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This ole river town an inspiration for band’s latest song

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Ericka Guthrie makes up one half of The Guthries, a Soldiers Grove-based American roots band. With help on the tune from her husband Scott, Ericka wrote song lyrics late last year about the Prairie du Chien area. Their next gig is Thursday, July 14, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the Thursday Night Farmers Market in Prairie du Chien. In honor of Prairie du Chien’s 150th anniversary celebration that day, they will likely be showcasing the song, “Moonshine on the Water.”

By Correne Martin

 

There are a lot of towns on the river, but not many river towns.

Reflecting upon that thought, and all that good ole Prairie du Chien has to offer, Ericka Guthrie sparked the basis for a song, “Moonshine on the Water.”

About five times a week, Ericka finds herself and husband Scott, from Soldiers Grove, driving along the Great River Road, traveling and gigging for their band, The Guthries. Usually, the moon or sun are out and they’re streaming across the river.

In the moment that inspired Ericka to write the lyrics to a tune about Prairie du Chien, her hometown for 20 years, she was thinking about the bluffs, coulees, valleys and how the river sometimes seems to have a whole life of its own. She pictured the various characters of the community—not only Prairie du Chien but also Marquette and McGregor. Her mind also highlighted some of the fantastic places that’ve meant something to her over the years. 

“I started it last summer and probably finished it in December,” she recalled. 

Ericka shared the lyrics with her talented songwriter of a husband, along with a bit of melody she was feeling, and the finished product kind of came together. 

“Moonshine on the Water” is just that simple homage to a beloved place that can certainly bring a smile to any local listener.

The Guthries are an acoustic duo that performs original and cover American roots music for public and private events. They both sing, while she plays guitar and bass, and he’s an overall musician who specializes in the guitar, banjo and mandolin. Ericka said they can typically be found at wineries, breweries, cafés and special outdoor events, as well as nursing homes and longterm care facilities. They play all over Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois. They’ve also dabbled into Michigan. 

If you’re hoping to hear “Moonshine on the Water,” you will get your chance July 14, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the Thursday Night Farmers Market in Prairie du Chien. The Guthries are the featured musical act at the downtown market, specifically on the day of the city’s 150th anniversary celebration. 

It seems that this event is quite fitting for a performance of this song.

Here are the lyrics:

“There’s moonshine on the water and sunlight on my back

Gonna have a ball in Prairietown, you know that’s a fact.

This ain’t my Maiden Voyage, for Pete’s sake it’s a steamin’ good time

The Hipster and The Big Muddy, for your Sweet Tooth, Hungry House pie.

(If you’re making tracks where the Eagles Land, why dontcha stop on by.)

 

“You can getcher guns and liquor all under one big roof.

Miss Bette’s got her Christmas Crack, Sweet Cowboy had his driftwood

The River Rats gonna have a ball underneath the Big Blue Sky.

You Simply couldn’t land in the gutter if you take some Leisure Time.

 

“You can catch a buzz at the Sawmill with a bloody from Uncle Nick.

C’mon Joe it’s time 2 Go, grab your strings and a fiddlestick.

Let’s Rendezvous by the river bank, catch some Prairie Dog Blues

Migrate down to Sny Magill, find an island to take a snooze.

 

“There’s no reason to get Uncorked if there’s a big Hole in Your Sock. 

You can always kiss that stinky fish down at the Carp Drop.

There’s painted pianos By the Spoonful across from that River Queen 

And the most elegant pink elephant that you’ve ever seen.

 

“You got Friends at Wyalusing, Star Splitting and moonlight hikes,

Ride the concrete fish an’ chew on turtle sticks down at Smokin’ Mike’s.

Supper Club Old Fashioneds for your drinkin’ bones

File your taxes, save some cash, down at Bobby Jones’.”

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