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Country Comfort — Waimanalo Blues
Album: We Are The Children
Avg rating:
7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1270









Released: 1976
Length: 4:06
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Wind's gonna blow so I'm gonna go, down on the road again
Starting where the mountains left me, I end up where I began
Where I will go the wind only knows.

Good times around the bend.
Get in my car, goin' too far,
Never comin' back again.

Tired and worn, I woke up this mornin'
and found that I was confused.
Spun right around and found that I had lost
the things that I couldn't lose.

The beaches they sell to build their hotels, my fathers and I once knew.
Birds on the lawn, sunlight at dawn, singin' Waimanalo blues.

Down on the road, the mountains so old,
far on the country side.
Birds on the wing, forgetting a while
so I'm headed for the windward side.

In all of your dreams, sometimes it just seems,
that I'm just along for the ride.
Some they will cry, because they have pride,
For someone whose loved here died.

The beaches they sell to build their hotels, my fathers and I once knew.
Birds on the lawn, sunlight at dawn, singin' Waimanalo blues.
Comments (108)add comment
After almost 46 years of living here in this beautiful state, this song still makes my heart swell every time I hear it, more than any other song from so many of the talented local artists. Hawai’i No ka `oi.
Posted 6 months ago by KudaRey    [ Reply ]
sometimes we try way too hard to be eclectic, eh Bill?  :)
Posted 1 year ago by jjbix37    [ Reply ]
 SmackDaddy wrote:


Actually, the lyrics are about the loss of what was good about Hawaii - lost to the developers of hotels and condos. Reading comprehension, it's fun, you should try it.

More a warning about what could be lost, and one that was heeded - Waimanalo is still very low-key and non-commercial in 2023, almost 100% residential, predominantly native Hawaiian. I pedaled along Waikupanaha Road in the sun and the wind today, and back along Kalanianaole Hwy, it's still beautiful. 

Moonrise this month ...
Posted 1 year ago by hanssachs    [ Reply ]
 ppeters914 wrote:

What a treat. Lived on O'ahu 1977-89, and this brought a tear as it conveys all that's good about Hawaii to me.



Actually, the lyrics are about the loss of what was good about Hawaii - lost to the developers of hotels and condos. Reading comprehension, it's fun, you should try it.
Posted 1 year ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
 ppeters914 wrote:

What a treat. Lived on O'ahu 1977-89, and this brought a tear as it conveys all that's good about Hawaii to me.



You might want to read the lyrics again.
Posted 1 year ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
 Shipp wrote:

used in a great little movie, The Descendants


Not true, sadly.  There was a lot of great slack key music in that movie, but this track was not included.
The Descendants was a pretty good flick, made better by the slack key soundtrack (currently $59 on Amazon, sheesh).
Love this track, by the way:  9
Posted 2 years ago by obispo    [ Reply ]
Planning a trip to Hawaii next year. This made me feel guilty. 
Posted 2 years ago by smartn1    [ Reply ]
 ppeters914 wrote:

What a treat. Lived on O'ahu 1977-89, and this brought a tear as it conveys all that's good about Hawaii to me.



I lived on Maui for while after college and truly miss those days. 
Posted 2 years ago by bmuscutt    [ Reply ]
used in a great little movie, The Descendants
Posted 2 years ago by Shipp    [ Reply ]
What a lovely song, very pleasing to the soul. 
Posted 2 years ago by mgkiwi    [ Reply ]
I’m gonna relate this song to ‘straight to hell’ by the Clash. When it is playing, it almost seems mandatory to listen.
Posted 2 years ago by ddbz    [ Reply ]
This song encapsulates, for me, the kind of feeling that inhabitants of special places feel when such places become (maybe a bit too) popular. And while it's true that many of the changes are not necessarily all for the better, I seem to have found that if one re-immerses themself in such a spot, taking the time and gaining all the perspectives required to be fair, one may still be pleasantly surprised to discover the real reasons the place was and is so special -- and, on a much deeper level, the real reasons one was and is drawn to the spot in the first place, perhaps by observing how it astounds and inspires newcomers who have no previous long-term personal attachments to go by. No doubt, an energy must be induced to flow from such a rapt new-eyed observer to the spot, which is desired and required by it, in return, in perfect circuit. It's a feedback loop, and to participate makes all the difference. To dismiss it, after or because of change that may discomfit one at any given moment, is to miss the benefits of conducting such an important flow... I love how music, like water, can be infinitely re-combined yet forever retain its magic. I sincerely love and appreciate how quantum-deeply RP's wired into it.
Posted 3 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
AH-HA! Bill, you said something about your time on O'ahu. I've wondered what kindled your interest in Hawaiian music. Keep playing it, Bill, it's most pleasant. I lived there as a kid in the early 60s, didn't know I was in paradise at the time. Commercialism has changed it so much. 
Posted 3 years ago by all_ears    [ Reply ]
Like Bill, I lived in Hawaii in the mid 70's. West side big Island. We had one "FM" station KAOI that we could get from Maui. Fortunately it was progressive enough to get you through the day; but at sunset hour they would do all Hawaiian music. This was one of the staples. Memories...Sigh!
Posted 3 years ago by mjbaumann    [ Reply ]
 ppeters914 wrote:
What a treat. Lived on O'ahu 1977-89, and this brought a tear as it conveys all that's good about Hawaii to me.
 
So you love how all the beaches were sold for condos and hotels?
Posted 4 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
❤️
Posted 4 years ago by GalileoCoffeeCo    [ Reply ]
Love this song. 
Posted 4 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
 Jakethemuss wrote:
Is this one for the Boogaloo contingent Bill?
 
WTF?
Posted 4 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]

> Wind's gonna blow so I'm gonna go, down on the road again
> Starting where the mountains left me, I end up where I began
> Where I will go the wind only knows.
> 
> Good times around the bend.
> Get in my car, goin' too far,
> Never comin' back again.

Can't go *too* far... You can get in your car, drive all the way around Oahu in half a day, and indeed end up where you started. But it's true, that in such a short timespan, the place may not be the same as you left it. This song is beautiful, and it breaks my heart.
Posted 4 years ago by bseib    [ Reply ]
Is this one for the Boogaloo contingent Bill?
Posted 4 years ago by Jakethemuss    [ Reply ]
Brand new to me. Lovely. Thank you RP.
Posted 4 years ago by mach-hog    [ Reply ]
 surfrider4life wrote:


Long Live Buttons Kaluihiokalani
 
Buttons was legendary.  Remember watching him surf Ala Moana Yacht Harbor as a kid.
Posted 4 years ago by awightman1    [ Reply ]
Mahalo Bill! Love the slack key.
Posted 4 years ago by marysclark    [ Reply ]
I thought it was JJ Cale's I'll Be There (If You Ever Want Me) from Okie at the beginning... Both v.g.

Donovan's 'I Like You' from Cosmic Wheels would also follow the vibe (as of course did Nick Drake's Road.
Posted 5 years ago by kbs    [ Reply ]
The beast inside needs soothing music right now. Thank you Bill.
Posted 5 years ago by sunybuny    [ Reply ]
Bless you for sprinkling in a little Aloha now and then!  We honeymooned there and it just instantly makes my day better to hear a little slack key guitar.  Mahalo, Bill!
Posted 5 years ago by stacey.otte    [ Reply ]
 davidm995 wrote:
GREAT SONG BILL ! SHAKA BRA!
 

Long Live Buttons Kaluihiokalani
Posted 5 years ago by surfrider4life    [ Reply ]
 ppeters914 wrote:
What a treat. Lived on O'ahu 1977-89, and this brought a tear as it conveys all that's good about Hawaii to me.
 

I lived there 1987-89 and heard Bill on KPOI. Listened to this one at Anna Banana's on Beretania St., Mo’ili’ili near UH. 
Posted 5 years ago by marysclark    [ Reply ]
What a treat. Lived on O'ahu 1977-89, and this brought a tear as it conveys all that's good about Hawaii to me.
Posted 5 years ago by ppeters914    [ Reply ]
GREAT SONG BILL ! SHAKA BRA!
Posted 5 years ago by davidm995    [ Reply ]


While briefly living in HI, we renewed our vows at this tiny little cove in 2017, and minutes later good fortune gave us this incredible sunset. It was one of those magic moments in life.
Posted 5 years ago by bseib    [ Reply ]
Powerful! It's happening in my mountains too :-/
Posted 6 years ago by loungelizard48    [ Reply ]
Nice pick Bill. Enjoyed greatly.
Posted 6 years ago by bruceandjenna    [ Reply ]
Sad, but beautiful.
Posted 6 years ago by Ropes    [ Reply ]
awesome!
Posted 6 years ago by DocStrangelove    [ Reply ]
Never heard this before. Very Nice.
Posted 6 years ago by Rockit9    [ Reply ]
This drifted in as I was having breakfast - liked it and got the day of to good start. Thank you very much guys.
Posted 7 years ago by JohnActon    [ Reply ]
 S-curvy wrote:

Yes, indeed.

Isn't this from the soundtrack for George Clooney's "The Descendants?"  I really enjoyed that flic, but I've spent a fair amount of time in Hawaii, so for me, the movie is really right on the money, and the story is like one we all confront sooner or later.  The soundtrack is fundamental to the film's success.

Just like the movie and the place combination, this song is super atmospheric — I can feel the balmy breeze on my face, I can hear the waves landing, I can feel time adjusting to something less important ... I am there now.

 
This is not 'from' The Descendants but, they did use it in the movie.  I first heard this back in the 70's :)
Posted 7 years ago by JeriF    [ Reply ]
Thanks for playing this, Bill.  
Posted 7 years ago by JeriF    [ Reply ]
Nice guitar work on this
Posted 7 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
Godlike!!

if for no other reason than, it's my homeland 🌺 
Posted 7 years ago by tiare    [ Reply ]
 nagsheadlocal wrote:
Chicken skin music . . . 

 
Yes, indeed.

Isn't this from the soundtrack for George Clooney's "The Descendants?"  I really enjoyed that flic, but I've spent a fair amount of time in Hawaii, so for me, the movie is really right on the money, and the story is like one we all confront sooner or later.  The soundtrack is fundamental to the film's success.

Just like the movie and the place combination, this song is super atmospheric — I can feel the balmy breeze on my face, I can hear the waves landing, I can feel time adjusting to something less important ... I am there now.
Posted 8 years ago by S-curvy    [ Reply ]
Comforting 
Posted 8 years ago by GeorgeMWoods    [ Reply ]
Waimanalo Blues by Makaha Sons of Niihau! 
Posted 8 years ago by Hans    [ Reply ]
 beinder wrote:

You could always look to the Hawaiian Music Store for some info.

 
Nice link. Thanks.
Posted 8 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
 mread wrote:


The problem is that the "Wiki" link takes you to Elton John's song "Country Comfort."  Wikipedia apparently has nothing for the Hawaiian group.

 
You could always look to the Hawaiian Music Store for some info.
Posted 9 years ago by beinder    [ Reply ]
 averybadcat wrote:
Longer boats are coming to win us
Hold on to the shore 

 

hmm - pretty much
Posted 9 years ago by blkstd    [ Reply ]

The air just got softer... Missing my Country days.

dig is right. This is a Country 10. Not a City number
Posted 9 years ago by AndyJ    [ Reply ]
6.6? This is about as 10 as it gets.
Posted 9 years ago by dig    [ Reply ]
Longing for the Islands.......sigh.
Posted 9 years ago by CCinSB    [ Reply ]
{#Wave}
Posted 10 years ago by ljoergen    [ Reply ]
Longer boats are coming to win us
Hold on to the shore 
Posted 10 years ago by averybadcat    [ Reply ]
 blkstd wrote:

stopped me from working.



 
Similar experience. Researching project, had to stop and check RP's site to find out who this was. Nice.
Posted 10 years ago by stalfnzo    [ Reply ]

stopped me from working.


Posted 10 years ago by blkstd    [ Reply ]
Chicken skin music . . . 
Posted 10 years ago by nagsheadlocal    [ Reply ]
BillG wrote:
oldfart48 wrote:
yo, billg, fix the credits please. Elton had nothing to do with this.....mahalo

?

 

The problem is that the "Wiki" link takes you to Elton John's song "Country Comfort."  Wikipedia apparently has nothing for the Hawaiian group.
Posted 10 years ago by mread    [ Reply ]
 BillG wrote:

?

 
my machine problem, love  RP.  just an old KFAThead
Posted 10 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
 oldfart48 wrote:
yo, billg, fix the credits please. Elton had nothing to do with this.....mahalo

 
?
Posted 10 years ago by William    [ Reply ]
one "hit" wonders, but fabulous just the same.  
Posted 11 years ago by dziebell    [ Reply ]
wow, just so joyful
Posted 11 years ago by jocelynsart    [ Reply ]
wooowwwww I gotta go experience the beauty that produces such awesome music, sounds like peace and love
Posted 11 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Mahalo!  Lived in Pacific Palisades, way up high above Pearl City while the sub went through 12 months of drydock in 1978-1979.  Hit the beach at Waimanalo often to boogie board beneath the magnificent Pali.  Just another shitty day in Paradise.

Haole Hud 
Posted 11 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
Yah I sing along lucky I live Hawaii
Aloha! 
Posted 11 years ago by kh808    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:
This is so wonderful....  Even the clouds and rain can't dampen the images in my mind of clear ocean, white sand, and blue sky.  I absolutely love this song, and this band.  Off to order the CDs! (At this rate, I'll NEVER get my credit card paid down.) {#Rolleyes} 
 



I spent a few years in Hawaii a long time ago. I loved the place and the music. I'd like to go back as a tourist someday and show my wife around It's definitely on my bucket list..... Hope there are oceans and white sand and blue skies where you are Ann. Aloha !
Posted 11 years ago by drewd    [ Reply ]
Hawaiian slack key style guitar = bliss!
 
 
And....it makes me miss my sister who lives on the big island of Hawaii.
Posted 11 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
Sweet melancholy
Posted 12 years ago by R7-12    [ Reply ]
 govna wrote:
good song.  anyone else hear Lindsay Buckingham's "Never Going Back Again?"
 
Yes!  IT's great! love the guitar riff and the harmonies!
Posted 12 years ago by ivanaus    [ Reply ]
 michael_a_k wrote:
Ouch! This is worse than Volksmusik (no, I'm not rating it. The scale has only positive numbers ;-)
 
Never been to the islands, then? I admit this needs some context, but if you go...find some real music...it's really quite magical.
Posted 12 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
 Grammarcop wrote:
I have a sudden urge to put on a grass skirt.
 
Thanks for the visual......hahahahaha.    Couldn't agree more though.   I could think of worse things to be doing right now than having a cup of Kona coffee watching the sun rise over the Hawaiian beach...

Posted 12 years ago by photolew    [ Reply ]
I have a sudden urge to put on a grass skirt.
Posted 12 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
nope i missed that phase
Posted 12 years ago by coy    [ Reply ]
Wouldn't mind hearing Elton John's "Country Comfort".
Posted 13 years ago by BKardon    [ Reply ]
good song.  anyone else hear Lindsay Buckingham's "Never Going Back Again?"
Posted 13 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
This is so wonderful....  Even the clouds and rain can't dampen the images in my mind of clear ocean, white sand, and blue sky.  I absolutely love this song, and this band.  Off to order the CDs! (At this rate, I'll NEVER get my credit card paid down.) {#Rolleyes} 
Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
 KaiT wrote:
Bill! What a treasure! My authentic self could live the rest of it's life in a bikini and a sarong with a pineapple drink in my hand! This song just speaks volumes to me! Thank you! 
 

You don't need the sarong     (sorry, it's a guy thing)
Posted 13 years ago by DD rabbi_phil    [ Reply ]
Oh  how I miss those beautiful islands.  Thank you Bill, for a wonderful taste of mahalo.
Posted 13 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
Bill! What a treasure! My authentic self could live the rest of it's life in a bikini and a sarong with a pineapple drink in my hand! This song just speaks volumes to me! Thank you! 
Posted 13 years ago by KaiT    [ Reply ]
 mano wrote:
What a great song for all yous people not fortunate to be here la dat. 

You da kine, brah.
Posted 13 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
Makes we wanna go back to my little grass shack ....  even as the haole I will forever be.  Mahalo, Bill!

Posted 13 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
More.... from da Big Island bra...{#Notworthy}
Posted 13 years ago by George_Tirebiter    [ Reply ]
Aloha Bra ..Big mahalo for taken me back to the islands I so love ...Billy Kawai was lost way to soon like so many others !
Posted 14 years ago by kh808    [ Reply ]
Was there then and you took me back. They were a most beautiful group. Aloha
Posted 14 years ago by NancyPantz    [ Reply ]
I love this! My body might be in Vermont, but my heart is in Hawaii.
Posted 14 years ago by revsully    [ Reply ]
Then and now!
Would like to give it a try any time!
Sooo naive. Possibly that is what we call
"SCHLAGER" in Germany. Or not...?

Posted 14 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
I just drove through Waimanalo on my way home to Kahaluu.  Serendipitous timing!  Thanks, BillG — a great song that evokes sweet memories!
Posted 14 years ago by justin_thyme    [ Reply ]
Ouch! This is worse than Volksmusik (no, I'm not rating it. The scale has only positive numbers ;-)


Posted 14 years ago by michael_a_k    [ Reply ]
This one never fails to give me "chicken skin" and always brings me back to a certain place and time here on Maui.  It's in my car's CD player, but I'm still pleasantly surprised to hear it tonight on RP.  Aloha from Maui, and mahalo to RP!


Posted 14 years ago by kitsch22    [ Reply ]
7 to 8
Posted 15 years ago by kurtster    [ Reply ]
{#Jump}
Posted 15 years ago by whtahtefcuk    [ Reply ]
 mano wrote:
This is a classic. Great song. Relax your mind and float downstream. Ya all city folk wouldn't understand.
 

Come on man, we can get it...Immanuel Kant never left the little town of Konigsberg and is considered one of the greatest minds in philosophy...I ain't no Kant, but I can get the W Blues even if I'm in the polluted valley of Santiago.
Posted 15 years ago by dyharenas    [ Reply ]

I'm liking this most easily...


Posted 15 years ago by oldviolin    [ Reply ]
Another definition of Paradise.
Posted 15 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
before leashes ruined surfing

{#Sunny}
Posted 15 years ago by kurtster    [ Reply ]
I think my grandma would enjoy this. Very Lawrence_Welkesque. 

edit - scrolling down I see other's thought the same thing... 
Posted 15 years ago by Manbird    [ Reply ]
Check out that website!{#Roflol}
Posted 15 years ago by skyguy    [ Reply ]
 mano wrote:

What a great song for all yous people not fortunate to be here la dat.


 

Hey brah, I'm trackin wit ya.

Plate lunch sometime?
Posted 15 years ago by keller1    [ Reply ]
"Lay your coconuta on my tiki, what the hecka, mooka, mooka, dear; let’s talk dirty in Hawaiian, say the words I long to hear."


Posted 15 years ago by michaelgmitchell    [ Reply ]
An unexpected delight!
Posted 15 years ago by Papernapkin    [ Reply ]

What a great song for all yous people not fortunate to be here la dat.


Posted 16 years ago by mano    [ Reply ]
Perfect song to listen to as I stare out of my office window, overlooking the beautiful Manoa Valley on O'ahu. Mmmmmm.

Thank you for the perfect song at the right time. {#Music}


Posted 16 years ago by KahunaMatata    [ Reply ]
 mano wrote:
This is a classic. Great song. Relax your mind and float downstream. Ya all city folk wouldn't understand.
 

I understand.............

Posted 16 years ago by cutterjudd    [ Reply ]
thewiseking wrote:



This was better without the Lawrence Welkish vocals.







At least there wasn't tiny bubbles.


Posted 16 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
I wouldn't download it to my Zune, but it's relaxing background music while I work.

{#Meditate}

Posted 16 years ago by ginniet    [ Reply ]
This is a classic. Great song. Relax your mind and float downstream. Ya all city folk wouldn't understand.
Posted 16 years ago by mano    [ Reply ]
 Jeremy_Cherfas wrote:
Well now, isn't that pleasant?

 
very nice...mmmm and it's not even Aloha Friday yet.

Posted 16 years ago by scraig    [ Reply ]
Well now, isn't that pleasant?
Posted 16 years ago by Jeremy_Cherfas    [ Reply ]
Excuse me...did I stumble over a folk music station?
Posted 16 years ago by kangoid    [ Reply ]

This was better without the Lawrence Welkish vocals.


Posted 16 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]