Tyler Childers, Willie Watson, and Joan Baez have each shaped folk and country music with powerful voices and meaningful songs.

Tyler blends Appalachian roots with honest lyrics, earning a Grammy nomination and strong praise for albums like Long Violent History.

Willie Watson, known for his work with Old Crow Medicine Show, brings fresh energy to old-time folk with clear vocals and emotion.

Joan Baez, a key figure in the 1960s folk movement, used music to speak out for justice and peace. Her impact earned her a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

About the Song

Rock Salt and Nails is a song written by Bruce Utah Phillips. It has been covered by various artists, including Tyler Childers, Willie Watson, and Joan Baez.

The song’s lyrics express feelings of betrayal and bitterness after a failed relationship. The narrator reflects on past experiences and conveys a desire for retribution.

Each artist brings their unique style to the song, highlighting its emotional depth.

Rock Salt and Nails Lyrics by Tyler Childers

Verse 1

By the banks of the river
Where the willows hang down
The wild birds, they warble
With a low moanin’ sound
Way down in the hollow
Where the river runs cold
It was there I first listened
To the lies that you told
Now I lie on my back
And I see your sweet face
The past I remember
Time can’t erase
And the letters you wrote me
They were written in shame
And I know that your conscience
Still echoes my name

Verse 2

Now if the ladies were blackbirds
If the ladies were thrushes
Well I’d lie there for hours
In the chilly cold marshes
And if the women were squirrels
With them high bushy tails
Well I’d load up my shotgun
With rock salt and nails

Outro

I’d load up my shotgun

Rock Salt and Nails Lyrics by Willie Watson

Verse 1

Down the banks of the river where the willows hang down
And the wild birds all warble with a low moaning sound
Way down in the hollow where the water runs cold
That’s where I first listened to the lies that you told

Verse 2

Now I lie on my bed and I see your sweet face
And the past I remember, time cannot erase
And the letter you wrote me was written in shame
And I know that your conscience still echoes my name

Verse 3

Now the nights are so long and sorrow runs deep
Nothing is worse than a night without sleep
I’ll walk out alone and look at the sky
Too empty to sing, too lonesome to cry

Verse 4

So if you ladies were blackbirds, if you ladies were thrushes
I’d lie there for hours in the cold chilly marshes
If you ladies were squirrels with high bushy tails
I’d fill up my shotgun with rock salt and nails

Rock, Salt and Nails Lyrics by Joan Baez

On the banks of the river, where the willows hang down
Where the wild birds all warble with a low moaning sound
Down in the hollow where the water runs cold
It’s there I first listened to the lies that you told

Now I lie on my bed and I see your sweet face
The past I remember, time cannot erase
(The) letters you wrote me were written in shame
And I know that your conscience still echos my name

Now the nights are so long, my sorrow runs deep
Nothing is worse than a night without sleep
I walk out alone, I look at the sky
Too lonesome to sing, too empty to cry

(Now) if the ladies were blackbirds and the ladies were thrushes
I’d lie there for hours in the chilly cold marshes
If the ladies were squirrels with (them) high bushy tails
I’d fill up my shotgun with rock salt and nails

Similar Songs Like Rock Salt and Nails

If you liked Rock Salt and Nails, you might enjoy these four similar songs that reflect sincere feelings, simple melodies, and strong storytelling:

• Feathered Indians: Here, Childers paints a vivid picture of young love and wild nights with simple words and strong emotions that feel completely real.
• Nose on the Grindstone: The song discusses the importance of hard work and avoiding trouble, offering fatherly advice in a raw and honest manner.
• Mexican Cowboy: This song tells an old Western tale with clear lyrics and a classic style. Willie’s voice gives the story a fresh, strong feel.
• Silver Dagger: A haunting folk song about love and warning: Joan’s clear voice and simple guitar make this version both strong and moving.

Similar Artists Like Tyler Childers, Joan Baez, & Willie Watson

Fans of Tyler Childers, Joan Baez, and Willie Watson will likely appreciate these artists for their similar, honest style:

• Zach Bryan
  Genre: Country, Americana
  Top Albums: American Heartbreak (2022), Zach Bryan (2023)
• Charles Wesley Godwin
  Genre: Country, Americana
  Top Albums: Seneca (2019), How the Mighty Fall (2021)
• Tracy Chapman
  Genre: Folk, Rock
  Top Albums: Tracy Chapman (1988), Crossroads (1989)
• Arlo McKinley
  Genre: Country, Americana
  Top Albums: Die Midwestern (2020), This Mess We’re In (2022)
• Ian Noe
  Genre: Country, Folk
  Top Albums: Between the Country (2019), River Fools & Mountain Saints (2022)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Rock Salt and Nails Reflect Traditional Country Music Elements?

It utilizes simple instruments and storytelling, maintaining a sound reminiscent of old country styles with honest, raw emotion.

What Makes the Vocal Style Stand Out in this Performance?

The singer’s voice feels natural and strong, giving the song a personal and heartfelt quality that connects deeply with listeners.

What Emotions are Most Clearly Shown Through the Music?

Feelings of pain, loss, and bitterness emerge, but also a sense of strength in facing difficult experiences without hiding one’s emotions.