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Rio

from RISE by Elaine Mahon

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about

Rio was inspired by a story written by Steve Friedman, about Skip Conrad who lived beside El Rio de las Animas Perdidas, the last free flowing river in Colorado and the largest undammed river in the lower 48 states. Skip disappeared in the mountains of Silverton, Colorado and his body was never found. His story struck a deep chord within me, partly because I have backpacked many times in the mountains of Colorado and share his love of the wilderness.

lyrics

Rio
© 2010 Mary Elaine Mahon & Steve Friedman/Six Pelicans Publishing (BMI)

Through rocky crags she tumbles, the barbed wire snakes along
It trails her banks, it mars her flanks, but the Animas flows strong
Through paintbrush fields and columbine, through monkshood and wild rose
Past avalanche, abandoned mines – she ferries her lost souls

(Chorus) Rio, Rio, de las Animas Perdidas, last of the free she flows
Rio, Rio, down from the San Juan Mountains, into New Mexico

A legend of a mountain man in leather gloves and jeans
In a T-shirt, sleek, knife in its sheath, from a photograph he beams
All sinew stands the steward, his flinty resolve strong
He’ll mark his days upon this Earth, until the wire is gone

(Chorus) Rio, Rio, de las Animas Perdidas, last of the free she flows
Rio, Rio, down from the San Juan Mountains into New Mexico

Skip Conrad he went missing, some thought him hurt or lost
But made of barbed wire by his trailer, stood Jesus on the cross
A get-well card mailed to a friend arrived after he’d gone
Upon the margin he had written, “All the wire is gone…”

(Chorus) Rio, Rio, de las Animas Perdidas, last of the free she flows
Rio, Rio, down from the San Juan Mountains, she ferries his lost soul

credits

from RISE, track released January 29, 2013
Lead Vocals and Acoustic Guitar: Elaine Mahon
Harmony Vocals: Penny Nichols & Elaine Mahon
Bass: Lon Williamson
Dobro: Tuck Tucker

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Elaine Mahon Gainesville, Florida

With her 2017 release, REACH FOR THE STARS, Elaine Mahon has written a collection of songs that evoke a sense of wonder while inspiring hope and offering empowerment. Mahon's songs reflect her perspective as an astronomer, while remaining deeply rooted in the natural world we all live in. Mahon performs solo at festivals, venues and house concerts in Florida and throughout the Southeastern US. ... more

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