Appalachia (Trying to Escape) ADULT CONTENT

[Pru]

those guitars sound awesome and i like the words to the song. is it really like that in virginia?

[StephenM]

those guitars sound awesome and i like the words to the song. is it really like that in virginia?

not just Virginia.

The mountain peoples of Appalachia which, I didn't know how large the range of "Appalachia" really is until your question Pru, have had their share of these kinds of peoples and hence are the butt of many stereotypes.  I took alot of liberties on the song but yes, there are more than a few folks of Appalachia who meet my depiction.  Having said that, these kinds of folks and behaviors are not isolated to the area known as Appalachia.  Thank you for the nice words about the song.  I have personally seen areas where folks live, impoverished, literal villages of old school bus dwellers, in these mountains.  There are many things both good and bad that take place.  Perhaps I would do well to write a song about the former of the area.  I did a bit of research to include here to perhaps help answer your question.  I do believe however that stereotypes exist partly out of observances of at least some truth.  The following comes from wikipedia:

"Since its recognition as a distinctive region in the late 19th century, Appalachia has been a source of enduring myths and distortions regarding the isolation, temperament, and behavior of its inhabitants. Early 20th century writers often engaged in yellow journalism focused on sensationalistic aspects of the region's culture, such as moonshining and clan feuding, and often portrayed the region's inhabitants as uneducated and prone to impulsive acts of violence. Sociological studies in the 1960s and 1970s helped to re-examine and dispel these stereotypes.[5] Stereotypes about Appalachian people being ignorant, anti-progress, and racist are still grappled in the region by portrayals in media and press publications.[6]

While endowed with abundant natural resources, Appalachia has long struggled economically and been associated with poverty. In the early 20th century, large-scale logging and coal mining firms brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but by the 1960s the region had failed to capitalize on any long-term benefits[7] from these two industries."

hope this helps answer your question... I am guessing there are some places like this perhaps in all countries and all corners of the planet we exist on.  It is my desire as an "artist" to paint interesting observances of things I have heard about, read about, seen, or makeup...and in some instances of my "art" can be inclusive of all of the above.  I try and not judge anyone or their cultures but rather to observe, but I do take major liberties in this story... but I can guarantee you this...that somewhere in Appalachia right now there is a man just like I portray in the song...shotgun included, moonshine and mushrooms included...and all the rest as well..including those who long to escape the mountain life.....hope the long reply is ok.

[DarrenG / The Devil's Toupee]

very cool song stephen, it's great you come up with these inspired, unique sounding original songs..i love them. I like this kind of genre you do, the lyrics are great, hilarious at times, but very catchy lines and chorus.
Guitars always sound excellent and of course your vocals, love the way you pan some of the separate ones.
it's a great story too.

Darren