Lori McKenna - "The Bird and the Rifle"

Lori McKenna's latest release, "The Bird and the Rifle" has received excellent reviews:

 "Lori McKenna's 'The Bird & the Rifle' Is Vintage Storytelling"

"Lori McKenna’s Gentle Rue Shimmers on ‘The Bird & the Rifle’"

"Lori McKenna, 'The Bird & The Rifle'"

One song in particular has received a great deal of play, probably due to Tim McGraw recording it a while back. That is "Humble and Kind" -



You know there's a lot that goes by the front door
Don't forget the keys under the mat
Childhood stars shine, always stay humble and kind
Go to church 'cause your momma says to
Visit grandpa every chance that you can
It won't be a waste of time
Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door say please say thank you
Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie
I know you got mountains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind
When the dreams you're dreamin' come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind

Don't expect a free ride from no one
Don't hold a grudge or a chip and here's why
Bitterness keeps you from flying
Always stay humble and kind
Know the difference between sleeping with someone
And sleeping with someone you love
I love you ain't no pick up line so
Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door say please say thank you
Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie
I know you got moutains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind
When those dreams you're dreamin' come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind

When it's hot, eat a root beer, a popsicle
Shut off the AC and roll the windows down
Let that summer sun shine
Always stay humble and kind
Don't take for granted the love this life gives you
When you get where you're goin'
Don't forget turn back around
Help the next one in line
Always stay humble and kind

This one is good but "That's How You Know" remains her most effecting song (for me):



When you take the train to midtown
To have coffee by yourself
Pull the pictures from the drawer
Put them back up on the shelf

When you hear the sound of church bells
And they don't make you wanna cry
And you're not getting drunk
Just so you can hide

That's how you know
That's how you know

When you open up the curtains
Start answering the phone
Stop driving around for hours
'Cause you hate going home

When you can talk about it
Even say their name
When you start thinking
You'll survive even though
You'll never be the same

That's how you know
That's how you know
That's how you know
That's how you know

There's no such thing
As a long goodbye
When you wish it would've lasted
Your whole life

When you don't need a cigarette
Or a pill to help you sleep
When you don't end every night
On the hard wood on your knees

When you wake up one morning
Surprised to see the world exists
And your eyes ain't full of tears
And your heart ain't full of bitterness

That's how you know
That's how you know
That's how you know
That's how you know

When you're thankful
That you ever knew a love this strong
When you finally find
The courage to write this song

That's how you know
That's how you know
That's how you know
You're moving on