While I was living in Alaska in 2005 I heard Tift Merritt’s album “Tambourine” during a work gathering. It seemed like a good album and some months later I bought my own copy. I liked it but I wasn’t enthralled, despite the fact that it was nominated for a Grammy.
In 2008 she came out with her album “Another Country.” I was enthralled. “Another Country” is a collection of songs written in Paris where she apparently took a bit of a hiatus. The song “Broken” got some radio play and it probably is the best song on the album. But, every song on the album is very strong.
“Another Country” was followed by an unremarkable album which was disappointing. I suspected that Tift may be one of those artists that has one great album in her. But then in 2012 she released “Traveling Alone” and my suspicions proved unfounded. “Traveling Alone” is every bit as brilliant as “Another Country” but has a very different feel.
I have seen Tift Merritt in concert three times and thoroughly enjoyed each show. I highly recommend immersing yourself in “Another Country” and “Traveling Alone” and then going to see Tift. She is one of the great, unheralded songwriters out there today.
I have taken a stab at “Traveling Alone” in the attached video. Whether I do it justice or not, do yourself a favor and listen to her version.
Traveling Alone by Tift Merritt
This morning, if it all was gone, funny thing, it wouldn't phase me none.
Might feel like I just got home. See, I always had a taste for traveling alone.
Only get this one time round, better speak up straight, better speak up proud.
Good Lord, if he's not at home, well, I always had a taste for traveling alone.
Oh If I had a son, I would make him laugh, I would teach him something.
I'd say, Son, you gotta hold your own, and it's good to have a taste for traveling alone.
Oh If I had a love, I would say, Man, got to keep up.
Got to lay down, baby, feed my soul, 'cause you know I got a taste for traveling alone.
Oh If I had a song, I would sing it now, wouldn't take too long.
I'd sing, Goodness is a real bare bone, and it's what you do when you're traveling alone.
Down south, baby, in the heat, I was raised up right, I was raised so sweet.
Sweetness ain't gonna get you home. You're bound to get a taste of traveling alone.
I know that the world is mean, I know it don't care, I been around, I seen it.
It's like a pretty girl who don't even know. I guess everybody here is traveling alone.
Cigarettes and a pick up truck, I'm gonna leave this town now, I got to press my luck.
Ocean gonna break so slow. You know, I always had a taste for traveling alone.