We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

The Ballad of Ida

from Cardboard Ox (2015 EP) by Cardboard Ox

/

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    CDs will be shipped at the beginning of November. Comes in an eco-friendly sleeve with artwork by Jesse Thompson and Matthew Clowney.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Cardboard Ox (2015 EP) via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 5 days
    Purchasable with gift card

      $5 USD or more 

     

about

Written by Steve Allain.

lyrics

Well they brought me in to see her putting up her final fight
Oh and the shadows on her face were dancing from the candlelight
And I wished that I could give her any parts that I could spare
Because the broken parts she had were just too far beyond repair
And we stood around the bedside and we sang Amazing Grace
Cause that song would always bring the biggest smile right to her face
Well I didn't want to lose it and I tried with all my might
When she took my hand and smiled at me on that quiet, quiet night

A true matriarch well all the kings would bow down at her feet
She became a mother fairly young and drank her whiskey neat
Well it made her numb but it made her tough she never did lose sight
That love was still the greatest weapon, love could win the hardest fight
And she fought with both arms open for her neighbors and the poor
And she never turned away a stranger knocking at her door
She was socially adept, she was clever and polite
I remembered everything she was on that quiet, quiet night

Her husband was a farmer who was up before the sun
Oh and the daylight was his wristwatch she always knew when he was done
Then one year there was a problem, the government came by
And took the land behind the tree line but she saw right through the lie
And she marched to City Hall and told them all it's not for sale
So they held her in contempt and threw her in the county jail
Well she never backed down from the threats and in the end she won the fight
We reminisced about that story, on that quiet, quiet night

Her husband died twelve years ago but she stayed in their home
And even though she lived all by herself she never was alone
Cause au the good she did came back to her over tenfold more
And everyone took turns to visit or to bring her to the store
Now tonight she takes her final breaths it all just seems surreal
My emotions span across the board, I'm not sure how to feel
Just past eight o'clock her body becomes quiet in the light
Now she's made her way to the other side on this quiet, quiet night

credits

from Cardboard Ox (2015 EP), released October 24, 2015
Steve Allain - guitar and vocals
Tracie Potochnik - mandolin and vocals
Amato Zinno - upright bass

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Cardboard Ox image

Cardboard Ox Providence, Rhode Island

Well-established as solo performers in their home state of Rhode Island, Tracie Potochnik and Steve Allain joined forces in the spring of 2014 when Tracie showed up on Steve's doorstep with her mandolin and said, "Let's write a song together!" The two have since formed a duo featuring sweet and soulful harmony, thoughtful musicianship, and delicately crafted lyrical storytelling. ... more

contact / help

Contact Cardboard Ox

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Cardboard Ox, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featured guests are the golden-voiced Baby Rose and psyche soulsters Brainstory.
listen now