Betty Miranga - Lonely Train Whistles

Betty Miranga seems to be haunted by her memories, especially many of them that are connected with the sound of trains. Her father worked as as engineer, and passed away on the job. Her mother never remarried and lived in the family house until she died a few years ago. Betty has lived in the house alone since her mother passed on, and all of her family has moved away. She has two sons by a previous marriage, and both of them work on the railroad, so the connection continues with the younger generation. 

She came to our studio to record this song, and we had a chance to talk to her. As her song says, she's got the family home she's lived in most of her life for sale, and as soon as it's sold she's moving. To just where, she's not sure yet. She's staying in our area for a while, maybe going to record another song or two, and she says she likes it here. Not too many of our artists record in our studio. Most of them have recording studios in their locations, and they send us sound files of their music. It would be great if she decided to stay. We can always find things for her to do in the studio, as she's a fine guitarist as well as singer/songwriter.  And as she's already noticed, there are no train routes close by!  

It was time to pack up move on
No matter how long I've lived here
Too much heartache and memory
Adding to my sadness I fear
 
When the wind blows from the south
Sounds of the trains invade my head
Remindin' me of those are gone
Whether they are alive or dead
 
My Momma used to live here
Long after my Daddy was gone
My brother and sisters too
But now all of them have flown
 
When the wind blows from the south
Rustlin'  memories below
My heart aches with the sound
The lonely train whistles blow
 
Sure 'twern't easy not at all
Put on market my childhood home
But I just can't stay here no more
It's past time for me to roam
 
When the wind blows from the south
The sounds come in my window
As I lay at night in my bed
And all my tears start to flow

Betty Miranga - It Didn't Mean Nothin'

We've read that country bars and taverns sell more beer per occupant than regular bars, and this is attributed to the country music played in these taverns, especially if there's a live band playing. Most folks like a good story, and country music can be sad, hence the mood of the drinkers in the tavern buying more alcohol. We don't know if all of that's really true about selling more beer, but we do agree that a great deal of country music deals with telling a story.  Betty Miranga is one of those storytellers.

The few songs she's recorded for Big And Tall Records have been mostly story songs; personal stories. This latest gives some of the insight she's learned from life that deals with a cheating lover. Her high pitched voice sends the message in a way only she can. 

If you ever have a partner
Cheat on ya say this to you
It didn't mean nothin'
Walk away and say yer all through
 
One time I had a sweetheart
Who I caught two-timin' on me
Figured I'd try to work it out
He really meant a lot to me
 
Then he said it was no big deal
Nothin' serious or true
It didn't mean nothin'
He tol' me I love only you
 
That changed ever thing right there
Really? Didn’t 't mean nothin'?
Then why was I tied up in knots?
Dang, for me it was shore somethin'!
 
If you ever have a partner
Cheat on ya say this to you
It didn't mean nothin'
Walk away, and say yer all through
 
He kept right on a talkin'
Diggin' himself ever deeper
Said he didn't love her at all
Don't never believe a cheater!
 
Wanted to put it in the past
That it'd never happen again
But if I’d a believed all that
My chance to be happy was slim
 
He tried to play me for a fool
Younger days it might a worked
But I learned a lot through the years
Know when my chains bein' jerked
So...
 
If you ever have a partner
Cheat on ya say this to you
It didn't mean nothin'
Walk away, and say yer all through

Betty Miranga - My Daddy Worked On The Rails

 

The railroad has been in Betty Miranga's for all her life, and the family association goes back generations back to her Great Grandfather, Grandfather, and Father. Evidently she has a predilection for getting romantically inclined with railroad men as well. That it hasn't turned out well for her is being made plain in her songs. She has 2 sons from a previous marriage to a railroad man, and when the boys got of age they both hired on the railroad as well. This song, My Daddy Worked On The Rails tells a little bit about her father, and the sorrow she still feels from his passing. 

We got a chance to talk to Betty as she came to our studios to sign a contract. We were somewhat surprised when we saw her. For some reason, we thought she was a small woman going by her high pitched voice, but it shows how getting a picture of someone just by their voice isn't always a good gauge of their physiognomy. Far from being a small woman, she's just a tad short of 6 foot tall! She shook hands and her grip is substantial. After we talked, we found out she was quite an athlete in her younger days (she's quite an attractive late 50's-early 60's lady). Played much basketball, softball, volleyball, and stays active and in shape by playing golf; she's 2 handicap,close to being scratch,but she said she's got some arthritis in her shoulders and doesn't play as often as she should anymore. Her voice is the same talking as when she sings; soft, high pitched, almost like a young girl. She told us her voice has not changed over the years, and she's careful not to strain or overwork her voice. Her talent and soul she puts into her songs is that of a mature woman that admits to using music to work through some of her life-long demons, as she calls them. 

My Daddy worked on the rails
'Til his dyin' day runnin' trains
Wouldn't quit when he had the chance
Life of a rail man in his veins

Daddy followed in the footsteps
Of his Daddy, Grampaw too
Worked his way up from laborer
All on the old SOU (Southern Railroad)

Ran the big diesel engines
Long trains of black coal would fly
'Member goin' to the crossin'
Wavin' to him as he rolled by

My Daddy worked on the rails
'Til his dyin' day runnin' trains
Wouldn't quit when he had the chance
Life of a rail man in his veins

Daddy got crippled up o'er time
With arthritis in his back
Ever time he had to move
His joints would creak and crack

Had a chance to hang up his hat
On account disability
But he couldn't stand not ridin'
And wounding his virility

My Daddy worked on the rails
'Til his dyin' day runnin' trains
It's had a strange effect on me
Life of a rail man in his veins

I ain't never worked the railroad
But it's part of me just like him
All my love's have been rail men
All have ended up really dim

'Member hearin' 'bout Daddy
Found dead in the engineer's seat
They was stopped for a crew change
Then his life was full complete

My Daddy worked on the rails
His heart give out that sad day
I'm all alone, without a man...
I might end up the same way
 

Betty Miranga - Used To Get Down In The Dumps

 We at Big And Tall Records seldom make two consecutive releases by an artist. We like to have variety in our releases, and usually put some space between artist's recordings, but after we listened to this song by Betty Miranga, it seemed like a good idea. It is different for a Christmas song as it addresses one persons sadness at Christmas time. Seasonal depression is a real thing for many people. Attribute it to loneliness, sadness at loved ones who are gone, disappointment that the holiday doesn't meet expectations, or just a souring of the mood by so much commercialism, it can happen. We can intellectually know that the season is what you make of it, but emotionally it can be hard to overcome the feelings of sadness and disappointment. 

According to her lyrics, she was able to rationally come to terms with her feelings and change her feelings to ones of happiness. Might sound easy to do, but we know it surely isn't. Betty must be a very strong willed person to overcome seasonal depression by herself, and kudos to her for that. But there are some folks who can't do it alone. A trusting friend to talk to can help, but for others professional help may be needed. And that's not something to be ashamed of.  Depression is a mental illness, and like any other illness a patient can't overcome by themselves, professional help is available. Even in this modern age, a stigma remains attached to getting help for mental health, which is regrettable. No one need suffer without trying to get help to get better.  

It could be something more than the Christmas blues; it could be Seasonal Affective Disorder, known by the acronym SAD, which can be caused by the shortness of days in fall and winter. This can also happen in summer for the opposite reasons. That's a short explanation of something that is very real and more complicated, which can be treated as simply as using a sun lamp in the winter to make up for the lost sun time. Medications as well as physical exercise can also help. Check with your medical service provider for more information.

Snow is a flyin’ Christmas Eve
I’m feelin’ good, givin’ thanks
For all the blessin’s in my life
Finally filled in all the blanks

Used to get down in the dumps
At the holiday time of year
Think ‘bout all the ones that are gone
And who’d be next was my big fear

Ya know, it’s all ‘bout attitude
Thinkin’ the worst makes ya blind
To all the good that’s happenin’
To all happiness ya kin find

Used to get down in the dumps
And grumble with the risin’ sun
Play the role better than Scrooge
Be bad ol’ Grinch to every one

Somethin’ happened few years ago
Some call it an epiphany
I seen the way that I was actin’
Was drivin’ folks away from me

Used to get down in the dumps
Don’t know why it took so dang long
To see the error of my ways
And understand what I done wrong

Now I’m at a much better place
Emotionally, shed the big load
Christmas is now a happy time
I come to terms, got out the road

Used to get down in the dumps
There's ‘nough misery on the earth
Without me addin’ to it all
Now I know what it’s all worth

Betty Miranga - What Are The Names Of Those Reindeer?

The artist with the high voice, Betty Miranga, sent us her Christmas season song, and it's a cute one  about trying to remember the names of Santa's reindeer. By the sound of her voice, it's hard to believe she's got a 4-year old Grand daughter, at least according to the lyrics! Betty still plays country music venues, stays really busy so we were surprised to see a song recording by her. But we hope she keeps them coming. She's got a unique voice perfectly suited to the style of music she sings.

I love Christmas time of the year
With the Christmas trees and the gear
But there’s one thing that I can’t do
Remember the names of them reindeer!

Now let me see, the one in front
That’s got the red whiskey nose
Couldn’t play no reindeer games
What’s his name, do ya suppose?

Was it Andy, or was it Burt?
Was it Sammy, or was it Curt?
Somethin’ like Randolph, I declare!
Must be Adolph, I’ll bet my shirt!

So old Adolph with nose so bright
Guides the sleigh thru the foggy night
It must have been a wondrous sight
Guided by a whiskey nose light!

Yeah man! That's fer shore his name!

As far as the other ones go
I think I done got them figgered
Here goes, I’m a gonna name them
My memory just got triggered!

Adolph leads all of the herd
Basher runnin' up his rear
Lancer he's a pretty one
He’s got Cornet bitin’ his ear!
Blitzer an onry ol’ cuss
Flasher wantin’ to show his stuff
Dunder and Stupid go too slow
So the last one is Vixer!

Naw, that ain't right!...

I love Christmas time of the year
With the Christmas trees and the gear
But there’s one thing that I can’t do
Remember the names of them reindeer!

No I just can’t! No matter how I try!
It's embarrasin'! My 4 year old Grand daughter
Can name them all! Dang!

Let me try it again...

Adolph leads all of the herd
Basher runnin' up his rear
Lancer he's a pretty one
He’s got Cornet bitin’ his ear!
Blitzer an onry ol’ cuss
Flasher wantin’ to show his stuff
Dunder and Stupid go too slow
So the last one is Vixer!

Aw shuckin's!... That ain't right neither!...

Betty Miranga - Train Whistle Blues

We welcome a new artist, Betty Miranga, a female vocalist that sings primarily country and blues, As of yet, we don't know much about her as the recording came to us sooner than any info about her from our associate that recommended her. We did get a photo of her that our resident graphic artist rendered to the cover used for the recording. After listening to her we thought she must be a younger singer, as she sings in such a pure and clean high register. Now she's not an old timer by a long time, but it's a cinch after seeing her she's been around a few years. We did find out she won a singing contest in her hometown area about 20 years ago, and has been singing ever since.  She usually plays gigs with other artists, and seldom plays in bars. Our associate says she emits sophistication, even as she sings about a train whistle reminding her of her lost love, in country style tradition. So we welcome her, and hope she does up some more material in her laid back country sophistication style. Her voice is unique!

We was happy, least for a while
Had lovin’ like I never had
One day he left me all alone
God lawd, I sure do feel bad

Ever time I hear that whistle
Number 45 crossing close
I think how he ain’t comin’ back
That man that I sure love the most

Johnny worked Number 45
The engine bound for the coal mine
Was fair of hair, handsome of face
He’s gone, all I do is pine

Ever time I hear that whistle
Number 45 crossing close
I think how he ain’t comin’ back
That man that I sure love the most

Friends say some rail men do that
Strike up a new love now and then
Get a wild hair and change their crew

Ever time I hear that whistle
Number 45 crossing close
I think how he ain’t comin’ back
That man that I sure love the most

Don’t know if I’ll again
Johnny spoilt me for other men
Got the grand feelin’ ever time
Make me shout and holler AMEN!

Ever time I hear that whistle
Number 45 crossing close
I think how he ain’t comin’ back
That man that I sure love the most