Story Behind The Song
This song was inspired both by the movie "Lonesome Dove" and by the writer's experience in representing capital murder defendants in Texas. A person facing the death penalty is often in extreme denial ("This has all just been a dream") and does not snap out of it until it is far too late. I just put that mindset to music and adopted the Lonesome Dove/Old West theme for vigilante executions.
Song Description
These are the last thoughts of a man about to be hung in the old-West way -- that is, sitting on the back of his horse with a noose around his neck until the horse is slapped on the backside and made to run away.
| Song Length |
4:18 |
Genre |
Country - Alternative, Country - Rock |
| Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Anxious |
Subject |
Crime, Theft |
| Language |
English |
Era |
1800 - 1899 |
Lyrics
THE HILL
I was born in the sun on the east side of this hill.
And I grew up having fun on the east side of this hill.
I was raised to do right on the east side of this hill.
I never dreamed there?d be night on the east side of this hill.
And when I wake up I will find this has all just been a dream.
There are clouds up above on the east side of this hill.
And there are things that I love on the east side of this hill.
I?ve been found and I?ve been lost.
I?ve been turned and I?ve been tossed.
I see the people that I?ve wronged.
And I see them struggle just to carry on.
And when I wake up I will see this has all just been a dream.
I feel the sun on my face where this flat spot meets this tree.
I feel my horse between my legs and then there?s nothing beneath my feet.
But when I wake up I will know this has all just been a dream.
Words & Music by Greg Westfall
© 2003 Greg Westfall, BMI
Voice & Guitars ? Westfall
Organ ? Andrew Martin
Bass ? Bob Prince
Drums ? Steve Froese