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Country Comfort — Waimanalo Blues
Album: We Are The Children
Avg rating:
7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1270









Released: 1976
Length: 4:06
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Wind's gonna blow so I'm gonna go, down on the road again
Starting where the mountains left me, I end up where I began
Where I will go the wind only knows.

Good times around the bend.
Get in my car, goin' too far,
Never comin' back again.

Tired and worn, I woke up this mornin'
and found that I was confused.
Spun right around and found that I had lost
the things that I couldn't lose.

The beaches they sell to build their hotels, my fathers and I once knew.
Birds on the lawn, sunlight at dawn, singin' Waimanalo blues.

Down on the road, the mountains so old,
far on the country side.
Birds on the wing, forgetting a while
so I'm headed for the windward side.

In all of your dreams, sometimes it just seems,
that I'm just along for the ride.
Some they will cry, because they have pride,
For someone whose loved here died.

The beaches they sell to build their hotels, my fathers and I once knew.
Birds on the lawn, sunlight at dawn, singin' Waimanalo blues.
Comments (108)add comment
After almost 46 years of living here in this beautiful state, this song still makes my heart swell every time I hear it, more than any other song from so many of the talented local artists. Hawai’i No ka `oi.
sometimes we try way too hard to be eclectic, eh Bill?  :)
 SmackDaddy wrote:


Actually, the lyrics are about the loss of what was good about Hawaii - lost to the developers of hotels and condos. Reading comprehension, it's fun, you should try it.

More a warning about what could be lost, and one that was heeded - Waimanalo is still very low-key and non-commercial in 2023, almost 100% residential, predominantly native Hawaiian. I pedaled along Waikupanaha Road in the sun and the wind today, and back along Kalanianaole Hwy, it's still beautiful. 

Moonrise this month ...
 ppeters914 wrote:

What a treat. Lived on O'ahu 1977-89, and this brought a tear as it conveys all that's good about Hawaii to me.



Actually, the lyrics are about the loss of what was good about Hawaii - lost to the developers of hotels and condos. Reading comprehension, it's fun, you should try it.
 ppeters914 wrote:

What a treat. Lived on O'ahu 1977-89, and this brought a tear as it conveys all that's good about Hawaii to me.



You might want to read the lyrics again.
 Shipp wrote:

used in a great little movie, The Descendants


Not true, sadly.  There was a lot of great slack key music in that movie, but this track was not included.
The Descendants was a pretty good flick, made better by the slack key soundtrack (currently $59 on Amazon, sheesh).
Love this track, by the way:  9
Planning a trip to Hawaii next year. This made me feel guilty. 
 ppeters914 wrote:

What a treat. Lived on O'ahu 1977-89, and this brought a tear as it conveys all that's good about Hawaii to me.



I lived on Maui for while after college and truly miss those days. 
used in a great little movie, The Descendants
What a lovely song, very pleasing to the soul. 
I’m gonna relate this song to ‘straight to hell’ by the Clash. When it is playing, it almost seems mandatory to listen.
This song encapsulates, for me, the kind of feeling that inhabitants of special places feel when such places become (maybe a bit too) popular. And while it's true that many of the changes are not necessarily all for the better, I seem to have found that if one re-immerses themself in such a spot, taking the time and gaining all the perspectives required to be fair, one may still be pleasantly surprised to discover the real reasons the place was and is so special -- and, on a much deeper level, the real reasons one was and is drawn to the spot in the first place, perhaps by observing how it astounds and inspires newcomers who have no previous long-term personal attachments to go by. No doubt, an energy must be induced to flow from such a rapt new-eyed observer to the spot, which is desired and required by it, in return, in perfect circuit. It's a feedback loop, and to participate makes all the difference. To dismiss it, after or because of change that may discomfit one at any given moment, is to miss the benefits of conducting such an important flow... I love how music, like water, can be infinitely re-combined yet forever retain its magic. I sincerely love and appreciate how quantum-deeply RP's wired into it.
AH-HA! Bill, you said something about your time on O'ahu. I've wondered what kindled your interest in Hawaiian music. Keep playing it, Bill, it's most pleasant. I lived there as a kid in the early 60s, didn't know I was in paradise at the time. Commercialism has changed it so much. 
Like Bill, I lived in Hawaii in the mid 70's. West side big Island. We had one "FM" station KAOI that we could get from Maui. Fortunately it was progressive enough to get you through the day; but at sunset hour they would do all Hawaiian music. This was one of the staples. Memories...Sigh!
 ppeters914 wrote:
What a treat. Lived on O'ahu 1977-89, and this brought a tear as it conveys all that's good about Hawaii to me.
 
So you love how all the beaches were sold for condos and hotels?
❤️
Love this song. 
 Jakethemuss wrote:
Is this one for the Boogaloo contingent Bill?
 
WTF?

> Wind's gonna blow so I'm gonna go, down on the road again
> Starting where the mountains left me, I end up where I began
> Where I will go the wind only knows.

> Good times around the bend.
> Get in my car, goin' too far,
> Never comin' back again.

Can't go *too* far... You can get in your car, drive all the way around Oahu in half a day, and indeed end up where you started. But it's true, that in such a short timespan, the place may not be the same as you left it. This song is beautiful, and it breaks my heart.
Is this one for the Boogaloo contingent Bill?
Brand new to me. Lovely. Thank you RP.
 surfrider4life wrote:


Long Live Buttons Kaluihiokalani
 
Buttons was legendary.  Remember watching him surf Ala Moana Yacht Harbor as a kid.
Mahalo Bill! Love the slack key.
I thought it was JJ Cale's I'll Be There (If You Ever Want Me) from Okie at the beginning... Both v.g.

Donovan's 'I Like You' from Cosmic Wheels would also follow the vibe (as of course did Nick Drake's Road.
The beast inside needs soothing music right now. Thank you Bill.
Bless you for sprinkling in a little Aloha now and then!  We honeymooned there and it just instantly makes my day better to hear a little slack key guitar.  Mahalo, Bill!
 davidm995 wrote:
GREAT SONG BILL ! SHAKA BRA!
 

Long Live Buttons Kaluihiokalani
 ppeters914 wrote:
What a treat. Lived on O'ahu 1977-89, and this brought a tear as it conveys all that's good about Hawaii to me.
 

I lived there 1987-89 and heard Bill on KPOI. Listened to this one at Anna Banana's on Beretania St., Mo’ili’ili near UH. 
What a treat. Lived on O'ahu 1977-89, and this brought a tear as it conveys all that's good about Hawaii to me.
GREAT SONG BILL ! SHAKA BRA!


While briefly living in HI, we renewed our vows at this tiny little cove in 2017, and minutes later good fortune gave us this incredible sunset. It was one of those magic moments in life.
Powerful! It's happening in my mountains too :-/
Nice pick Bill. Enjoyed greatly.
Sad, but beautiful.
awesome!
Never heard this before. Very Nice.
This drifted in as I was having breakfast - liked it and got the day of to good start. Thank you very much guys.
 S-curvy wrote:

Yes, indeed.

Isn't this from the soundtrack for George Clooney's "The Descendants?"  I really enjoyed that flic, but I've spent a fair amount of time in Hawaii, so for me, the movie is really right on the money, and the story is like one we all confront sooner or later.  The soundtrack is fundamental to the film's success.

Just like the movie and the place combination, this song is super atmospheric — I can feel the balmy breeze on my face, I can hear the waves landing, I can feel time adjusting to something less important ... I am there now.

 
This is not 'from' The Descendants but, they did use it in the movie.  I first heard this back in the 70's :)
Thanks for playing this, Bill.  
Nice guitar work on this
Godlike!!

if for no other reason than, it's my homeland 🌺 
 nagsheadlocal wrote:
Chicken skin music . . . 

 
Yes, indeed.

Isn't this from the soundtrack for George Clooney's "The Descendants?"  I really enjoyed that flic, but I've spent a fair amount of time in Hawaii, so for me, the movie is really right on the money, and the story is like one we all confront sooner or later.  The soundtrack is fundamental to the film's success.

Just like the movie and the place combination, this song is super atmospheric — I can feel the balmy breeze on my face, I can hear the waves landing, I can feel time adjusting to something less important ... I am there now.
Comforting 
Waimanalo Blues by Makaha Sons of Niihau! 
 beinder wrote:

You could always look to the Hawaiian Music Store for some info.

 
Nice link. Thanks.
 mread wrote:


The problem is that the "Wiki" link takes you to Elton John's song "Country Comfort."  Wikipedia apparently has nothing for the Hawaiian group.

 
You could always look to the Hawaiian Music Store for some info.
 averybadcat wrote:
Longer boats are coming to win us
Hold on to the shore 

 

hmm - pretty much

The air just got softer... Missing my Country days.

dig is right. This is a Country 10. Not a City number
6.6? This is about as 10 as it gets.
Longing for the Islands.......sigh.
{#Wave}
Longer boats are coming to win us
Hold on to the shore 
 blkstd wrote:

stopped me from working.



 
Similar experience. Researching project, had to stop and check RP's site to find out who this was. Nice.

stopped me from working.


Chicken skin music . . . 
BillG wrote:
oldfart48 wrote:
yo, billg, fix the credits please. Elton had nothing to do with this.....mahalo

?

 

The problem is that the "Wiki" link takes you to Elton John's song "Country Comfort."  Wikipedia apparently has nothing for the Hawaiian group.
 BillG wrote:

?

 
my machine problem, love  RP.  just an old KFAThead
 oldfart48 wrote:
yo, billg, fix the credits please. Elton had nothing to do with this.....mahalo

 
?
one "hit" wonders, but fabulous just the same.  
wow, just so joyful
wooowwwww I gotta go experience the beauty that produces such awesome music, sounds like peace and love
Mahalo!  Lived in Pacific Palisades, way up high above Pearl City while the sub went through 12 months of drydock in 1978-1979.  Hit the beach at Waimanalo often to boogie board beneath the magnificent Pali.  Just another shitty day in Paradise.

Haole Hud 
Yah I sing along lucky I live Hawaii
Aloha! 
 Cynaera wrote:
This is so wonderful....  Even the clouds and rain can't dampen the images in my mind of clear ocean, white sand, and blue sky.  I absolutely love this song, and this band.  Off to order the CDs! (At this rate, I'll NEVER get my credit card paid down.) {#Rolleyes} 
 



I spent a few years in Hawaii a long time ago. I loved the place and the music. I'd like to go back as a tourist someday and show my wife around It's definitely on my bucket list..... Hope there are oceans and white sand and blue skies where you are Ann. Aloha !
Hawaiian slack key style guitar = bliss!
 
 
And....it makes me miss my sister who lives on the big island of Hawaii.
Sweet melancholy
 govna wrote:
good song.  anyone else hear Lindsay Buckingham's "Never Going Back Again?"
 
Yes!  IT's great! love the guitar riff and the harmonies!
 michael_a_k wrote:
Ouch! This is worse than Volksmusik (no, I'm not rating it. The scale has only positive numbers ;-)
 
Never been to the islands, then? I admit this needs some context, but if you go...find some real music...it's really quite magical.
 Grammarcop wrote:
I have a sudden urge to put on a grass skirt.
 
Thanks for the visual......hahahahaha.    Couldn't agree more though.   I could think of worse things to be doing right now than having a cup of Kona coffee watching the sun rise over the Hawaiian beach...

I have a sudden urge to put on a grass skirt.
nope i missed that phase
Wouldn't mind hearing Elton John's "Country Comfort".
good song.  anyone else hear Lindsay Buckingham's "Never Going Back Again?"
This is so wonderful....  Even the clouds and rain can't dampen the images in my mind of clear ocean, white sand, and blue sky.  I absolutely love this song, and this band.  Off to order the CDs! (At this rate, I'll NEVER get my credit card paid down.) {#Rolleyes} 
 KaiT wrote:
Bill! What a treasure! My authentic self could live the rest of it's life in a bikini and a sarong with a pineapple drink in my hand! This song just speaks volumes to me! Thank you! 
 

You don't need the sarong     (sorry, it's a guy thing)
Oh  how I miss those beautiful islands.  Thank you Bill, for a wonderful taste of mahalo.
Bill! What a treasure! My authentic self could live the rest of it's life in a bikini and a sarong with a pineapple drink in my hand! This song just speaks volumes to me! Thank you! 
 mano wrote:
What a great song for all yous people not fortunate to be here la dat. 

You da kine, brah.
Makes we wanna go back to my little grass shack ....  even as the haole I will forever be.  Mahalo, Bill!

More.... from da Big Island bra...{#Notworthy}
Aloha Bra ..Big mahalo for taken me back to the islands I so love ...Billy Kawai was lost way to soon like so many others !
Was there then and you took me back. They were a most beautiful group. Aloha
I love this! My body might be in Vermont, but my heart is in Hawaii.
Then and now!
Would like to give it a try any time!
Sooo naive. Possibly that is what we call
"SCHLAGER" in Germany. Or not...?

I just drove through Waimanalo on my way home to Kahaluu.  Serendipitous timing!  Thanks, BillG — a great song that evokes sweet memories!
Ouch! This is worse than Volksmusik (no, I'm not rating it. The scale has only positive numbers ;-)


This one never fails to give me "chicken skin" and always brings me back to a certain place and time here on Maui.  It's in my car's CD player, but I'm still pleasantly surprised to hear it tonight on RP.  Aloha from Maui, and mahalo to RP!


7 to 8
{#Jump}
 mano wrote:
This is a classic. Great song. Relax your mind and float downstream. Ya all city folk wouldn't understand.
 

Come on man, we can get it...Immanuel Kant never left the little town of Konigsberg and is considered one of the greatest minds in philosophy...I ain't no Kant, but I can get the W Blues even if I'm in the polluted valley of Santiago.

I'm liking this most easily...


Another definition of Paradise.
before leashes ruined surfing

{#Sunny}
I think my grandma would enjoy this. Very Lawrence_Welkesque. 

edit - scrolling down I see other's thought the same thing... 
Check out that website!{#Roflol}
 mano wrote:

What a great song for all yous people not fortunate to be here la dat.


 

Hey brah, I'm trackin wit ya.

Plate lunch sometime?
"Lay your coconuta on my tiki, what the hecka, mooka, mooka, dear; let’s talk dirty in Hawaiian, say the words I long to hear."


An unexpected delight!

What a great song for all yous people not fortunate to be here la dat.


Perfect song to listen to as I stare out of my office window, overlooking the beautiful Manoa Valley on O'ahu. Mmmmmm.

Thank you for the perfect song at the right time. {#Music}


 mano wrote:
This is a classic. Great song. Relax your mind and float downstream. Ya all city folk wouldn't understand.
 

I understand.............

thewiseking wrote:



This was better without the Lawrence Welkish vocals.







At least there wasn't tiny bubbles.


I wouldn't download it to my Zune, but it's relaxing background music while I work.

{#Meditate}

This is a classic. Great song. Relax your mind and float downstream. Ya all city folk wouldn't understand.
 Jeremy_Cherfas wrote:
Well now, isn't that pleasant?

 
very nice...mmmm and it's not even Aloha Friday yet.

Well now, isn't that pleasant?
Excuse me...did I stumble over a folk music station?

This was better without the Lawrence Welkish vocals.