On the road too long...
It's About Time by songwriter Edwin H. Balder
I learned your silence like the back of my hand,
Every pause, every "I’ll text you" left hanging like a loose strand.
Now the diner’s fluorescent buzz don’t hum your name,
Just the clink of my spoon stirring sugar without shame.
It’s about time… I had a good time.
No more tracing your shadow in the 2 a.m. blind.
You’re a stain on the passenger seat I finally scrubbed clean,
Turns out the wheel feels lighter when you’re not the gasoline.
Your friends still ask about me like I’m some ghost they can’t shake,
I smile, say "I’m good"—let the lie start to ache.
But the ache’s just a reminder I’m alive, not a shrine,
And the highway’s singing louder than your "just give it time."
It’s about time… I had a good time.
No more tracing your shadow in the 2 a.m. blind.
You’re a stain on the passenger seat I finally scrubbed clean,
Turns out the wheel feels lighter when you’re not the gasoline.
I found a dive bar where the whiskey’s cheap and the jokes are mean,
Where nobody knows your name or the wreck you made of me.
The jukebox spits out a song I used to hate,
But tonight? I’m screaming the words like it’s fate.
It’s about time… I stopped counting the miles.
The rearview’s just a suggestion, not a life sentence file.
Funny how the heart heals in the messiest ways—
One day you’re choking, next day you’re blowing out the flame.

It’s about time… I had a good time.
The night’s soft as a ”whatever”, and the future’s bright as a dime.
No more ”maybe next year”, no more ”right girl, wrong life”—
Just me, the open road, and the damn sweet lack of strife.

Link to best of our country hits that you can cover to get to the top... https://soundcloud.com/edwin-balder/sets/country-hits-you-might-need?si=307edea8be674dc3bedee9345a814080&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

All Rights Reserved Edwin H. Balder
Thanks so much to my band: Hot Cookie
See Our Music Videos Here> https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-509h42heKT05D8egf2U9w

It's About Time by songwriter Edwin H. Balder

This song is open source ...Cover Away!
The Land of Close and Almost  by songwriter Edwin H. Balder
played my part just off the stage
behind the lights and center page
steel string, low key, old sunburst wood
made a lot of stars sound good
i've had stadium crowds on their feet
for a solo that never had my name on the seat
then I slide back down, no bow, no boast
just another face in the land of close and almost
rode the bus through a thousand towns
tuned the set while they wrote it down
shared my soul with neon halls
while the headliner soaked it all
knew better than to wait for a wave
some stories just ain’t made to save
you shake the hand, you lift the load
then disappear on a different road
but it’s been almost wonderful to me
this life just shy of marquee
no gold-plated name, no fan mail flood
but I’ve bled truth in every chord I strummed
in the shadow of the spotlight’s ghost
I found my home
in the land of close and almost
there’s a brotherhood behind that mic
where late-night jokes outlive the likes
we raise our cups to second takes
and harmonies the star can’t fake
we play for rent, and for the hush
when a room goes still in a quiet rush
no interviews, no headlines bold—
just worn-down calluses and gold
i’ve watched the glitz, i’ve seen the fall
signed names on vinyl with no call
stood behind a singer in rhinestone light
while my chord held up their biggest night
but I learned a thing the front don’t teach—
the deepest love don’t need a speech
there’s glory in the hidden hand
that helps a stranger take a stand
so to the drummers, techs, and pedal men
the ones who try, then try again
we built this whole damn song by host—
this land of close
and almost
yeah, it’s been almost wonderful to me
a patchwork prayer in every key
i’ve earned my keep in grace and grit
and left no stage without a bit
may not be the name they toast
but I belong
in the land of close and almost
still I belong...
in the land of close and almost
close and almost (close and almost) close and almost
still I belong...(belong)
in the land of close and almost
close.. and.. almost.. (close and almost) ...close ...and ...almost......


More country songs you can cover : https://soundcloud.com/edwin-balder/sets/song-of-the-year-songs?si=15ee4215ebcd4cdcb9004bd452a2c2d7&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing


The Land of Close and Almost  by songwriter Edwin H. Balder

walked the beach at breakin’ day
Boots on sand, not fields of hay
The ocean roared, the gulls flew low
But back home, it’s quiet rows that grow
My boy looked out across the tide
Said, “It’s pretty, Dad, but kinda wide”
I smiled and said, “It’s not our land—
But it’s good to feel it, hand in hand”
Country boys on the shore, takin’ it slow
Feelin’ the wind where the wheat won’t grow
We come from flowers and fence-line springs
But today we’re hearin’ what the ocean sings
It’s different, son, but it’s still worth knowin’
Even if our hearts are where the corn is growin’
We saw a crab crawl through the foam
He said, “It’s weird not bein’ home”
I told him, “Life’s got room to roam—
But roots still matter where you’ve grown”
We talked of Grandma’s daffodils
Of tractors hummin’ on the hills
And though the sea was wild and wide
We felt the springtime deep inside
Country boys on the shore, takin’ it slow
Feelin’ the wind where the wheat won’t grow
We come from flowers and fence-line springs
But today we’re hearin’ what the ocean sings
It’s different, son, but it’s still worth knowin’
Even if our hearts are where the corn is growin’
I said, “One day you’ll walk alone
In places far from what you’ve known
But don’t forget the fields and skies
Where love was planted, deep and wise”
He took my hand, we turned to go
The sun was high, the waves moved slow
And though the beach was not our land
We left with springtime in our hands
Country boys on the shore, just passin’ through
With hearts that bloom where the wildflowers do

All rights held by the songwriter Edwin H. Balder
Link to more of our Singer/songwriter style hits you can cover into fame because of your take!

https://soundcloud.com/edwin-balder/sets/best-new-folk-americana?si=04e0155163644977b37cf8c0a04f3c53&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Country Boys on the Shore

How was your walk today?
Did the gravel feel the same?
Did the wind still know your name?
Did the sun show up on time?
I took the long way past the store
Same cracked sidewalk, same old chore
My knees complained, my breath was thin
But I waved at Joe, he waved me in
The kids were loud behind the fence
I smiled, but kept my distance
I used to chase that kind of noise
Now I just nod and miss my boys
I stopped to rest beneath that tree
The one that used to shelter me
Back when I ran, back when I fought
Now I just sit and gather thought
The mail was late, the dog was out
The neighbor’s truck still makes that sound
I counted steps, I counted years
And tried to blink away the tears
How was your walk today?
Did you feel the ground beneath your pride?
Did you hear the silence talk?
Did you let the past just ride?
How was your walk today?
Did you make it all the way?
Even if you stopped to breathe
You still moved, and that’s the key
I saw a girl with purple hair
She smiled like she didn’t care
I used to be that kind of bold
Now I just hope I’m growing old
I passed the diner, smelled the fries
Thought of Ruth and her apple pies
She’s been gone ten years this fall
But I still hear her when I call
I don’t need medals, don’t need praise
Just someone asking how I’m made
I’m stitched with walks, with quiet tries
With stubborn feet and cloudy skies
So if you ask me how I am
Don’t wait for me to make a plan
Just sit with me and let me say
How was your walk today?
How was your walk today?
Did you feel the ground beneath your pride?
Did you hear the silence talk?
Did you let the past just ride?
How was your walk today?
Did you make it all the way?
Even if you stopped to breathe
You still moved, and that’s the key
I took the long way home again
And I’d do it all the same


Link to best of our country hits that you can cover to get to the top... https://soundcloud.com/edwin-balder/sets/country-hits-you-might-need?si=307edea8be674dc3bedee9345a814080&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

All Rights Reserved Edwin H. Balder
Thanks so much to Del and the Team
See Our Music Videos Here> https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-509h42heKT05D8egf2U9w

How Was Your Walk

Woke up with my back on fire
Dreams gone cold, and hope expired
Coffee tastes like yesterday
And the bills don’t care what I can’t pay
The truck won’t start, the dog won’t eat
My knees gave out on Main Street
I smile at folks who look away
Like trouble’s with me every dam day
I’m having trouble, but I’m still here
Running on rust ... running on fear
Ain’t no map for where I’ve been
Just a heart that won’t give in
I’m having trouble, but I ain’t gone
Still singing even when the notes feel wrong
She left last spring with suitcase in hand
Said she’s not coming back please understand
hurt too much to cry out loud
now hoping for thunder and dark rain clouds
even if my roof leaks more than I admit
And the whiskey i drink tastes like shit
but let's me talk to ghosts in the kitchen light
And sleep alone most every night
I’m having trouble, but I’m still here
Running on rust ... running on fear
Ain’t no map for where I’ve been
Just a heart that won’t give in
I’m having trouble, but I ain’t gone
Still singing even when the notes feel wrong
They say trouble don’t last forever
But some days feel like never
Still, I lace my boots and face the dawn
‘Cause quitting now still feels wrong
The preacher says I should trust
But faith don’t fix everything I bust
I pray sometimes, just out of spite
And hope the stars still shine at night
I ain’t asking for a break
Just a little less heartache
But if this is the road I ride
I’ll keep my boots and my wounded pride
I’m having trouble, but I’m still here
Running on rust ... running on fear
Ain’t no map for where I’ve been
Just a heart that won’t give in
I’m having trouble, but I ain’t gone
Still singing even when the notes feel wrong
Still singing… even when the notes feel wrong…


Link to best of our country hits that you can cover to get to the top... https://soundcloud.com/edwin-balder/sets/country-hits-you-might-need?si=307edea8be674dc3bedee9345a814080&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

All Rights Reserved Edwin H. Balder
Thanks so much to Del and the Team
See Our Music Videos Here> https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-509h42heKT05D8egf2U9w

Having Trouble

How do I forget what was?
Not by silence.
Not by shame.
But by walking through the wreckage
and planting something new again..
They said all men are created equal
But the system never learned the line.
We pledged allegiance to a dream
That never made room for everyone at anytime
We were taught to work hard
But not to expect fairness.
To believe in justice
But only if we could afford the lawyer to protect us
The church took a vow of poverty
Then built cathedrals of gold.
The preacher passed the plate twice
While the hungry often went cold
Stars cried on stage
And sold their heartbreak for big rewards
Love became merch.
Fans became just wallets then ignored
And the rich wept in glitter
While the poor they even lost their twitter
A car used to be something you could fix
With a wrench and a weekend.
A house could be bought
With one job now we just pretend
Peace and love weren’t hashtags
They were handshakes.
Neighbors waved.
We didn’t scroll past each other their was give and take
Concerts were sweat and sound
Not screens and selfie videos
We danced without proof.
We sang about the wonder we know
Belief was quiet.
And fear didn’t follow it home.
You could speak your truth
Without needing armor to stand alone
So how do I forget what was?
I don’t.
I name it.
I carry it.
Until it becomes a bridge.
I remember the good
And let go of the lie of what now is
I build with what’s left
And love with what’s real. and hope one day what was can come back and heal
Today, I choose to believe again.
Not in perfection.
But in peoples hearts
Not in systems.
But in souls.
I choose to sing again be apart
Even if the melody hurts.
I choose to dance again
Even if the rhythm’s broken.
I choose to live like back then
You are not the wreckage.
You are the architect.
You are not the silence.
You are the song.
You are not the ending.
You are the rebuild.
And you were born to belong

All rights held by the songwriter Edwin H. Balder

Link to more of our Singer/songwriter style hits you can cover into fame because of your take!

https://soundcloud.com/edwin-balder/sets/best-new-folk-americana?si=04e0155163644977b37cf8c0a04f3c53&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

How Do I Forget What Was

They say I’m trouble, say I’m loud  
Say I’m drunk and too damn proud  
But I just call it living strong  
‘Cause I ain’t done nothing wrong  
I cussed out a preacher in Abilene  
Tried to kiss his wife behind the screen  
Got banned from the Opry, twice last year  
But I still sell out and drink free beer  
They write me off, they write me songs  
But I ain’t done nothing wrong  
I ain’t done nothing wrong, just lived a little loud  
Got a fistful of stories and a fanbase crowd  
Yeah, I’ve said dumb things and I’ve swung too wide  
But I’ve never once faked what’s inside  
So pour me a shot and sing along  
I ain’t done nothing wrong  
Bar fights, bad tweets, motel sins  
I’ve lost some teeth and a few good friends  
But I still got my boots and my guitar  
And a heart that’s dumb but shoots for stars  
From dusty roads to neon lights  
I’ve chased dreams and endless nights  
Gambled hearts on the edge of town  
But I won't be the one to slow down  
Saw the sun rise on too many days  
And danced through life's winding maze  
I ain’t your hero, I ain’t your saint  
I’m just the paint on a honky-tonk complaint  
I mess up big, I love too hard  
But I never lied in a country bar  
I ain’t done nothing wrong, just lived a little loud  
Got a fistful of stories and a fanbase crowd  
Yeah, I’ve burned some bridges and I’ve kissed the flame  
But I’d do it all again the same  
So pour me a shot and sing along  
I ain’t done nothing wrong  
So if you see me stumbling through your town  
Just know I’m the fool who won’t stay down  
With a guitar in hand, I'll carry on  
I ain’t done nothing wrong  
Just wrote it all into song  nothing wrong
(nothing wrong)nothing wrong...Just wrote.. it.. all... into song

Link to best of our country hits that you can cover to get to the top... https://soundcloud.com/edwin-balder/sets/country-hits-you-might-need?si=307edea8be674dc3bedee9345a814080&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

All Rights Reserved Edwin H. Balder
Thanks so much to Del and the Team
See Our Music Videos Here> https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-509h42heKT05D8egf2U9w

They Say I’m Trouble

In the shadows of Apache Junction, at the foot of the majestic Superstition Mountains, sits a weathered hacienda. This desert oasis is home to an enigmatic figure, a songwriter whose journey reads like a long, dusty road of honky-tonk bars and college cafeterias. He wasn't chasing fame or glitter; instead, he chose the soul-crushing beauty of music for music's sake.

Years spent hunched over sticky barroom tables and scribbling lyrics on napkins earned him a reputation—not in the spotlight but in the back rooms where deals are made. He wrote melodies that found their way into the hearts of stars who had lost their own muse. He sold his creations for cash, with no recognition, but the whisper of his songs carried the weight of his soul.

Finally, he bought this piece of desert paradise—a stable income from his timeless songs allowed him to live comfortably, if anonymously. Here in this hacienda, with his family beside him and the mountains as his backdrop, he found the peace to write hits under his own name. He chuckled at the irony that now, without chasing fame, he could create music that brought him joy.

In the end, it was never about the spotlight. It was about the journey, the stories, and the songs that wrote themselves through his life. As the sun set behind the Superstitions, casting long shadows over the hacienda, he strummed his guitar and sang—content, unknown, and unburdened by the world's gaze.


Copyright 2019 Edwin H. Balder

I may be dead when fame comes but my real glory was always JULIE & The Kids. Thank you for such love

New tracks tagged #indiecountry #countryrock #countrypop #Folkcountry #woman