Ballad of Colorado Luke

from Actually by Louis Ledford

	/

Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Purchasable with gift card

$1 USD or more
Buy the Full Digital Album

about

Lucas Hicks was a hard working musician who struggled with cancer most of his adult life. I never knew anyone work harder at a craft.
He was an inspiration to a community who regarded him with such admiration I felt he deserved a ballad in his honor.
I began writing this when it was clear he was failing. I wanted it to be a fighting song that I could play for him to make him feel better.
I didn't work fast enough. Instead it's a tribute to a dear friend who's moved on yet still lives in the hearts of everyone who knew him and his music.

lyrics

Come gather round people a story I'll sing
about a brave young man who could do most anything.
He left Colorado for the pacific northwest
to follow the beat of his heart.

Like Gabriel with a trumpet, Orpheus with a lyre
the music ran through him like thunder like fire.
The gods they took notice and wagered a bet
and watched as the poor young man suffered and sweat.

They tied down his arm and dared him to play
but to no great surprise he played better that way.
Like old Job before him they wouldn't let up
til he drank every drop that they poured in his cup.

He traveled the world and made all kinds of friends
his music his message, the means and the ends.
The gods became jealous and twisted the screws
and the young man did the only thing left to do.

He bowed his head but he didn't pray
he put his shoulder to the wheel and continued to play.
The music got better, got bitter, got sweet.
It put smiles on our lips it put dance in our feet

But the gods didn't give up. That's not what gods do.
They made a wreck of his body by the time they were through.
He kicked and he bucked like a mule to the end.
I'm proud to say this brave young man was my friend.

He left the Pacific NW for parts unknown
yet we carry the seeds in our hearts he has sown.
Like Gabriel with a Trumpet, Orpheus with a lyre
the Music ran through him like thunder like fire.

credits

from Actually, released October 31, 2019
Louis Ledford; Vocals, Guitars, Banjo, Mandolin, Washboard, Melodica
Aaron Harmonson; Bass

license

about

Louis Ledford Washington

louisledfordmusic.com

contact / help

Contact Louis Ledford

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Louis Ledford, you may also like:

Bridge
by Kristin Allen-Zito

supported by 7 fans who also own “Ballad of Colorado Luke”

I loved this song a lot without context. Then at one of Kristin's shows she explained the context of this album and it broke me (in a good way). It is still very good but now it moves me much deeper than before. jjw
go to album
How To Change From Blue To Green
by Devin Champlin

supported by 7 fans who also own “Ballad of Colorado Luke”

I really love the album and was pleasantly surprised by the mix on the B side. Erick dunlap
go to album
Down In Pancake Valley
by The Sons Of Rainier

supported by 6 fans who also own “Ballad of Colorado Luke”

I persistently listen to this. I never know what purchase in my Bandcamp collection that is going to happen to, but this is one. Blundervan
go to album
Speakeasy - Live 2016
by John Robins

Robins decided to release the recording of his 2016 comedy tour during the Covid-19 shutdown at the behest of fans. Bandcamp New & Notable May 29, 2020
go to album
Taylor Ham, Egg, And Cheese
by Chris Gethard

Comedian Chris Gethard’s hilarious new surprise album is devoted to the great state of New Jersey, and the great state of New Jersey alone. Bandcamp New & Notable Dec 18, 2019
go to album
In A Time Of Trouble A Wild Exultation
by Jaye Bartell

A stunning and sparse follow-up to last year's "Light Enough" from Brooklyn songwriter Jaye Bartell. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 12, 2017
go to album
Take Me Anywhere
by The Sons Of Rainier

supported by 6 fans who also own “Ballad of Colorado Luke”

Think "The jukebox in the bar your car broke down in front of." The Sons are back, baby. Setting the standard for alt-country in the PNW. If you haven't listened to "Down In Pancake Valley", you oughta. douglasdupont
go to album