Tag: Israel Nash Gripka

I would do it all over again
Just to see your hair dancing in the sea of Eastern wind

Around two years ago, fellow blogger Obbverse brought up this song and artist and I’ve listened to him ever since.  It’s so refreshing to hear this newer Americana. I really like this artist. His voice is gritty and on point. Check his album out also if you have the time.

Originally from Missouri, Nash moved to New York City in 2006. He performed in clubs on the Lower East Side such as The Living Room and Rockwood Music Hall. In 2009, he independently released his debut solo album, New York Town, which was recorded at The Magic Shop in New York’s Soho neighborhood. He usually goes by just Israel Nash now.

You can hear his influences of the ’60s and ’70s with artists like Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Band, and Crosby, Stills & Nash. He is a hard-working artist. Since 2009 he has 7 studio albums, 2 live, and 5 EPs. His last one called Ozarker was released in 2023. He has maintained a dedicated following and continues to tour and record music.

On getting more popular in Europe. “I remember a night after a show in Amsterdam, my wife was sitting on the bed in a hotel room counting the money we made that night and it came out to $1,700. She says, ‘Maybe you can make a living at this!’ That was an awesome moment. Since then, it was a growing thing in Europe. Playing there gave me a lot of confidence because we played a ton of shows.”

Israel Nash: “I grew up in little churches that were in the middle of nowhere in Missouri, so having the woods and being outside has been part of me since I was a kid,” I also saw community––just this sense of people needing something, somebody, to look forward to. That was church for them, and that’s okay. I don’t really feel like there is just one right thing to look forward to. As a musician, I think that’s what I’ve found, too––something for people to look forward to, a reason to come together. No matter what changes in my career, that is my anchor: the need people have.”

*I transcribed the lyrics so there are probably mistakes…but I can safely say…they are the only printed lyrics to this song on the internet as far as I could find. *

Pray For Rain

The city’s lit up like the Fourth of July
The children playing in the street
I’m laying in the bed next to you
Just trying to get some sleep

Dont you know I will need the rest
Need a pocket full of cash
I’m tired of working my hands to the bone
And I can barely pay the rent

Cause it’s a hard road ahead
and it’s the price we pay
So pray for me
And won’t you pray for rain

Until you miss the mid-western sun
It’s half as big but it’s twice as warm
My heart is not a thousand miles away
But I can’t look you in the face
And tell you I don’t miss those days
Cause no one knows what tomorrow brings
The bed of roses or some shattered dream
I would do it all over again
Just to see your hair dancing in the sea of Eastern wind

Cause it’s a hard road ahead
And it’s the price we pay
So pray for me
And won’t you pray for rain

Seeing if your dreams come true
Clouds may follow us
Some might say this bird has flown
But I don’t think it has
Lord I know it can

Cause it’s a hard road ahead
and it’s the price we pay
So pray for me
And won’t you pray for rain

Cause it’s a hard road ahead
and it’s the price we pay
So pray for me
And won’t you pray for rain

Cause it’s a hard road ahead
and it’s the price we pay
So pray for me
And won’t you pray for rain

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