Community member Jean Barbara came across this song titled, “Sandy Mush” released in 2001 and written by Jonathan Byrd. Byrd wrote it for a dobro player named Billy Cardine who lived in Sandy Mush.
Here are the Lyrics:
In the middle of July with the grass growing high and the dusty blueberries on the bush, I met a girl who was prettier than pearls in the sweet mountain hills of Sandy Mush. Sandy Mush, Sandy Mush, dusty berries on the bush in the sweet mountain hills of Sandy Mush.
I had come to this land to make a living with my hands and find a valley green and lush. I would work through the years, save my blood, sweat, and tears and find me a home in Sandy Mush. Sandy Mush, Sandy Mush, a valley green and lush in the sweet mountain hills of Sandy Mush.
Her will was strong. Her eyes were like a song and her voice was as sweet as a thrush. I asked her in the spring if she would wear my ring and bear me a child in Sandy Mush. Sandy Mush, Sandy Mush, a voice like a thrush in the sweet mountain hills of Sandy Mush.
If your father says yes, I’ll be filled with happiness and I’ll pick you a rose to match your blush. If your father says no, then away I will go and I’ll tarry no more in Sandy Mush. Sandy Mush, Sandy Mush, a rose to match your blush or I’ll tarry no more in Sandy Mush.
Well my father has heard you’re a man of your word and when the berries again are on the bush, in this green valley mild I will bear you a child, a beautiful child in Sandy Mush. Sandy Mush, Sandy Mush, when the berries are on the bush I will bear you a child in Sandy Mush.
Sandy Mush, Sandy Mush, a rose to match your blush and a beautiful child in Sandy Mush.
from Wildflowers, released January 1, 2001
Robbie Link on bass
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