Jesse Winchester wrote The Brand New Tennessee Waltz for his first album, released in 1970 while still living in exile in Canada where he had moved to avoid the draft.  He wasn’t able to tour in the US until much later in the decade and isn’t as well-known as some other singer-songwriters.

The Brand New Tennessee Waltz — the next edition of my “Music fit to a T” series — is a sad yet lovely song.

Oh my, but you have a pretty face
You favor I girl that I knew
I imagine that she’s back in Tennessee And by God, I should be there too
I’ve a sadness too sad to be true

But I left Tennessee in a hurry dear
In same way that I’m leaving you Because love is mainly just memories
And everyone’s got him a few
So when I’m gone I’ll be glad to love you

Chorus: At the Brand New Tennessee Waltz
You’re literally waltzing on air
At the Brand New Tennessee Waltz
There’s no telling who will be there

When I leave it will be like I found you love
Descending Victorian stairs
And I’m feeling like one of your photographs, girl
Trapped while I’m putting on airs
Getting even by saying Who cares

(repeat chorus)

So have all your passionate violins
Play a tune for a Tennessee kid
Who’s feeling like leaving another town
But with no place to go if he did
Cause they’ll catch you wherever you’re hid

(repeat chorus)

So here’s Jesse Winchester, many years later, singing a song for a Tennessee kid.  Enjoy.

More to come…

DJB