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Introduction
Listening to The Statler Brothers sing “How Are Things In Clay, Kentucky” feels like stepping into a warm, familiar memory. This song isn’t just about a place; it’s about the people, stories, and emotions tied to a hometown that shaped a life. The Statler Brothers have always had a knack for weaving narratives that resonate with the heart, and this song is no exception.
At its core, this track is a letter of longing, a yearning for the simpler days spent in a small Kentucky town. Whether it’s the name-dropping of familiar faces or the vivid imagery of the town’s landscape, the lyrics paint a picture of a place where life moves a little slower and bonds run a little deeper. It’s a song that speaks to anyone who’s ever had to leave home, only to find their heart still tethered to the streets they once roamed and the people they loved.
The vocal harmonies, a hallmark of The Statler Brothers, bring a special warmth to the song. Their ability to blend voices creates a sense of unity, as though the group itself is reminiscing together, inviting you to join them in their shared reverie. It’s not just music; it’s a conversation, a gentle inquiry into how things are going in a cherished, far-off place.
One of the most compelling aspects of the song is how it balances specificity with universality. While it is anchored in “Clay, Kentucky,” it feels like it could be about any small town. The longing expressed isn’t just for a physical place—it’s for a feeling of belonging, the comfort of familiarity, and the bittersweet nature of remembering a time and place you can never fully return to.
This song carries a timeless message about roots and relationships. It reminds us that even as life takes us on unexpected journeys, a part of us always stays connected to where we started. Whether you’ve experienced the heartache of homesickness or just enjoy a good, soulful tune, “How Are Things In Clay, Kentucky” is a gentle nudge to pick up the phone or write that letter and ask how things are in your own “Clay.”
Video
Lyrics
How are things in Clay, Kentucky?
Bet you thought I’d never care
There was a time when I felt lucky
Just to be away from there.
I’ve had all of what I wanted,
But what I want, I just can’t find
And how things are in Clay, Kentucky,
Has been lately on my mind.
All alone in New York City,
Searchin’ for that pot of gold
Now I’m at the end of all my rainbows,
And all at once I’m feelin’ old.
I count the times of how I’m livin’,
Of what I am and what I’m not
And the only gold in New York City
Is in a Salvation Army pot.
I’m gettin’ blue for the bluegrass
And how the old folks are at home
Just let me do the talkin’,
‘Cause I know you’re all alone.
I hear kids back there playing
I hope he don’t know it’s me
Jesus knows I still love you,
But I just had to call and see.
How things are in Clay, Kentucky.
Bet you thought I’d never care
There was a time when I felt lucky
Just to be away from there.
I’ve had all of what I wanted,
But what I want, I just can’t find
And how things are in Clay, Kentucky,
Has been lately on my mind.
And how things are in Clay, Kentucky,
Has been lately on my mind…
source: https://www.lyricsondemand.com/s/statlerbrotherslyrics/howarethingsinclaykentuckylyrics.html