Track 5: County of Saline
Artist: Miss Jenny and The Howdy Boys
Lyrics written by George T. Pratt in 1897, found in Folk Songs and Singing Games of the Illinois Ozarks by David S. McIntosh, published by SIU Press
Melody and Arrangement by Jenny Pape
Performed by:
Vocals and Rhythm Guitar by Jenny Pape
Mandolin by Kyle Triplett
Accordion by Alex Pape
Pedal Steel by Dakota Holden
Bass by Nate Graham
Drums by Chad Shaffer
Background Vocals by Kendall Bell and Eva Joy
Audio Link= https://rivertorivercommunityrecords.bandcamp.com/track/county-of-saline
Saline Co., established in 1847, was originally part of Gallatin Co. and was so named for its local salt springs. Saline County hosts some truly beautiful, natural places such as the Shawnee National Forest. “County of Saline” brings to life that lush and fertile landscape so well known throughout all of “Egypt.” -SD
The Shawnee National Forest which is home to Southern Illinois’ most iconic image, Camel Rock. Saline County hosts some truly beautiful, natural places. But for most of the county, small towns dot the map between miles of farmland. This song is an embrace of that rural identity; celebrating the soil’s fertility, the beauty of its abundance of nature, and a small town’s foundational (if not seemingly trope-ish) institutions: school, church, and family. One particular line that sold me on this tune over others was the line about the future being bright in view. At the time this was written, I can imagine that life was flourishing in these small towns and as long as things are going well - growth feels infinite. Fast forward years later and many rural areas have seen their populations shrinking with younger generations migrating to urban areas. I wanted to do this song because in a time of bad news, it feels good to feel good about your home. -JP
Lyrics
Mid the valleys and the hills
mid the woodlands and the rills
in the land that pleasure fills
is the County of Saline
County of Saline x 2
In the land that pleasure fills is the County of Saline
Broad and fertile are the fields
Great the income nature yields
And the cause of right she shields
In the County of Saline
County of Saline x 2
And the cause of right she shields
In the County of Saline
Chorus
Grand old County of Saline
Fertile spot of Egypt’s plain
Truest days that we have seen
was in the County of Saline
Homes and schools and churches too
and her people brave and true
make the future bright in view
for the County of Saline
County of Saline x 2
make the future bright in view
In the County of Saline
chorus x 2
Grand old County of Saline
