Nick Gusman & the Coyotes – “Lifting Heavy Things”
Americana Highways is pleased to present this premiere of Nick Gusman & the Coyotes’ song “Lifting Heavy Things,” which is the title track of their forthcoming album slated for release on December 7. Lifting Heavy Things was recorded live at Native Sound Recordings in St. Louis, engineered by David Beeman, and mastered by Brad Sarno from Blue Jade Audio.
“Lifting Heavy Things” is Nick Gusman on guitar and vocals; Sean Kamery on fiddle; Justin Haltmar on bass; Tony Hall on keys; Garrett Rongey on guitar; and Jeremy Reidy on drums.
We had a brief chat with Nick about the song. The premiere appears just beneath the interview.
Americana Highways: What is this song about?
Nick Gusman: This song is kind of about getting humbled and kinda realizing to appreciate things more.
It reminds you to sing while you work.
AH: Who/what were some influences when it came to writing the song?
NG: Well the chord structure borrows a bit from Jesse Fuller’s “San Francisco Bay Blues.”
That is one of my fav old country-blues songs. So I’m sure it’s where I picked up the guitar form.
Another influence might be Todd Snider. He kinda put a bug in me for trying to write songs that have a few jokes in them or dressing up these frustrating things with humour so they are easier to swallow. And seeing the brighter side, but using the darkness for contrast.
I think I borrow a songwriting phrasing that I heard Woody Guthrie do and other folk singers do. Where they speak directly to the audience and warn them or provide a piece of advice. “So listen up my friends and I’ll tell you what to do.
Count your lucky stars that I’m me and you are you.
Don’t steal, don’t hate, just celebrate.
Cuz when the good gets goin’ soon it will be gone.”
Also, we have been dedicating this song to Bruce Willis at our shows. If you are a Die Hard fan you know the line. “yippee-ki-yi-yay M***** F*****” haha.
AH: Any cool/funny/interesting stories from writing/recording this one?
NG: Some events and aspects of this song are completely real from my own life. The chorus was inspired by a late night conversation with a homeless man at 7- eleven.
We talked about hard work and he had a general outlook on life that was far more positive than mine had been that night. So it stuck with me for a while, until I had one especially rough day. The frustrations in the song came out kinda humorous.
I really love the final verse. I think I borrow a songwriting phrasing that I heard Woody Guthrie do and other folk singers do. Where they speak directly to the audience and warn them or provide a piece of advice.
“So listen up my friends and I’ll tell you what to do.
Count your lucky stars that I’m me and you are you.
Don’t steal, don’t hate, just celebrate.
Cuz when the good gets goin’ soon it will be gone.”
I also really wanted to write a song that has “Yippee-Ki-Yi-Yay” in it haha.
Thanks very much for sharing that with us. Any song that sets out with Yippee-Ki-Yi-Yay is already inspired. A old timey country setting and a carefree song all around that bodes well for the album.
Find more details here on his website: https://www.nickgusmanandthecoyotes.com/