From the recording America, this is Appalachia Callin'
This song is for people who believe in God but have grown wary of man-made religion and systems that try to control them. It speaks of a quieter faith—one that listens for God’s whisper instead of loud claims of authority—and of keeping a clean soul even when life leaves mud on the boots. The watchman is not called to hate the world, but to see it clearly, to practice self-awareness, and to refuse the many disguises of envy, greed, and pride. The central invitation is simple: take only what you need, learn the lessons life offers, and do what you ought rather than what you will. In the end it is a song about aligning the moral compass with what is true, and walking free in that wilderness.
Lyrics
I’ve walked these back roads till the dust turned to clay
Mud on my boots at the end of the day
But the dirt on my soles never darkened my soul
Grace found me out here where the wild things still grow
I keep my mouth closed when the proud start to preach
Not from some high horse—just seen where that pride leads
Arrogance loves to borrow the Lord’s own throne
I’ve seen too many fall when they think it’s theirs alone
I’m a watchman in the wilderness, lantern held high
Not hatin’ the valley, just watchin’ it lie
God’s still whisperin’ truth on the wind through the trees
My moral compass needle points true to what’s right
Take only what you need from this world of excess
Learn every lesson this life tries to test
Do what thou ought, not what thou will
That’s how a watchman keeps his soul still
Envy shows up wearin’ new boots and a grin
Greed shakes your hand while it’s reachin’ within
Lust for the spotlight, the power, the throne
Wears a different face every time you get close
Man-made religion can build a tall wall
But the Lord ain’t impressed by the height of it all
Self-awareness is the key that turns the lock
It shows you the truth ’fore you throw the first rock
It ain’t about hatin’ the darkness or fightin’ the night
It’s standin’ in the gap with a lantern and a light
The watchman don’t judge from a distance up above
He just sees what is broken and still offers love
Yeah, I’m a watchman in the wilderness, lantern held high
Not hatin’ the valley, just watchin’ it lie
God’s still whisperin’ truth on the wind through the trees
My moral compass needle points true to what’s right
Take only what you need… learn every lesson you can
Do what thou ought… that’s the measure of a man
Mud on these boots… but my soul walks free
Listen for the whisper in the wind and the trees
Do what thou ought when the world says “do what you please”
And the wilderness… will set you free.