All these voices in my head, I wish that I could sleep instead (but it's)

Three o'clock in the morning, and sleep's nowhere in sight
I lie awake asking questions about my life
Like, "How do I fit in," and "Where should I go"?
It seems like only God and everybody knows

Everybody seems to have the best advice for me
It's time's like this I wish they'd just all let me be (and now it's)

Four o'clock in the morning, and sleep's nowhere in sight
I like awake asking questions about my life
Like, "How do I fit in," and "Where should I go"?
It seems like only God and everybody knows

Like, "How do I fit in," and "Where should I go"?
It seems like only God and everybody knows
Lyrics
God and Everybody
Notes
Take a deep breath and come along for the ride on this song! There are a ton of lyrics to "God and Everybody," and they come at you pretty fast.....especially if you are playing it live and the tempo gets away from you! This song was played a lot in competitions (along with "Home" and "Tricycles and Tonka Trucks") by Eldon and Jim Ed. One such competition was the Colgate Country Showdown, in which we were in the final 36 contestants out of 50,000 across the United States.....and were within an eyelash of being in the top 6 in the nation, competing for $100,000 and a recording contract with Lyric Street Records. Therefore, we feel that "God and Everybody" stands up against other songs quite well. This is one of the two "hardcore" bluegrass songs on the album, along with "Tricycles." As you can tell from the rest of the album, True North's sound is not defined by these more traditional bluegrass songs, but it is definitely an important part of the whole. I oftentimes preface this song, when I'm playing live, by saying that despite the title, it is not necessarily a religious song. It's just a young person at a crossroads in life, trying to figure out the next move. And as you all know, there are typically more than enough people willing to offer their two cents regarding the matter! Combine that concept with the phrase "God only knows," and you come up with: "It seems like only God and everybody knows." One of my favorite parts of this song is the progression in the choruses from 2 o'clock in the morning, to 3 o'clock, and then 4 o'clock. Who hasn't spent sleepless nights like that, where your mind is continually mulling over all your problems, and all you really want to do is get some sleep!?
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11. When I Was a Young Man Play
When I Was a Young Man
When I was a young man, I dreamed of the open range
So I became a cowboy, with my hat, my boots, and reins
They had me riding the fence-line
Three times a week, maybe more, oh whatever for
That ol’ fence kept on breaking, so now I don’t fix that fence no more


When I was a young man, I dreamed of the bluest waves
So I became a sailor, sailing on the open seas
They had me fixing leaks in
A 4-inch thick metal floor, oh whatever for
That ol’ floor kept on leaking, so now I don’t fix them leaks no more
Not on the ocean floor


When I was a young man, I saw me the sweetest thing
She wanted to be my wife, so I bought her a diamond ring
She ran off on me once, twice,
Three times, or maybe four, or maybe more
I put her on that boat and now she don’t run around on me no more
Not on the ocean floor
Lyrics
When I Was a Young Man
Notes
This is the only song on the album, other than the re-make of "Lord, I Hope This Day is Good," that was not written by Eldon. Dean Vestal wrote this one, and it is a song that people frequently ask him to play, as it is just so darn catchy. Dean has a great voice, so there was never any question that he would be the one to sing it on the album, once it was decided that it would be included. The rhythm is very simple, but quite driving, at the same time. The irony of the song is pretty hilarious, as well, and I've always loved the imagery of how the third verse ties in with the second. Though a little morbid and macabre, you've got to admit, it's pretty clever and funny! "I put her on that boat, and now, she don't run around on me no more...not on the ocean floor." Yeah, baby!
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12. Let It Go Play
Let It Go
don't know what I do this for
But, I don't think that I am gonna do it anymore
It just takes time, and time moves slow
So, for now I think that I am gonna let it go

I don't know what I expect out of me
For I'm just one man, and that's all I'll ever be
I try so hard to run the show
But for now I think that I am gonna let it go

I see it all so clearly now, like writing in the sky
The only way to set me free is to let it fly

I guess it's time to say goodbye
To what's binding me, and these feelings inside
There's just so much beyond control
So, now I know that I am gonna let it go

Yes, now I know that I...am gonna let it go
Lyrics
Let It Go
Notes
I wrote "Let it Go" in 1999. It has always been one of my favorite tunes, and is quite introspective, if you ask me. It's about realizing there are so many things outside of our control, and in most cases it is just better to relinquish our sense of "control" and truly just let go. I will let each person draw his/her own conclusion regarding more philosophical or biblical interpretations of the song.....i.e. what exactly are we "letting go" of, and to whom? I've always been a big fan of writing songs that make the listener stop and think, and I feel that this song is definitely an example of that.
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13. You'll See Play
You'll See
I've got a feeling that I've met you
But I don't know where
And I hope it don't upset you if I sit and stare
If I sit and stare

I'm sorry to be forward
It's usually not my style
But you're the finest lookin' thing that I've seen in a while
By a country mile

There it is, and brand new feeling I've never felt before
There I go, right through the ceiling
The rules are out the door, I don't need 'em anymore

(So) what if I said I'm the guy you've waited for your entire life
Would you laugh, or would you tend to agree?
And, oh, we know life rarely goes according to plan, so just let go
And take a chance on me
I'll be everything you need--you'll see

Well, there you go, I said it, and now it's up to you
And my heart is just poundin' wondering what you're gonna do
You're lookin' mighty peaked, yeah, your face is awful red
But you're starting to recover from the things that I just said

And there it is, a brand new expression I've never seen before
You're giving me the distinct impression
That I picked the perfect day to walk up to you and say

What if I said I'm the guy you've waited for your entire life
Would you laugh, or would you tend to agree?
Oh, we know, life rarely goes according to plan, so just let go
And take a chance on me
I'll be everything you need--you'll see

Here we are, it's two years later, about to pledge our vows
The congregation all cheers together
As I turn to you and say, the same words I said that day

What if I said I'm the guy you've waited for your entire life
Would you laugh, or would you tend to agree?
Oh, we know, life rarely goes according to plan, so just let go
And take a chance on me
I'll be everything you need
You mean everything to me--you'll see
Lyrics
You'll See
Notes
This is one of those songs where I came up with a "hook" that we all loved, and then it pretty much just sat on the shelf for over a year! There was another song I had written with the title "You'll See," and I basically decided to just steal the title and abandon the previous song--as I was never all that happy with it, to begin with. I didn't finish writing it until the final week before we were heading into the studio for the first time, so it was definitely under the gun. Lots of people say that they work better under pressure, but I am one person for whom that has always been very true. Just ask my roommates from physical therapy school about my procrastinating study habits! It used to really bother them when they'd be studying several days before the test, while I was busy playing guitar and watching TV (I typically fired up the studying the night before the test--and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA, thank you very much). That being said, I was very pleased with how "You'll See" turned out. I feel it tells another neat story about the good ol' "love" topic, and how sometimes you've just got to take a chance and throw your cards out on the table! An interesting sidebar about this song is that we needed one more part recorded by Dean, after he was back in Houston. Enter the awesome world of digital recording, as we just had the song emailed to him from the studio, to allow him to record a mandolin part on his home studio, and then email it back to the studio to be inserted back into the song. For most of you, betcha didn't know we could do that, did you?!
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14. Your Used To Be Play
Your Used To Be
Well, it's sure good to see you
Yeah, it's been a while, I know
I'm living in the city now
Just a few blocks down the road

I see something's different
Yeah, that's a beautiful band
But, it's shocking how much it looks
Like the one I placed on your hand

I'm sorry, but I've really got to go
'Cause if I stand here much longer, you're gonna know

Sometimes at night, when I lie awake
I can still feel your touch, and I can still see your face
And I fight with the past, and my memories
And I deal with the fact that I'm your used to be

As for me, I'm still single
There's no new "Mrs. Right"
But I guess it's hard to meet someone
When you stay at home every night

Like I said before, I've really got to run
This is all just so painful, because I haven't moved on

Sometimes at night, when I lie awake
I can still feel your touch, and I can still see your face
And I fight with the past, and my memories
And I deal with the fact that I'm your used to be

Just as I am turning 'round to leave
You grab me by the hand, and you whisper this to me

Sometimes at night, when I lie awake
I can still feel your touch, I can still see your face
And though I'm moving on, you're still part of me...

Sometimes at night, when I lie awake
I can still feel your touch, and I can still see your face
And I fight with the past, and my memories
And I deal with the fact
Oh, we can't take it back
I'm your used to be

Well, I wondered if I'd ever see you again
And now that I have, I'm remembering when
We were so much in love, so true and so strong
But it all slipped away, where did we go wrong?

I've been crying inside, now I'm crying out loud
But nobody hears, I'm alone in this crowd
I loved what we had, and I loved you with me
But, it all was sent back, I'm just your used to be

Your used to be
Lyrics
Your Used To Be
Notes
I wrote "Your Used to Be" after we were well into the process of recording the album. Without fail, every time I would play it in a live show, at least one person would ask me if it was going to be on the upcoming CD. After this happened a few times, I decided that it needed to be on the album in one way, shape, or form. I quickly came up with the idea of recording an acoustic version of the song for "Down The Road," and tagging the album with it. If you're looking for sunshine and lollipops, they ain't included on this one--it's a bonafide heart-ripper-outer. One of my wife's friends always requests it now, and she refers to it as the "coulda, woulda, shoulda" song! I played this at a recent show, and one of my friends that was there just recently went through a divorce, and his ex-wife is with somebody else. I didn't think about it until about 1/2 way through the song.....and then it hit me like a ton of bricks--to the point where it was difficult to even finish the song. It's a very honest song about a guy that is struggling after he and his wife divorce, and then he sees her after "X" amount of time has passed.....and he sees her new wedding band. His reaction is to turn tail and run, while she feels the need to explain to him that she does still love him, but has, in fact, moved on with her life since the divorce. Wow--I need a hug--how about you?!
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"Down The Road" is the debut album from Eldon Johnson and True North, released in May of 2006. It has been described as "Bluegrass, tinged with the blues, sprinkled with americana, infused by gospel, and nestled up comfortably next to country-folk with an occasional nod to high-lonesome. It is a 14-song collection of American family values set to music."

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Eldon thanks very much for making our honeymoon weekend so enjoyable:):) You're such a great singer. We recently just moved ...
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