I was driving to meet some friends last night. As usual, my iPod was set to shuffle and it was treating me quite well. Then out of nowhere came a song that, better than any Back-to-the-Future DeLorean, sent me right back in time. I’m guessing that most of my readers have never even heard of him, but way back in the day he was the epitome of the Gentleman. Gentleman Jim.

I grew up listening to Jim Reeves, among others. That’s not to say that my mom liked country music. In fact, I think she actually dislikes it a great deal. Gentleman Jim, however, is an exception. One thing my mother likes is a good lyric. She’s the most sentimental, sappy, wussy person I know. Which is exactly where I get it from. Of all the things I did get from her, the love of a good song (lyric-wise, anyway) is one of those things. Most country music attempts a good story–most country music gets it wrong.

Of course, like Gentleman Jim, there are exceptions. Where am I going with this? I’m going to the Blue Side of Lonesome. A sappy, sad, brilliant play on love songs and the broken-hearted. That’s way Blue Side of Lonesome is the first in my own, new, blog category: Wednesday’s Words:

Blue Side of Lonesome

I’m Calling To Tell You It’s Over
Yes Darling You’re Now Free To Go
You’re Saying You’re Sorry You Hurt Me
But You Hurt Me Much More Than You Know

You’re Asking Me Where This Call Comes From
Oh I Hope That You Won’t End Up Here
If Your New Romance Turns Out A Failure
Here’s Where To Find Me My Dear

I’m Just On The Blue Side Of Lonesome
Right Next To The Heartbreak Hotel
In A Tavern That’s Known As Three Tear Drops
On A Bar Stool Not Doin’ So Well

The Floor Has A Carpet Of Sorrow
But No One Can Weep In The Aisle
And They Say Someone Broke The Bar Mirror
With Only The Ghost Of A Smile

The Hands On The Clock Never Alter
For Things Never Change In This Place
There’s No Present, No Past, No Future
We’re The Ones Who Have Lost In Love’s Race

I’m Just On The Blue Side Of Lonesome
Right Next To The Heartbreak Hotel
In A Tavern That’s Known As Three Tear Drops
On A Bar Stool Not Doin’ So Well

Sappy and sad, I know. Take a listen to the delivery. He was truly a Gentleman.