I’s born for ramblin’, runnin’ wild
Just a rock ‘n roll honky-tonk rebel child
You can dream your dreams girl it’s just fine
I’m chasin’ mine, I’s born the wreckless kind
I am sitting in a swanky coffee shop downtown in historical Spartanburg SC which is home to greats such as The Marshall Tucker Band, Rock a Billy Hall of Famers The Sparkletones, Piedmont Blues man Pink Anderson (who was in the inspiration for the Pink in Pink Floyd), Singing Billy Walker (who penned the words to Amazing Grace), Marshall Chapman, and many others. This town is littered with so many artist that could literally bump into someone on a daily basis. I am asking how did I get here? I stick out like an orange hat with a yellow bill. See, it all began in 1984 when my mother signed me out of kindergarten to see Hank Jr. and David Allen Coe. Funny thing about that if you’re not laughing yet is that she actually put that down in the section for reason to sign out. Years later I was married and my first child, a son, was born the day Waylon Jennings passed away and I begged the ex-wife to name him Waylon. I guess you know why she is an ex now. Well, that’s part of the reason.
So, its been a journey and now its officially became a life style. The fact of the matter is that I don’t have a job or any income what so ever. Ever since I got divorced I never been financially stable but have found something that is way more rewarding in following my dreams. It’s treasures in my heart that could never be bought nor taken away from. I get up everyday with really no agenda or plans except for shine my light and survive. Its tough and some days its more than I can take. So, as I write this I am listening to some college chick sing a pop song of things I shall never know as everyone sips on three dollar cups of coffee. Three dollars would get me a few corn dogs and a ginger ale at the local gas station. I guess that’s the hayseed in me talking but, I don’t see paying three dollars for coffee anything in the near future even if had the money. I have my lap top here and a back pack with a change of clothes and few things in it. Where will I sleep tonight? I dunno I slept in a hospital ER last night and got best sleep I had in a while. The cool thing I like about this area is that there is something musical in walking distance that’s why later tonight I plan on seeing my good pals Millbilly Blues http://www.millbillyblues.com/ at a local pub that’s so close to here I could throw a rock. Meanwhile next door at the fancy wings place is another music act and the on down the street has more music till 2am. Ah, I love this town.
I run on faith daily and some odd reason I get by with a way everyday. A few years ago I was writing just what ever poped in my head at the time and wasn’t writing to get any praise but, found it to be therapy. Brigitte London who is a singer/songwriter out of Texas noticed it and asked would I want to write for http://www.outlawmagazine.tv/ and of course I did. That gig has taken me to new heights and places I would never dream of going. Its a labor of love there and some of the finest people write and contribute to the magazine. Its something quite special and forever in debt to Brigitte for taking me in. I met Dennis Knutson who penned The Right Left Hand and Wine Colored Roses for George Jones. Both gold records and Uncle Den is a dear friend of mine now. I got full access to many festivals and concerts and even contribute to other places. Its been a hellva ride and don’t see it stopping anytime soon. I feel like Kervouc character in On the Road, Look like The Dude from The Big Lebowski, and run on blessings from others energy.
My nickname is Mater and it was way before that Cars movie came out. My buddy Kyle Glosson gave it to me in junior high and it stuck. At first I hated it but have embraced it here past few years. I can’t go no where and not hear anyone shout that name. I guess its brand name or something of such now. My late Uncle Tom was a outlaw and I looked up to him. He once drove all three of his kids and disabled wife across country starting in Washington State in a beat up GMC with bull horns on the front with no insurance until he ran out of money and gas on highway in Atlanta GA. He called my Uncle X and asked for help and X said he had no problem finding him on the side of the road with those giant bull horns on the front of the truck. Tom was a alcoholic who lost his voice box later in his life due to excessive drinking. He joined the army during the berlin crisis and was station over there as an airplane mechanic. He hated it dearly and when he came back he was going to live his life on his terms and did till the day he passed away. He is buried with no tombstone and it breaks my heart. Its been over twenty years since he died now. He was a big part of shaping me.
So, I guess can say some folks sing about it, some talk about it, while I am living those songs that Billy Joe Shaver was singing about. Its hell sometimes but its ultimate freedom for sure. I just know once I am gone I will know I truly lived the lifestyle and didn’t live in a subdivision doing a job I hated while driving a SUV paying on a tomb for thirty years. I don’t wanna be that guy who lives to be in debt. Yeah, sure I am in debt now but after many therapy sessions that cost way too much money and living much of life’s underbelly I have found my calling. Its a lifestyle and I plan on riding it where ever it takes me. Amen
