Recorded at Q Division Studios in Somerville, Massachusetts with producer and multi-instrumentalist Zachariah Hickman (Josh Ritter, Ray LaMontagne. Mark Erelli, Barnstar!) at the helm, Waylaid features a stellar cast of guest musicians, including: Hickman (upright bass, electric bass, sundry instruments), Dave Brophy (drums, percussion), Sean Staples (mandolin), Lisa Bastoni (harmony vocals), and Annie Baker (harmony vocals). Hank Wonder’s ten-track sophomore album was released on June 11, 2021.

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All music and lyrics by Darren Buck, Hank Wonder Tunes (ASCAP) (P) and (C) 2021.

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Tie a Tie

Workin’ on a rig in Shreveport, Louisianne

Nearly broke my back and blistered up both my hands

‘Til they told me I could make a few more dollars

All I’d have to do is wear a white collar

No, Charlie – you’ve got the wrong man!

Underneath a hood in Okeechobee, F-L-A

I’d much rather fix than sell another Chevrolet

But the manager started hangin’ ‘round a while

Tried to tell me I had a “showroom smile”

No, mister – you’re gonna cramp my style!

(ya’see)

Nobody’s gonna make me tie a tie

Never did learn how, let me tell you why

Try to dress me up like deskbound clown, I’ll be on the next train out of town

Nobody gonna make me tie a tie

(I’m talkin’ ‘bout)

Ho-oh – as long as I’m grinnin’, money don’t matter

Ho-oh – my soul is satisfied (yeah)

Ho-oh – got my feet on the ground, ain’t climbin’ no ladders

Ho-oh – that I can’t abide... that I won’t abide (no!)

(I’m talkin’ ‘bout)

Ho-oh – as long as I’m grinnin’, money don’t matter

Ho-oh – my soul is satisfied (yeah)

Ho-oh – got my feet on the ground, ain’t climbin’ no ladders

Ho-oh – that I can’t abide... that I won’t abide

You know I love you baby, it’s plain to see

On the day I say “I do” I wanna feel like me

So I’m never gonna wear no monkey suit

‘Cause just like the chicken, I’ll fly the coop

Nobody gonna make me tie – no mama, don’t you even try!

Nobody gonna make me tie a tie

No Windsor knot – never gonna tie a tie

No bowtie knot – never gonna tie a tie

No three-in-one knot – never gonna tie a tie

Absolutely not – never gonna tie a tie

• • •

Flip Side

If I had my ‘druthers, I’d go out and see my brother

And tool around on a borrowed bike

It’s good to see each other, so why not have another?

Hell, I never met a Colorado beer I didn’t like!

Out from under, temporarily asunder

Scratchin’ our heads, wonderin’ why

It’s one hell of a test – Otis Redding sang it best:

“You don’t miss your water ‘til the well runs dry”

I’ll see you on the flip side, brother

Though it might be a while

We’re gonna make it to the flip side

These four walls, they feel a little bit tighter

We’ve been gettin’ on each other’s nerves

I seem to forget that I’m a lover, not a fighter

I take’em all back, darlin’... every last word

Some days I feel like it’s bringin’ us closer

Some days I feel like it’s drivin’ you away

It’s like we’re ridin’ on a rickety rollercoaster

Hang on tight... it’s gonna be okay!

We’ll make it to the flip side, darlin’

Though it might be a while

We’re gonna make it to the flip side

We’re gonna make it, baby!

Stuck inside an old Hollywood movie

But not the one that I wanna be in

I wish I could do better than the one in which the weatherman

Lives the same day over again, and again, and again

But we’re so lucky with our loved ones around us

In light of all of the pain and woe

Up in the clouds, silver linings abound... but

You’re never gonna see’em with your head hangin’ low (no-no-no)

There’s plenty more on the flip side

Though I know it’s gonna be a while

Stick around for the flip side

There’ll be somethin’ to make you smile (yeah)

We just gotta make it to the flip side

• • •

Kern County Queen

It was heaven arrivin’ at the 99 Drive-In

Pullin’ up my ‘48 Special Deluxe

Oh, the joy it made me feel to see the boys of Bakersfield

Scratchin’ their heads, wonderin’ “How could you, baby?”

Oh, Gerene!

You’re outta my league

It’s hard to believe I got a girl like you

And I’ll be over the moon

I’m hopin’ that soon you’re gonna say “I do”

You’re my sweet Gerene, Kern County Queen

Feel like I’m walkin’ around in a dream

I’ve set my sights on a layaway wedding ring

It ain’t much – just a little itty-bitty thing

Won’t you let me be your king?

Kern County Queen

This old town’s got its own sound – rivers of oil runnin’ under the ground

But you’re the only reason I’m stickin’ around

Go on... ask any local luminary, and they’ll tell you it’s you they wanna marry

Buck - he would’a wrote a million love songs just for you

Merle would too

Oh, Gerene!

You’re outta my league

It’s hard to believe I got a girl like you

And I’ll be over the moon

I’m hopin’ that soon you’re gonna say “I do” (hey!)

You’re my sweet Gerene, Kern County Queen

Feel like I’m walkin’ around in a dream

I’ve set my sights on a layaway wedding ring

It ain’t much – just a little itty-bitty thing

Won’t you let me be your king?

Kern County Queen

I used to doubt myself, but I ain’t never doin’ that again

Set foot out on that limb, now I’m the envy of the other men

Oh, I’m the envy of the other men - yes, I am!

You won’t need no wedding gown... c’mon honey, let’s head on down

To the courthouse in the aforementioned ‘48

And let the sedentary County Clerk do all the necessary paperwork

And then you and I can make a little Catalina getaway (hey-hey-hey!)

Oh, Gerene!

You’re outta my league

It’s hard to believe I got a girl like you

And I’ll be over the moon

I’m hopin’ that soon you’re gonna say “I do” (c’mon!)

You’re my sweet Gerene, Kern County Queen

Feel like I’m walkin’ around in a dream

I’ve set my sights on a layaway wedding ring

It ain’t much – just a little itty-bitty thing

Won’t you let me be your king?

Kern County Queen

Oh, I wanna be your king!

Kern County Queen

• • •

Waylaid In Grand Lake

I tried to call ya when our little Westfalia

Bought the farm on the way to the show

I had to put her in a casket, with a blown head gasket

‘Cause I ain’t got the grease to make the old van go

Up above the treeline

Where troubles only hover like a hummingbird

It’s all gonna be fine – put your worries on the run and say the word

‘Cause I think we found our little Rocky Mountain Brigadoon

Waylaid in Grand Lake – hey baby, we ain’t leavin’ anytime soon

I’ll meet you at the station with a cold libation

We can toast our luck with a Banquet or two

Then we’ll thumb it from Granby

We’ve got a real Jim Dandy!

Ain’t nothin’ our love can’t make it through (no)

‘Cause up above the treeline

The troubles only hover like a hummingbird

It’s all gonna be fine – put your worries on the run and say the word

‘Cause I think we found our little Rocky Mountain Brigadoon

Waylaid in Grand Lake – hey baby, we ain’t leavin’ anytime soon

Singin’ like an angel, strummin’ like a devil

And we ain’t stressin’ over messin’ with the levels (no)

Sorta like a stage when nobody’s lookin’

And when you’re singin’ for the birds... the birds are always bookin’

Always bookin’, baby!

‘Cause up above the treeline

Troubles only hover like a hummingbird

It’s all gonna be fine – put your worries on the run and say the word

‘Cause I think we found our little Rocky Mountain Brigadoon (yes, we have)

Waylaid in Grand Lake – hey baby, we ain’t leavin’ anytime soon

Waylaid in Grand Lake – hey baby, we ain’t leavin’ anytime soon

Waylaid in Grand Lake – hey baby, we ain’t leavin’...

Leavin’... leavin’ anytime soon

• • •

Loons On The Lake

Black and white birds, off in the night

Caught in a cove somewhere

Send me a sign - something sublime

Let me know you’re there

With a high lonesome call and quivering cry

My lakeside lullaby

Sing me to sleep, diving so deep

Loons on the lake

‘Til we return - my family and I

To that little rental

I’m pining for things that nature provides

So elemental

Lazy old sun: sink out of sight

Time has come to savor the night

We all need a break, for goodness’ sake

Loons on the lake

When this old world is breathin’ in

Pessimistic pollution

Because of a bird I’m believin’ in

Such a simple solution (yeah)

We’ll just invite all the parties involved

In one night, all the problems are solved

Just let’em talk out on the dock

Loons on the lake

Take it from me - it’s all that you need

Loons on the lake

Moonlight’ll glisten - can’t help but listen

To loons on the lake

• • •

Billfold

Benjamin burned a hole in my pocket

A monetary fire, and I could not stop it

Got fifty less, and I must confess

I didn’t make the best of Ulysses S.

Couldn’t hang on to Old Hickory

I guess Hamilton didn’t wanna stick with me

Honest Abe and ol’ General George left too

Tell me why my currency is always in a hurry to be

Outta my hands, outta my site

Nearly gone by Saturday night

Well, Benjamin burned a hole in my pocket

Them promissory notes never hold much promise

Billfold ain’t got a bill to fold no more (no, it don’t)

Well, Benjamin burned a hole in my pocket

A monetary fire, and I could not stop it

Got fifty less, and I must confess

I didn’t make the best of Ulysses S.

Couldn’t hang on to Old Hickory

I guess Hamilton didn’t wanna stick with me

Honest Abe and ol’ General George left too

Tell me why my currency is always in a hurry to be

Outta my hands, outta my site

Nearly gone by Saturday night

Well, Benjamin burned a hole in my pocket

Them promissory notes never hold much promise

Billfold ain’t got a bill to fold no more

Ain’t no banker’s handin’ me a toaster

I can’t save a single dollar bill, no sir!

Billfold ain’t got a bill to fold no more

Well, that’s all she wrote – barely keepin’ afloat

I’m runnin’ outta ways to say “I’m broke!”

Billfold ain’t got a bill to fold no more (no, it don’t)

Billfold ain’t got a bill to fold no more

• • •

Last Nerve

Careful how you’re talkin’ to me

Because I could be your last friend in the world

Little girl, you’ve been bad

You made a lot of people mad

Before the chickens came home to roost

You had me seduced

And you could do no wrong for so long

I guess I... I must’a turned a blind eye

You know, it’s true what they say about the bed that you made

The bridges you burn, and the lessons you learn a little too...

Lately I’ve been thinkin’ I ain’t receivin’ the love I deserve

You’re gettin’ on my last nerve!

I’m like an inmate on the eve of release

I packed my velise – bus ticket in hand

Understand... don’t ignore me

I’ve got one foot out the door, baby

You used to call me your little “sugar bear” – such a sweet love affair

But now the terms that I’m hearin’ ain’t endearin’

No, the words you’re usin’... they’re just verbally abusin’ (yes, they are)

You know, it’s true what they say about the bed that you made

The bridges you burn, and the lessons you learn a little too...

Lately I’ve been thinkin’ I ain’t receivin’ the love I deserve

You’re gettin’ on my last nerve!

Sure, love can be a splendid thing

But your love is just offendin’ me

And there ain’t no sense in me stickin’ around

I used to be paralyzed by

Your deep, sweet honey brown eyes

Now that I’m fully ambulatory

This could be the end of our little love story

Careful how you’re talkin’ to me

Because I could be your last friend in the world

Little girl, you’ve been bad

You made a lot of people mad

Oh... yes, you have - yes, you have!

You know, it’s true what they say about the bed that you made

The bridges you burn, and the lessons you learn a little too...

Lately I’ve been thinkin’ I ain’t receivin’ the love I deserve (no)

Gimme the love I deserve

Oh, gimme the love I deserve

You’re gettin’ on my last nerve!

Baby, my patience is wearin’ thin (yeah)

You’re gettin’ on my last...

• • •

Maybe

I went down to see the gypsy by the riverside

Held a picture of you under the lantern light

Wonderin’ if we were meant to be

She sat me down, bowed her head, lit some incense

Startin’ mumblin’ words that made no sense

Ruminated a while... then she said to me, tentatively (yeah)

She said:

Maybe

What a wonderful word, that “maybe”

It might go either way – c’mon and make my day

Oh, let me hear you say:

Maybe

There ain’t no other word like “maybe”

It’s kinda touch-and-go, but at least it ain’t “no”

I believe in hypothetical romances

Racetrack nags, slim casino chances

I’m layin’ all I have down on me and you

Me and you... (yeah, so)

If you tell me it could never really work out

I’ll shine a light on that shadow of doubt

And by the time I’m through, well... maybe you’ll believe in them too!

Tellin’ you! (yeah, you’ll say)

Maybe

What a wonderful word, that “maybe”

It might go either way - c’mon and make my day

Oh, let me hear you say:

Maybe

There ain’t no other word like “maybe”

It’s kinda touch-and-go, but at least it ain’t “no”

I told you I was covered in clover

Well, my cup runneth over

Hell! It’s never half-empty

The world is a jumbled-up mess (hey, hey, hey)

The future is anybody’s guess (hey, hey, hey)

And all we need is just a little more “yes, yes, yes” (alright)

So if you’ve got a black cloud hangin’ over your head

Keep your distance, girl – don’t let the virus spread

Might be the antidote, might be the panacea

It could be just semantics... but I really wanna see ya say:

Maybe

What a wonderful word, that “maybe”

It might go either way – c’mon and make my day

Oh, let me hear you say:

Maybe

There ain’t no other word like “maybe”

It’s kinda touch-and-go, but at least it ain’t...

It’s kinda touch-and-go, but at least it ain’t...

It’s kinda touch-and-go, but at least it ain’t “no”

No, no, no... it ain’t “no”

• • •

Wilbur Driscoll & the Widow McGee

Wilbur Driscoll and the Widow McGee

Two old souls as stubborn as two souls can be

You’ll see a hog fly ‘fore you ever see them agree

She’s a pistol

He’s an S.O.B.

Wilbur Driscoll and the Widow McGee

Down the aisles of the Mercantile, on the bench beneath the oak tree

Separated by a country mile just to try to maintain the peace

‘Cause when they get goin’, there’s nothin’ to say

The best thing to do is just back away (trust me, cuz)

She’s a pistol

He’s an S.O.B. (I’m talkin’ ‘bout)

Wilbur Driscoll and the Widow McGee (yeah)

There’s a house up on the hill

Quiet as a church mouse, sittin’ there so still

‘Til last Sunday evenin’... (oh) I thought I was dreamin’

I heard a fiddle in the barn out back, and curiosity killed the cat

When I wiped that window clean... well you’d never believe just what I seen

Old Wilbur Driscoll and the Widow McGee

Spinnin’ ‘round like young’uns dancin’ to an old time melody

God love’em, they danced all night

And the fiddle didn’t quit until the mornin’ light

Come Monday mornin’... they were at it again

He was mumblin’ somethin’ ‘bout somethin’

She was hissin’ right back at him

But I caught a shimmer in the widow’s eye

And Wilbur had a mile wide grin

It’s a tough road to hoe... match made in hell

It just goes to show... maybe you never can tell

She’s a pistol

He’s an S.O.B. (I’m talkin’ ‘bout)

Wilbur Driscoll and the Widow McGee

• • •

Margery

We used to slow dance... we used to swoon

Under the spell of an Adirondack moon

Those album covers layin’ down at our feet

Told a tale of two lovers: Side A and Side B

Nowadays I can’t bring myself to pull’em out of their sleeves

They live up there on the shelf, like pieces of me

We used to be lovers

Now that you’re gone

We are just memories tied up in song

Darlin’, how did we turn into just me?

Oh, how could we?

My Margery

When this old world was spinning ‘round a little too fast for you and me

We found our own way to slow it all down... to round about 33

We had our Songs in the Key of Life,

After the Gold Rush, Late for the Sky

Now every last one of them is bound for the bargain bin

‘Cause I don’t need more reminders

Of what could’ve been... what should’ve been

We used to be lovers

Now that you’re gone

We are just memories tied up in song

Darlin’, how did we turn into just me?

Oh, how could we?

My Margery

We used to slow dance... we used to swoon

Under the spell of an Adirondack moon