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Rattlesnake Rattler

from Pennsylvania Coal by Irene Kelley

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Thomm came over that morning to write with an extra ‘pep-in-his-step’. He had just been given a ‘rattler’ to put inside his Martin guitar. What a rare treasure, not to mention that the medicine it provides is legendary in the bluegrass world. Thomm was ready to write the story in song…with me! Every word is true, and Bobby, the father-in-law of my amazing producer, Mark Fain, will be forever immortalized here. Rhonda Vincent sang a wonderful harmony part at Thomm’s studio and mentioned in passing she maybe could record it too except her well-meaning fans would probably bring her snakes as tokens of affection. Well, I guess I hadn’t thought of that. No live snakes please!!

lyrics

“Rattlesnake Rattler”
Written by Irene Kelley/Thomm Jutz
-------------------------------

Drivin’ down a dusty road he saw that diamond back
Someone just ran over it. Bobby said, “I’m gonna stop for that!”
He picked it up and brought it home and threw it on the grill
Saved one special part for me and I believe its power is real

*I put a rattlesnake rattler in this old guitar
It turned wood wire frets and glue into a shining star
Clear as the whistle of an old freight train
Warmer than the patter of a Carolina rain
Steady as the rhythm of the wheels of an ole box car
I put a rattlesnake rattler in this old guitar

Some say it’s a mountain thing, some say I’m a fool
But they ain’t heard this old box ring, and now who is fooling’ who
(*)
**So if you think you hear the whistle of an old freight train, the pitter and the patter of a Carolina rain. It ain’t just the rhythm of the wheels of an ole box car. It’s the rattlesnake rattler in this old guitar

credits

from Pennsylvania Coal, released February 11, 2014
Available on "Pennsylvania Coal" by Irene Kelley (out Feb. 11, 2014) Publishing info:
Irene Kelley: Shiny Stuff Music, BMI
Thomm Jutz: Thomm Songs, SESAC; Admin., Bluewater Music

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Irene Kelley Nashville, Tennessee

Irene Kelley’s signature mix of Bluegrass, Country and Americana appeals to music lovers across all genres. A native of Latrobe, PA, she has independently released two albums and another for MCA Records. Irene's songs have been recorded by Alan Jackson, Trisha Yearwood, Loretta Lynn, Pat Green, Brother Phelps, Rhonda Vincent, Claire Lynch, Darrell Scott, The Whites, the Osborne Brothers & others. ... more

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