Writing what you know about doesn't necessarily mean that others will be able to relate to it. There are, however, so many things that we have all shared in common. I'd have to agree with Alaska Mike that, among the many thousands who travel far and wide across the planet each day for business or pleasure, there are longings to return home safely to their own homes and families, especially if you have to get around in a beast like mine.

The '65 Newport Ragtop Blues Reggie Miles © 2003

Flyin' down the highway
Loaded for a gig
My radio is rappin'
My ragtop is flappin'
To pieces in the wind

People stare but I don't care
At my midlife Chrysler sled
Yeah she's a long, low, lean
Mean American machine
And she loves to burn lead

These one night stands are goin' nowhere
But what's a poor boy got to lose?
My radiator's got a leak
I'm burnin' oil like a sheik
I've got the '65 Newport ragtop blues

Traffic is a jammin'
In the gray overcast      
My 383 is puffin' smoke
My odometer is broke
I'm goin' nowhere fast

The rain starts to fallin'
My wiper's givin' up the ghost
The steerin' pump is squeelin'
I gotta bad feelin'
She won't make the next post

People say, "Don't play your life away
Spinnin' yer wheels in those same ol' grooves
I'm just usin' what I got because it's all I've got to use
I got the '65 Newport ragtop blues

People say, cut your hair and get a real job
But then, who's gonna pay my dues?
I just wave, so long, as I pass them by
With the '65 Newport ragtop blues


One of my favorite writers, my friend One-Man, has a great ability to capture a unique perspective.


Soft Shoulders and Dangerous Curves © 1982 Robert 'One-Man' Johnson

Chorus: Soft shoulders and dangerous curves
Eatin' on my mind workin' at my nerves
All those highway signs remind me of her
Thinkin 'bout those soft shoulders and dangerous curves

All alone and lonesome rollin' down the road
Back home in Wisconsin, I know it's freezin' cold
Here in Luzianna, my rig is runnin' right
Lord I'd love to lay with her tonight

Thinkin' 'bout those
Chorus:

Just passed a driver in a no passin' zone
My mind so disconnected from these hours all alone
If baby was here with me, she could set me straight
Two more days, boys I can hardly wait

Thinkin' 'bout those
Chorus:

Wipers slappin' almost nappin' tryin' to stay awake
Think I better exit here and have a coffee break
Flashin' yellow indicates a detour up ahead
Wish I was home a-sleepin' in my bed

Next to those
Chorus:

Lights are flashin' horns are honkin' like a stock car race
In my mind my memory is fixed upon her face
Traffic on this interstate about to make me cry
A northbound sign's reflecting in my eye

Chorus