Lyrics and melody by Guy Dye
Drums, keyboard, and backing vocals by Guy Dye
Mixed and mastered by Guy Dye in Cubase
Lead, background vocal and instrumentation generated with Suno
==============
[Verse 1]
Pulled the ladder down in the hallway
Pushed the attic door aside
years of settled dust comes falling
Through a flash of morning light
There’s a suitcase with no handle
There’s a lamp that lost its shade
A coffee can full of old keys
That somebody threw away
There’s half a roll of wrapping paper
From a store that’s been closed for years
A box of cheap wine we bought at Kroger
Still sitting unopened here

[Pre-Chorus]
Funny what survives us
What gets lost and what remains

[Chorus]
These are the things we don’t throw away
They follow us from place to place
Through closing doors and changing names
Through everything we couldn’t save
The things we swore we’d need someday

The things we packed and put away
The things that somehow chose to stay
 These are the things we don’t throw away

[Verse 2]
There’s a softball glove that’s faded
With a name now barely shown
A stack of school pictures
Of kids with kids of their own
There’s a wedding invitation
For a couple long divorced
And a card from somebody’s mother
Who’s been gone ten years or more
There’s a crib sheet in the corner
From a bed we didn’t keep
We moved it through three different houses
For a child who’s twenty-three

[Pre-Chorus]
We lose track of what was precious
We keep what we forget we saved

[Chorus]
These are the things we don’t throw away
They follow us from place to place
Through closing doors and changing names
Through everything we couldn’t save
The things we swore we’d need someday

The things that time can never claim
They make it through while people change
These are the things we don’t throw away

[Bridge]
The wedding picture at the lake house
ended up with me when we split
The watch my father wore every day
In a box right next to it
Here’s a broken wine glass
And a coat my grandma wore
The funeral program from ninety-eight
Still saved inside a drawer
What gets left may simply linger
What gets lost can't be reclaimed
some things that matter disappear
And their memories remain

[Final Chorus]
These are the things we don’t throw away
They gather round us while we wait
Through marriages and moving vans
Through goodbyes and holidays
The kids grow up, the houses change
Faces fade from the clearest day

Somehow all the ordinary stuff
Keeps making it this far
Yeah, everything we thought would last
Has got a way of slipping away
Except the things
We don’t throw away

Things We Don't Throw Away (Basic Basement Mix)

O prepare mercy and truth,

Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.

Stephen Wilkes is an undisputed master at telling stories with images. In this week’s podcast, he pinpoints the exact moment he was given free rein to dream up an epic photo project for a major exhibition that would come to redefine photographic printing technology. 

In the year 2000, he was commissioned to capture the beauty and complexity of America at the turn of the Millennium on large format film, then transform his highly detailed film captures into immersive fine art prints using Epson’s groundbreaking printing technology. Twenty-five years later, he's revisiting this project to reveal the continuing advancements of photographic fine art printing while also paying homage to the 250th anniversary of the country’s birth. 

Highlights from Stephen’s spirited chat with Derek include his historical assessment of how descriptors such as “Color” and “Digital” have been met with a similar sense of incredulity as photographic technology has evolved and his belief in the power of the camera as a conversation starter, a connector, and a means to a magical exchange of energy. 

What’s more, Stephen’s dramatic imitation of a Pentecostal preacher wreathed by hissing snakes had us riveted to his every word, and the lessons he shared from his mentor, Jay Maisel left us inspired to work. Among his favorites was Jay’s probing query, “Well, do you like pictures, or do you like the act of photographing? Choose one.” As Stephen notes, “That was a great question, and he always posed that to me. But for me, I never had a doubt. I’ve always loved the act of photographing. I get lost. Whatever it is I’m doing.”


If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, please follow us @bhpodcastnetwork and be on the lookout for more inspiring conversations in our new format.

Guest: Stephen Wilkes
Episode Timeline:

0:00: Stephen Wilkes: America in Detail, Revisited.

0:45: Photography as a storytelling tool.

1:33: Reflecting on the past 25 years and Stephen’s America in Detail project with Epson in the year 2000. 

3:32: Stephen’s interest in being a historian of photography to capture a unique moment in history.

5:42: Stephen describes his exhibitions of immersive digital prints—it’s a visceral experience.

9:40: A comeback to creating prints and print media in the digital age.

13:17: Memorable moments from Stephen’s America in Detail project. 

15:36: Stephen’s encounter with Pentecostal minister Pastor Anderson and his snakes.

27:14: Finding a balance between letting go and staying creative despite commercial pressures.

28:44: Gary Greff’s Enchanted Highway in Regent, North Dakota

31:13: It’s all about the mind’s eye—technology that gives us the opportunity to show us things we’ve never seen before. 

32:40: Lesson’s learned from Stephen’s mentor Jay Maisel—do you like pictures or do you like the act of photographing?

35:11: The camera as a connection—as a conversation starter & energy exchange—positive, negative, and even hidden energy fields. 

41:46: Is there any benefit to worry? Plus pushing through rough spots to a positive result.  

46:58: Revisiting Stephen’s America in Detail project with current printing and processing technology. 

52:07: Parting thoughts and another story about Jay Maisel: It all starts with curiosity—Let your curiosity drive your work.


Guest Bio: Stephen Wilkes is a photographer and National Geographic Explorer known for his groundbreaking imagery that blends documentary storytelling with fine art. Since opening his studio in New York City in 1983, Wilkes has built a career that spans editorial, commercial and fine art photography, earning a reputation as one of America’s most iconic and innovative visual artists. 



Subscribe here

America in Detail Revisited with Stephen Wilkes

“Over My Shoulder” is a reflective, heartfelt song about looking back on life—the dreams, promises, tender moments, and paths not taken. From youthful wishes under a silver moon to a lifetime built on love, care, and making room for others, this track captures the bittersweet beauty of memory and time passing.

With poetic lyrics, dynamic swells from quiet reflection to emotional crescendos, and a warm dobro solo, it’s a tribute to the memories that shape us and the question of whether we were among the lucky few who truly lived what mattered.

If you enjoy introspective singer-songwriter music, Americana, country-folk, or songs about life, love, and looking back, please like, comment, and subscribe for more original music.

🎵 Song: Over My Shoulder
✍️ Written by: Don Mathis
💿 Album: Back To Arkansas
🎸 Music Production: Don Mathis / Bella's Bargain Basement
© 1998 Don Mathis. All rights reserved.

Over My Shoulder

“Sunday Mornin’s” is a heartfelt, nostalgic tribute to family, faith, and the simple power of old-time church gatherings. Through vivid memories of uncomfortable pews, worn hymnals, a song-leading grandpa, a faithful grandma, and a fiery preacher, this song paints a picture of a time when Sunday mornings meant community, conviction, and dinner in the kitchen afterward.

With storytelling lyrics, a singable chorus, and the spirit of “Give Me That Old Time Religion,” it’s a love letter to the traditions, voices, and moments that stay with us long after they’re gone.

If you enjoy country-gospel, Americana, faith-based storytelling, or songs about family and heritage, please like, comment, and subscribe for more original music.

🎵 Song: Sunday Mornin's
✍️ Written by: Don Mathis
💿 Album: Back To Arkansas
🎸 Music Production: Don Mathis / Bella's Bargain Basement
© 1996 Don Mathis. All rights reserved.

Sunday Mornins

Rise Again

“Remember Who Stayed” is a raw country-rap ballad about loyalty, promises, and the quiet pain of being left behind one unanswered message at a time. Driven by clawhammer banjo, restrained country guitar, a grounded hip-hop groove, and a deep conversational male vocal, the song tells the story of someone who kept his word even when love grew distant. It’s not about revenge—it’s about remembering the person who stayed when walking away would have been easier.

Remember Who Stayed

 Ride along with How the West Was Fun, a bright, cinematic Western folk tune that celebrates the playful, adventurous spirit of the old frontier. Built around warm acoustic textures and wide open Americana imagery, the song blends country pop charm with classic cowboy storytelling. Ray Conn paints a vivid world of dusty boots, sunrise rides, saloon doors swinging, and tall tales growing taller as the day rolls on. The track carries a joyful, nostalgic energy, reminding listeners that the West wasn’t just wild — it was full of laughter, freedom, and simple pleasures. With its upbeat rhythm and sweeping frontier atmosphere, the song captures the feeling of riding under endless skies, tipping your hat to the sunset, and embracing the fun woven into every dusty mile. It’s a feel good Western anthem with heart, humor, and a cinematic glow.

How the West was fun

A quiet rendezvous by the kitchen door, rain on a cold coat, and a secret meeting where the red clay holds. "Where Nobody Knows" tells a raw, bittersweet story of hidden love, unspoken promises, and stolen moments far away from watching eyes. Anchored by intimate male and female trade-offs and soaring duet harmonies, this track brings the haunting beauty of a late-night Southern secret to life.

Where Nobody Knows

From 2024 album Tomorrow I'll Say Goodbye

Tommorrow I'll Say Goodbye

The Dream

And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

I've been a musician for over 60 years. I'm too old and tired to play out anymore, so I spend my time remixing my old songs and producing for a special few people.

Seattle & Boston singer-songwriter, producer. Into sweaters.

“Living with scopophobia, I’ve found my place behind the scenes—writing songs, connecting with listeners online, and letting the music speak for me rather than chasing the spotlight.”

The B&H Photography Podcast: Join us every other week for a conversation with insightful and entertaining guests. From gear and technique to history, science and art, we discuss the issues most important to the contemporary photographer.

OhioRockPics is the music project of Craig Noce, creating dark, emotionally driven songs where country-rock storytelling meets post-grunge weight, industrial atmosphere, and cinematic live-band energy.

At the center of the work is BLACKWIRE—a world of wounded voices, hard-earned truth, fractured relationships, survival, and the things people remember after the storm has passed. Songs move between intimate acoustic confessionals, heavy distorted guitars, drummer-led builds, and raw vocal performances shaped by the Billy and Maria identities.

The music is grounded in narrative: people facing fear, silence, manipulation, regret, loyalty, and the long road back to what is real. Whether stripped down to piano and voice or expanded into a full wall of guitars and live drums, every track aims for emotional honesty, strong imagery, and a memorable sense of place.

OhioRockPics is music for the aftermath—the fire, the silence, the mirror, and the truth that eventually returns.

I'm a songwriter/composer exploring diverse genres from acoustic folk to hard rock.

I came to songwriting late, but the songs didn’t. I spent twenty years in radio “playing the hits” while scraps of my own collected in the back of my head. They stayed there for decades because I could hear them but couldn’t build them. Now that the technology exists to close that gap, I’m making up for lost time.

I’m a fan of many kinds of music, but prefer what you might hear if you went on a road trip with Jason Isbell and Toad the Wet Sprocket. If I need to let off some steam, it’s Foo Fighters. 

Desert island albums: “Private Eyes” by Hall & Oates, “Sports” by Huey Lewis & the News, and “The Madding Crowd” by Nine Days.

Musical perfection: Fleetwood Mac “Rumours”, The Police “Synchronicity”, Jeff Buckley “Grace”.

Thanks for listening.

New tracks tagged #americana