Music Minute: A Waltz

We're in 'Angelo at the Saddle Bronc. Burr and Dad are out back fryin' up catfish they caught themselves. 

Patrons -- more like a little quilt-like family of good ole Texans -- have all brought a side dish. It's a good ole fashioned potluck.

As it so happens, out behind the Bronc, along with the fish fryer, tables, a bottle of booze or two and several beers, an old-fashioned radio, is a retired tractor. Daddy, taking a cigarette break, sits up on the seat of that rusty tractor. He sits there, in his baseball cap, embering cigarette pinched between fingers as if holding a pencil. His eyes are closed. His arms are tan from days and days of fishin'. His jeans are old, worn and fit him perfectly. His foot is tapping to one of our favorite tunes that's just started on the radio: Waltz Across Texas.

I love this memory of my dad because, although he was a pretty laid-back guy, he looked very happy and at peace in that moment. 

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When we dance together my world's in disguise it's a fairyland tale that come true

And when you look at me with those stars in your eyes
I could waltz across Texas with you
Waltz across Texas with you in my arms waltz across Texas with you
Like a storybook ending I'm lost in your charms
And I could waltz across Texas with you

My heartaches and troubles are just up and gone the moment that you come in view
And with your hand in mine dear I could dance on and on
And I could waltz across Texas with you
Waltz across Texas

Written by Talmadge Tubb