Met him in an airport about 4 years ago. I didn't want to bother him, so i just walked by and quickly told him I like his music and guitar playing. He treated me like a long lost brother, invited me to sit down and talk a while. Pure class.
Every time I go deer hunting in the mountains, I've got this song playing in my head. One of my very favorite songs. I can never hear it too many times.
He lives near me now. I was sitting in a high school auditorium listening to cowboy poetry. A young lady and her pre-teen daughter were reciting poetry. Suddenly, this exquisite guitar playing sounded from backstage, and onto the stage walked MMM himself. Blew me away. This was a "warm up act" for a cowboy singing group whose name I don't even remember. This in a town with a population of 3,000. Unforgettable.
I absolutely lovvvvve this song, especially the full-length version with all of the amazing instrument solos. Just an amazing piece of music that brings back memories of times gone by.
I used to cook breakfast for Micheal in Red River NM. years ago. Every Saturday in the summer he would make the drive from Taos just to eat in Red River. Nice guy.
Murphy was performing at the Armadillo World Headquarters in Austin on night in the early '70's and we, I say we, the group (high school dumb asses) I was in, snatched his hat from the stage. It had a beautiful horse hair braided band. I felt so bad about it being taken the next night I returned with my girlfriend, not my "group", and returned the hat to Murphy. He thanked me, not personally, but onstage as I tossed it to him. I love your music Michael Martin Murphy, you were one of my "Cosmic Cowboys" that I snuck out to see every chance I got. Peace brother.
Went to see MMM last night. He turned 69 the day before. His voice and his music are still as crystal clear and beautiful as ever. Such an impeccable performer - truly a wonderful show. If he comes to your town, seek him out!
Thank you MMM for writing this song. Years ago, a young couple who loved the mountains, talked of trails they'd walked by far above the timberline, and fell in love in the Texas pines. Now in 2012, the woodstove still smokes and glows.
Just saw Michael about a month ago here in Idaho at an outside venue. The wind was blowing and it was colder than....well, it was VERY cold. They had no coats, but still was one of the best concerts I've ever seen. Michael STILL plays and sings with joy, clapping and dancing to the music. And even in the cold, he stayed long after the concert, talking to people and autographing CD's. Super Entertainer!
It dont get any better than this...I was a teen when I first heard this song back in 80s and got Murphey's tape..I wore it out...I think Murphey is one of Americas best songsters..Heard him live for first time in Hicory NC.....back in early 2000s took my wife..we really enjoyed the music and Murpheys outlook on life as well..God Bless you Michael!
that was amazing! what a performance!!! I miss those days!!!how could you not like this song? I'd say there's something seriously wrong with your brain if you thumbs downed on this tune!
This is still my fave MMM song... I live out in the country now and I sing this song by myself on the back porch all the time... The lyrics are fun and I just like it... It's a great tune...
Great posting, doc. Thanks for crediting all those fabulous musicians onstage with Michael. Mr. Hoffner has the feathery touch of the late great Floyd Cramer.
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this song!! Every time I'm up in the mountains with my family...I'm singing this song!!!! Michael, you rock!!!(country-style.)
Had the pleasure of seeing MMM do a concert this past Friday evening here in Idaho. It was cold as ****, the guys didn't have coats and it was an outside venue. Still, they put on one HECK of a concert and afterwards, MMM came down, signed autographs and visited with anyone who wanted to talk to him. He's the ultimate showman, still dances and claps to the music, as well as a very personable man. Thanks for all the years of excellent music, and looking forward to many more.
Woke up today with this song in my head....I have watched this video plenty of times in the past, but today I watched it almost every hour. Great song, great band!!!
This reminds me of the fall of 1975 listening to Casey Kasem's American Top 40...I SO MISS THOSE DAYS OF 1975....John Denver, Neil Sedaka, The Carpenters, etc and then this gem by Michael Martin Murphey....Today's youth can keep their hip-hop and Lady Ga-Ga!!!!!
The Midnight Trucking show on WBAP 820out of Ft Worth used to sign off every morning with the last 15 or so seconds of the piano solo from this song. I can't count the number of days my work day started hearing it. I still smile every time I hear it. What a way to start the day.
Lyrics: She came to me, said she knew me Said she'd known me a long time And she spoke of being in love With every mountain she had climbed And she talked of trails she'd walked up Far above the timberline From that night on I knew I'd write songs With Carolina in the pines There's a new moon on the fourteenth First Quarter the 21st And the full moon in the last week Brings a fullness to this earth There's no guesswork in the clockwork On the worlds part or mine There are nights I only feel right With Carolina in the pines When the frost shows on the windows And the wood stove smokes and glows As the fire grows we will warm our souls Watching rainbows in the coals And we'll talk of trails we've walked up Far above the timberline There are nights I only feel right With Carolina in the pines
Yes, I met Michael in 1995 ... we have a mutual friend. Michael is one of the nicest guys I ever met. Talked to me like we were long -time buddies. From reading other posts here, that sounds like a consistent character trait.
Love this song. What a singer, songwriter and string instrumentalist Michael Martin Murphey is. And what a keyboardist he is blessed with. Wish someone would post another of my favorite Murphey hits here though. The music video from a song titled Never Givin' Up On Love would be more than welcomed by me.
Thanks for your post. This is a really good one. I attended an MMM Concert tonight in Phenix City, AL & he hasn't lost anything with age. He & his band were GREAT!
First time I heard this was on a cruising weekend on the motorbike (1970-something). I would hum it to myself while we drove all thru the mountains. Pure bliss!!
@maideux I'm from Philadelphia, and I have to say that Michael Martin Murphey is no doubt the BEST thing ever to come outta Dallas!!! Lol! Seriously, we all fell in love with "Wildfire" long ago, and this song is great, too. He and his band are definitely near top of my list of underrated talents. Freakin' incredible!!
What a great tune!! Had never heard it before, but been a big fan of "Wildfire" since its' release while in my teens. Michael and his band were an unbelievably underrated talent!! That's coming from a former Philly rock-and-roller now living in South Carolina, lol! His music celebrates the spirit and beauty of the wide open country and is pure Americana. I think of great bands like Poco in this vein also. Awesome!!
Date Davey Brock took me to the Rubaiyat in Dallas and we saw MMM I think he played the piano. Changed ny life, I went from being Rolling Stones wanna be groupie to being Carolina in the Pines... Thank you Davey and MMM for changing my life!
Saw Michael sing this song and others at a private concert at Philmont Scout Ranch in NM, think it was 1984, then later at a reunion in 01'? I think. He hasn't changed a bit. Great music, great enthusiasm, a wonderful custodian of the Southwestern culture. Good Video!
Michael Murphy, Blue Sky.Night Thunder, was the album in which this was the song behind "Wildfire" on side I. Released in 1975...according to the original lp I have in my possesion.
I did my stunt eaching in Beaumont, TX under Winnie Hogue in '76. Her daughter is the Carolina of this song & the pines are the south east TX piney woods. One of my mini claims to fame. MMM is awesome!
Hey - gotta put a plug in for those of us in the younger generation. I started listening to MMM about 10 years ago for his traditional cowboy/range songs. I've just been introduced to his 70's folk music. LOVE IT! Just sayin'....from the younger generation! And my peers CAN keep GAGA et al. :)
Probably my favorite MMM song. Clearly one of his as well. And what I wouldn't give to play that piano part correctly. Fantastic musicianship all around. I've recorded a version of this and posted it as a video response if you interested.
Met him in an airport about 4 years ago. I didn't want to bother him, so i just walked by and quickly told him I like his music and guitar playing. He treated me like a long lost brother, invited me to sit down and talk a while. Pure class.
Dave Hoffner is truly one of Nashvilles greatest pianists. Unreal accuracy!!
Every time I go deer hunting in the mountains, I've got this song playing in my head. One of my very favorite songs. I can never hear it too many times.
I have always loved this song! But when Hoffner starts those waterfalls on piano he grabs my heart and tucks it in the pocket of his jeans.
Hoffner is a piano genius.
I have always loved this song! I love how I can see and smell the Carolina pines just by listening to this song. Man I wish I were there right now!
He lives near me now. I was sitting in a high school auditorium listening to cowboy poetry. A young lady and her pre-teen daughter were reciting poetry. Suddenly, this exquisite guitar playing sounded from backstage, and onto the stage walked MMM himself. Blew me away. This was a "warm up act" for a cowboy singing group whose name I don't even remember. This in a town with a population of 3,000. Unforgettable.
Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! One of the best songs EVER!!!!
Between that piano, and the banjo, this song gives me goose bumps EVERY. FREAKIN. TIME.
The look of joy is unmistakeable.
I absolutely lovvvvve this song, especially the full-length version with all of the amazing instrument solos. Just an amazing piece of music that brings back memories of times gone by.
I used to cook breakfast for Micheal in Red River NM. years ago. Every Saturday in the summer he would make the drive from Taos just to eat in Red River. Nice guy.
Beautiful piece, especially with the banjos and the piano...
I just love MMM and David Hoffner owns that piano!
Dave Hoffner steals the show all the time!!!!
"featherly touch" of Floyd Cramer. What a GREAT description!!!!!! Beautiful!!!!!
Murphy was performing at the Armadillo World Headquarters in Austin on night in the early '70's and we, I say we, the group (high school dumb asses) I was in, snatched his hat from the stage. It had a beautiful horse hair braided band. I felt so bad about it being taken the next night I returned with my girlfriend, not my "group", and returned the hat to Murphy. He thanked me, not personally, but onstage as I tossed it to him. I love your music Michael Martin Murphy, you were one of my "Cosmic Cowboys" that I snuck out to see every chance I got. Peace brother.
This song is unutterably gorgeous!!! Having said that Wildfire will always and forevr be my first favorite of his.
Went to see MMM last night. He turned 69 the day before. His voice and his music are still as crystal clear and beautiful as ever. Such an impeccable performer - truly a wonderful show. If he comes to your town, seek him out!
Thank you MMM for writing this song. Years ago, a young couple who loved the mountains, talked of trails they'd walked by far above the timberline, and fell in love in the Texas pines. Now in 2012, the woodstove still smokes and glows.
Just saw Michael about a month ago here in Idaho at an outside venue. The wind was blowing and it was colder than....well, it was VERY cold. They had no coats, but still was one of the best concerts I've ever seen. Michael STILL plays and sings with joy, clapping and dancing to the music. And even in the cold, he stayed long after the concert, talking to people and autographing CD's. Super Entertainer!
That's some heart warming music......so good!
It dont get any better than this...I was a teen when I first heard this song back in 80s and got Murphey's tape..I wore it out...I think Murphey is one of Americas best songsters..Heard him live for first time in Hicory NC.....back in early 2000s took my wife..we really enjoyed the music and Murpheys outlook on life as well..God Bless you Michael!
that was amazing! what a performance!!! I miss those days!!!how could you not like this song? I'd say there's something seriously wrong with your brain if you thumbs downed on this tune!
Classic, timeless... forever. Thanks MMM. Always been a fan, and will be forever.
This is still my fave MMM song... I live out in the country now and I sing this song by myself on the back porch all the time... The lyrics are fun and I just like it... It's a great tune...
Just letting doctrDave know I appreciate the posting of this wonderful tune. Brings a tear, don't ya know? ~ S ~
Great posting, doc. Thanks for crediting all those fabulous musicians onstage with Michael.
Mr. Hoffner has the feathery touch of the late
great Floyd Cramer.
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this song!! Every time I'm up in the mountains with my family...I'm singing this song!!!! Michael, you rock!!!(country-style.)
Had the pleasure of seeing MMM do a concert this past Friday evening here in Idaho. It was cold as ****, the guys didn't have coats and it was an outside venue. Still, they put on one HECK of a concert and afterwards, MMM came down, signed autographs and visited with anyone who wanted to talk to him. He's the ultimate showman, still dances and claps to the music, as well as a very personable man. Thanks for all the years of excellent music, and looking forward to many more.
they play this in heaven everyday. don't believe me? well, drop dead! This song is perfection!!!
46 people should take a hike...in the pines...and appreciate this song.
Yes,your right, now it's 51 "hikers"
52...let the bears find 'em.
Faith make that 53 asshats..lol
Woke up today with this song in my head....I have watched this video plenty of times in the past, but today I watched it almost every hour. Great song, great band!!!
Takes me back to cool fall evenings of my youth. Thank You !
Love this. I still love listening to Michael Martin Murphy!!!!!
Love you Michael Martin Murphey!! You bring back times that are so sweet!!
Rhiannon
His eyes sparkled! He was adorable!
It was always a gem when ever I heard this song in my car radio.
that pianist is killer!
knk4ever83 - I so agree with you. And it's great that Michael MM is just beaming with smiles all throughout the song. Quite an artist for sure!
This reminds me of the fall of 1975 listening to Casey Kasem's American Top 40...I SO MISS THOSE DAYS OF 1975....John Denver, Neil Sedaka, The Carpenters, etc and then this gem by Michael Martin Murphey....Today's youth can keep their hip-hop and Lady Ga-Ga!!!!!
awesome and he seems so happy to sing it
amazing talent and heart....joy and goodness in his eyes....wow....don't see that around anymore.
The Midnight Trucking show on WBAP 820out of Ft Worth used to sign off every morning with the last 15 or so seconds of the piano solo from this song. I can't count the number of days my work day started hearing it. I still smile every time I hear it. What a way to start the day.
What a great song about the love between a man and woman and hiking in the outdoors. Nice lyrics and melody.
Timeless, beautiful song, and top of the heep performing!
Lyrics:
She came to me, said she knew me
Said she'd known me a long time
And she spoke of being in love
With every mountain she had climbed
And she talked of trails she'd walked up
Far above the timberline
From that night on I knew I'd write songs
With Carolina in the pines
There's a new moon on the fourteenth
First Quarter the 21st
And the full moon in the last week
Brings a fullness to this earth
There's no guesswork in the clockwork
On the worlds part or mine
There are nights I only feel right
With Carolina in the pines
When the frost shows on the windows
And the wood stove smokes and glows
As the fire grows we will warm our souls
Watching rainbows in the coals
And we'll talk of trails we've walked up
Far above the timberline
There are nights I only feel right
With Carolina in the pines
SanFranciscoBay "coals" not "cove"
Michael Striker "Watching rainbows in the cove." Corrected to "coals". I think I found the lyrics by using google, then copy and paste.
One of my favorite songs ever. Thanks for posting.
Great song. Thanks for posting it & keeping this music alive..
What a joyous voice. I could listen to this over and over!
Love, Love, Love this song!!
How exhilarating! If this song doesn't light your fire, then your wood is wet.
LOVE, LOVE THIS SO MUCH!!!!
Just simply gorgeous! Saw Michael way back in 1980 -ish at SUSC with my sisters friend Gayle who was also a Jerry Reopelle fan. Just great fun times.
I love that piano an MMM has always been so great to sing along with and enjoy...
The cosmic cowboy. Brings back memories.
One of those songs that just flat makes you FEEL GOOD! Thank you Michael.
What would he have done without that very talented pianist?!
thats a song that shook the speakers off the shelf
Reminds me of someone I love
I don't know who wrote the piano runs in this song, but they speak to my heart like nothing else I've ever heard.
Yes, I met Michael in 1995 ... we have a mutual friend. Michael is one of the nicest guys I ever met. Talked to me like we were long -time buddies. From reading other posts here, that sounds like a consistent character trait.
Absolutely. The mark of a true classic, one that stands the test of time. Great performance here as well.
russ
This song is awesome on so many levels. The piano and banjo playing are absolutely outstanding!
Love this song. What a singer, songwriter and string instrumentalist Michael Martin Murphey is. And what a keyboardist he is blessed with. Wish someone would post another of my favorite Murphey hits here though. The music video from a song titled Never Givin' Up On Love would be more than welcomed by me.
What a great great song. That piano player is something else...what a talent.
Thanks for your post. This is a really good one. I attended an MMM Concert tonight in Phenix City, AL & he hasn't lost anything with age. He & his band were GREAT!
Class act all the way...as well as the soundtrack to my life in many ways.
God Bless You MMM
Dave has gotta be superhuman to play that piano so beautifully
First time I heard this was on a cruising weekend on the motorbike (1970-something). I would hum it to myself while we drove all thru the mountains. Pure bliss!!
Still as great as when I heard 35 years ago.
Talented Talented man . find myself listening to this tune
very often .
sad day when its no longer on you tube.
such a beautiful song, its perfection
great music,astounding talent and what a set of gnashers he has!!
Love this song and this is a great performance of it. Thanks for the share!
@maideux I'm from Philadelphia, and I have to say that Michael Martin Murphey is no doubt the BEST thing ever to come outta Dallas!!! Lol! Seriously, we all fell in love with "Wildfire" long ago, and this song is great, too. He and his band are definitely near top of my list of underrated talents. Freakin' incredible!!
What a great tune!! Had never heard it before, but been a big fan of "Wildfire" since its' release while in my teens. Michael and his band were an unbelievably underrated talent!! That's coming from a former Philly rock-and-roller now living in South Carolina, lol! His music celebrates the spirit and beauty of the wide open country and is pure Americana. I think of great bands like Poco in this vein also. Awesome!!
I've loved this song forEVER!!!!!!! Man he can play I love him!!!!!!
My daughter's middle name is Carolina because of this song!
I first heard him do this song IN the pines of Red River at the old "Outpost."
Date Davey Brock took me to the Rubaiyat in Dallas and we saw MMM I think he played the piano. Changed ny life, I went from being Rolling Stones wanna be groupie to being Carolina in the Pines... Thank you Davey and MMM for changing my life!
Beautiful song and lots of passion by MMM. Some pickin' at the end!!!
Huge fan,... Saw him in VT this fall. Would like to meet him and have a coffee some day.
He is a great artist.
Dang! That piano players just blows my mind!
Really good song and performance.That piano player is amazing.
Saw Michael sing this song and others at a private concert at Philmont Scout Ranch in NM, think it was 1984, then later at a reunion in 01'? I think. He hasn't changed a bit. Great music, great enthusiasm, a wonderful custodian of the Southwestern culture. Good Video!
Love this song.
The piano - Hoffner?- is wonderful
The used to play that one on AFN back in the eighties. Good to hear it again. Thanks for sharing.
Michael Murphy, Blue Sky.Night Thunder, was the album in which this was the song behind "Wildfire" on side I. Released in 1975...according to the original lp I have in my possesion.
I love this song!
Once he conquers his camera-shyness (0:26), they're will be no stopping him.
All snideness aside, this is a great song ... thanks for posting.
I did my stunt eaching in Beaumont, TX under Winnie Hogue in '76. Her daughter is the Carolina of this song & the pines are the south east TX piney woods. One of my mini claims to fame. MMM is awesome!
I wish there was a music video for this song,it is a great song.
I'm a Carolina girl so i love this
Hey - gotta put a plug in for those of us in the younger generation. I started listening to MMM about 10 years ago for his traditional cowboy/range songs. I've just been introduced to his 70's folk music. LOVE IT! Just sayin'....from the younger generation! And my peers CAN keep GAGA et al. :)
Das melhores canções country que ouvi em toda a minha vida.Brilhante.
Love this one! Thank you!
Probably my favorite MMM song. Clearly one of his as well. And what I wouldn't give to play that piano part correctly. Fantastic musicianship all around. I've recorded a version of this and posted it as a video response if you interested.
love this song ox
Michael hit #9 in Billboard, 8-17-85. God bless!
@doctrDave Thank you doctr Dave! Wonderful performance!!