< Back Comments from "Bareback"
August 12, 2005
Under The Gun: A turntable hit on radio in the early 80s, we decided to try it in this new way with the mandolin being the main instrument and dropping the key a step and a half so the vocals sounded a bit more mature instead of the Pauley on steroids version on record. Lyrically inspired by being surrounded by Est (Earhard Seminar Training) jargon in the late 70s. All about not being able to "get out of my own way" at times. (Paul)
Nothing Less Than Love: A new song that Poco has never released on a record. It's been recorded by other artists and was a country hit for a band named Buffalo Club. (Rusty)
Every Time I Hear That Train: Inspired by many trips to Santa Barbara. California through out the 90s and the first part of this century. It was that Amtrak whistle in the middle of the night that reminded me that I was back in paradise again. Beautiful sound in an awesome place! (Paul)
Save A Corner Of Your Heart: A Poco song that has the feel of an R&B song. It brings back memories of the classic country rock of the seventies with its tight Poco harmonies. (Rusty)
Barbados: Just another fictional "postcard" kind of song that I enjoy writing. A bit of Poco exotica and I still haven't been to that island. (Paul)
If Your Heard Needs A Hand: From Poco's 'Running Horse' CD. It's a great chance to show Paul Cotton's guitar chops and the trademark Poco vocals. (Rusty)
Cajun Moon: I love the way we do this song now. We took it from a minor key to a major key. Mysterious lyrics and easy to sing. I'm all for that. Thanks J. J. (Paul)
Never Loved...Never Hurt Like This: I spent several days holed up in my bedroom working on this song. My wife, Sue was teaching 8 middle schoolers in our home at the time, so I had to lock myself upstairs toget some writing time. I hadn't written a song by myself for a while, and was going through my usual "I've lost it - I'll never write again" phase. Every note of this song was dragged, kicking and screaming through that low self esteem filter. I was ecstatic when I finally finished this one. (Jack)
Midnight Rain: A minor hit from the past. Lots of people love this one. The steel guitar makes it even more special. Another one of my weatherman songs. (Paul)
What Do People Know: One of my favorite cuts on the 'Legacy' album we released in 1989. I've always wanted to record an acoustic version of the song because it's always
a crowd pleaser in concert. (Rusty)
Shake It: This is a story of a girl who works a job she hates. She comes home beat and used up. The only thing that keeps her going is that she loves to dance. People often ask about the word "sufi" in this song. They're usually laughing when they do. I've read a lot about various spiritual paths over the years, and Sufism, which is a mystical sect of Islam intrigued me for a while. There is also a sect called the Dervishes, which are related in some way to Sufism (hey, I don't know all the details, it's a song not a textbook...).Anyway, we've all heard of a "whirling dervish". They get into an ecstatic trance and turn around in circles until they have these intense spiritual experiences. That's what our girl in the song does. Dancing transports her to a place where all her cares are gone. I'd join her, but I can't dance a lick. (Jack)
Find Out In Time: A song that we recorded back in the 70s when Timothy B. Schmit was in Poco. Timothy wrote and sang it back then and we've always loved it, so this was our chance to record it again. (Rusty)
Too Many Nights Too Long: Brought back to life after having so many requests for it. I wasn't sure we could pull it off, as it's very high to sing every night. Plus it's a half step higher than the original recording. Big Sky was the place to try it out again and I'm so glad it worked out. A very different kind of Poco song and a challenge for all of us. (Paul)
Bareback: A title that was tossed around after the 'Running Horse' period by Rusty. I decided after hearing what might be a CD cover, to write a song with those impressions in mind. I still get goose bumps when the steel guitar enters at the bridge. Originally intended to be an electric piece, what is here now, is the very "naked" version, acoustically correct. (Paul)
On The Way Home: A Neil Young song, from the Buffalo Springfield days, that Poco has played in concert for the past few years. It's an upbeat rocker that never fails to get everyone on their feet. (Rusty)
< Back