About the Song
Dick Curless’s “A Tombstone Every Mile” is a classic country western ballad that tells the story of a man who is traveling through the Old West. As he travels, he sees a tombstone every mile, a reminder of the dangers of the frontier.
The song begins with the man describing the landscape he is passing through. He sees “mountains and valleys,” “rivers and streams,” and “prairies and plains.” He also sees “cattle and horses,” “wolves and coyotes,” and “rattlesnakes and tarantulas.”
As he travels, he sees a tombstone every mile. He sees the tombstones of “cowboys and Indians,” “lawmen and outlaws,” and “mothers and fathers.” He sees the tombstones of “young and old,” “rich and poor,” and “good and bad.”
The man is saddened by the sight of the tombstones. He realizes that the Old West was a dangerous place where people often died young. He also realizes that the Old West was a place where people lived life to the fullest, even in the face of danger.
The song’s lyrics are simple but effective. They paint a vivid picture of the Old West and the dangers that people faced. The song’s melody is also simple and catchy, making it easy to remember and sing along to.
“A Tombstone Every Mile” was a commercial success for Dick Curless. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1965. The song has also been covered by many other artists, including Bill Kirchen and Nick Lowe.
The song is a classic example of country western balladry. It is a well-written and well-performed song that tells a story that is both moving and memorable.
Here are some additional thoughts on the song:
- The song’s imagery is vivid and evocative. The listener can easily picture the landscape of the Old West and the dangers that people faced.
- The song’s lyrics are simple but effective. They communicate a powerful message about the dangers of the Old West and the importance of living life to the fullest.
- The song’s melody is simple and catchy, making it easy to remember and sing along to.
“A Tombstone Every Mile” is a classic country western ballad that is sure to please fans of the genre. It is a well-written and well-performed song that tells a story that is both moving and memorable.