Tornado Alley

Story Behind The Song

As one who grew up in an area where tornadoes were a common occurance, I thought that this might be a good subject for a powerful song. I tried to suggest a whirling and shifting musical environment to reinforce the folksy lyrics.

Song Description

Each verse tells a condensed story typical of what one associates with tornados, told in a folksy and darkly humorous manner. A longer title might be "Tales of Tornado Alley". It ends with the question of why people continue to live in an area beset by to

Song Length 3:44 Genre Folk - Rock
Tempo Medium (111 - 130) Lead Vocal Male Vocal
Mood Restless, Troubled Subject Storms, Energy
Similar Artists Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen Language English
Era 2000 and later

Lyrics

Tornado Alley (©2003, m. drum)

It’s quiet in the eye of the storm
Against a yellow sky you can see the funnel form
Momma take the children down the cellar stairs
Huddle in the corner, better say your prayers!

Tornado Alley
Tornado Alley

I can hear the devil screamin’, I can hear the hailstones pound
Matchstick houses splinter where the twister touches down
From the basement window, see the neighbors drivin’ by…
Is that their station wagon flying through the sky?

Tornado Alley
Tornado Alley

Early in the mornin’ he turned on the radio
The weatherman was warnin'- gonna be a tornado
Instead of seeking shelter, Uncle Jimmy lost his head
He tried to save his horses. They were quick, but now they’re dead

Tornado Alley
Tornado Alley

Along the road of ruin where the storm comes rippin’ through
If you’re left among the living, you can build your house anew
But wait until the season when the wind begins to moan
To ask yourself the reason you don’t find another home.

Tornado Alley
Tornado Alley
Tornado Alley

Lyrics m. drumm Music m. drumm
Producer m. drumm Performance m. drumm

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