Story Behind The Song
I live with a beautiful rescue greyhound whom I named Isra; the name means 'nocturnal journey' but is metaphorical for a journey through darkness; greyhounds are used until they cannot provide income and their 'endings' are usually very difficult (they are often shot or abandoned)
The sport itself is associated with many injuries and deaths on the track - I support Action For Greyhounds and this song is my protest against the sport
I am so proud that my producer Wes Maebe contributed a beautiful classical guitar solo on the intro to lift this song to new heights
Song Description
A semi classical/Country feel on a long acoustic guitar solo intro backed by slide guitar
The picking suggests the movement of a dog's run in places
The backing behind the verses is very sparse and leaves room for slide to 'cry' with the narrative description of a greyhound's life
Violin and cello combine for a slightly orchestral feel
The kit is used percussively and very sparsely throughout
The chorus crescendo's with cello that remains in the song then till the end
| Song Length |
3:56 |
Genre |
Country - Americana, Blues - Country |
| Tempo |
Medium Slow (91 - 110) |
Lead Vocal |
Female Vocal |
| Mood |
Poignant, Endearing |
Subject |
Dogs, Gambling |
| Similar Artists |
Lucinda Williams |
Language |
English |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
Grey (a protest for beautiful Isra and his hound family)
First at the finishin' line
Water bowl filled with wine
Master throws you a piece of meat
Then you left tired an' alone
Layin' on the cold cold stone
Runnin' quiet races in your ache filled sleep
Come on now .... hey
My beautiful grey
No more racin' pulse at the shot of the gun
I'm gonna' set you free
You win if you bet on me
There ain't no more need for you to run
Bettin' rag is folded near
Winner on the page is clear
Every gamester markin' out your name
Paradin' round the high fence track
Your heavy heart beats way too fast
You the one payin' the cost a' your fame
Come on now .... hey
My beautiful grey
No more racin' pulse at the shot of the gun
I'm gonna' set you free
You win if you bet on me
There ain't no more need for you to run
I wanna' see your joy filled dance
Your pirouette and criss-cross prance
That's something I think I can understand
The ghost in you still runnin' free
Loyalty dressed in dignity
When you were out there huntin' for a good man
Come on now .... hey
My beautiful grey
No more racin' pulse at the shot of the gun
© R Bennett / Dunn '22