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Niles (Unplugged)

by J. Coursey Willis

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about

“Niles” is an alt-rock/country ballad about growing old and losing your hometown, only being able to revisit it in your mind. It is based around a man named Niles, that serves as the icon of childhood memories and represents what the area used to look like. Yet, over the years, Niles has disappeared with much of what was there, forcing the protagonist to revisit his hometown solely in his mind. The song features an acoustic intro that opens up into a powerful, full-band chorus and builds to the end, returning to an acoustic outro.

lyrics

If you see him standing there,
just remember that he has had his share.
From this town, he goes a long way back.
And I remember everything.
That smile on his face…
it brings me back to a slower kind of place.
He’s just a man running away from everything.
Yeah, he always had a story for me.

Where you go when you grow old?
Well, I don’t wanna go.

You’re not standing here.
You’ve been gone for so long.
I know that time won’t bring you home, no.
Well, I can’t breathe here.
Excuse me while I take this final bow.
I don’t wanna let you all down, no.
But I just, I just, I just miss this town.

Pass the corner home from work,
where he used to stand, no he never said a word.
He wouldn’t hold his hands out for anything.
Yeah, he sure did love to sing.
No one see’s him there anymore.
I learned a lot on the corner of that old liquor store.
See, the ghost in Niles has all gone and run away,
leaving nothing but a memory for me.

Where you go when you grow old?

Well, you’re not standing here.
You’ve been gone for so long.
And time won’t bring you home, no.
Well, I can’t breathe here.
Excuse me while I take this final bow.
I don’t wanna let you all down, no.
But I just, I just, I just miss this town.

Well, you’re not standing here.
You’ve been gone for so long.
And time won’t bring you home, no.
See, I can’t breathe here.
Excuse me while I take this final bow.
I don’t wanna let you all down, no.
But I just, I just, I just miss this town.

credits

released June 17, 2022
J. Coursey Willis: Vocals, Guitar
Island Styles: Guitar
Scott Von Ensign: Bass
BJ Kerwin: Drums

Song written by J. Coursey Willis
Produced by Island Styles, J. Coursey Willis
Recorded December 2020-January 2022 at an old cork & seal factory hidden away in Baltimore
Mixed by Island Styles
Mastered by Island Styles
Artwork & Design by J. Coursey Willis
Photography by Jacob T. Swinney

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J. Coursey Willis Maryland

Described as “The imagined child of Jim Morrison and Alanis Morissette,” J. Coursey Willis is an alternative rock figure, known for poignant lyrics and a brooding sound. He explores themes of addiction, despair, heartbreak, and tragedy. With a voice akin to Eddie Vedder and Layne Staley, fans appreciate his introspective songs for their nostalgia, raw honesty, and beauty amidst the darkness. ... more

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