Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
“Cumberland Gap,” the second track from Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit’s second full-length album, The Nashville Sound, provides an ode to rural, working class frustration and personal stagnation.
Annalise Domenighini from Noisey illustrates the relevancy of Isbell’s songwriting:
If you’ve ever spe...
[Verse 1]
There's an answer here, if I look hard enough
There's a reason why I always reach for the harder stuff
It wasn't my daddy's way
He was down in the mines all day
I know he wanted more than mouths to feed and bills to pay
[Chorus]
Maybe the Cumberland Gap just swallows you whole
Maybe the Cumberland Gap just swallows you whole
[Verse 2]
I ain't cut out for war, unless I know what I'm fighting for
And there's nothing here but churches, bars, and grocery stores
Ain't much money in the old-time mandolin
So I cash my check and I drink 'til I'm on my ass again
[Chorus]
Maybe the Cumberland Gap just swallows you whole
Maybe the Cumberland Gap just swallows you whole
Maybe the Cumberland Gap just swallows you whole
[Bridge]
Remember when we could see the mountain's peak?
The sparkle off the amphibole?
Like a giant golden eagle's beak
Now they say no one wants the coal
[Verse 3]
I thought about moving away
But what would my mama say?
I'm all that she has left and I'm with her every day
As soon as the sun goes down
I find my way to the Mustang Lounge
And if you don't sit facing the window
You could be in any town
[Chorus]
Maybe the Cumberland Gap just swallows you whole
Maybe the Cumberland Gap just swallows you whole
Maybe the Cumberland Gap just swallows you whole
Maybe the Cumberland Gap just swallows you whole
Cumberland Gap was written by Jason Isbell.
Cumberland Gap was produced by Dave Cobb.
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit released Cumberland Gap on Thu Apr 27 2017.
Songwriter/vocalist Jason Isbell: “This song is about working class desperation, really. It was written as a tribute to the children of the coal mining regions.”