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Cow Eye Blues


Photo by Mark Sheldan

You may ask yourself, "What are the cow eye blues?" You may ask yourself, "Why did Mark write such a song?" I'm here to tell you, because he can. Mark Sheldan is the kind of guy who can write a beautiful poem about a dirty pair of socks. This one happens to be about an ill-fated, dinner date from the past. It was actually his second date at a jazz club when he learned that this girl not only dissected cow eyes for a living, but she also detested the sound of a saxophone. This, of course, caused Mark's brain to erupt into multiple song structures at once. He settled on a blues style and it blossomed from there. He sang it for her and she hated it! Go figure.



album cover 1994

The old fashioned sound you hear is the stretching of the cassette tape being made into MP3 form so we could burn many CDs from it called Smokeywine 'Country Love'. It's a Chicago blues trip, featuring harmonica in a sultry, saucy way. I have to say that singing the blues works for me in many ways. It gives me the chance to get down and dirty; add growls and strong emotions that come from deep within. On this track, Smokeywine channels Eric Clapton and BB King to give you good old twelve bar blues at its best with an aggressive dance between the harp and guitar in the solo battle that is very entertaining.


Bill and Mark jammin'

Wailing strong on the harmonica and picking up a storm on the guitar is my right hand man, Mark Sheldan. (marksheldan.com) I do a Bonnie Raitt impression with vocals that are strong, clear and determined with an extra tribute to Big Mama Thornton. Mark sings like Satchmo in the third verse spewing his inner frustration. It's a simple, yet familiar tale of breakups and sorrow brought to you with heart & soul. (smokeywine.com) All in all, the date from hell twisted into an extraordinary song.


"You making eyes at me?"

I'd like to say "Hi' and "Thank you" to my new listeners in Chicago and Detroit who I hope love the blues as much as I do. Until next time, Love, Laugh and Dance! ~*.*~ Lea Sheldan



To hear 'Cow Eye Blues' right now, click here:

https://twistedgitarco.wixsite.com/leasheldan-1/songs

To hear Mark Sheldan's new release, click here:

https://twistedgitarco.wixsite.com/marksheldan/my-songs

If you have Spotify, please download and stream here:

https://open.spotify.com/album/4vBwpLFC3YblhSsUSRKKCG?si=0cVByzHtRG6PQkaWSocrqg


Sing along with the lyrics below:


Cow Eye Blues


I've got them cow eye blues

He don’t want to hear me moan

I've got them cow eye blues

He don’t want to hear me moan

So he packed up his suitcase

And threw away the saxophone


Early in the morning

Walking across the floor

Early in the morning

Walking across the floor

I found an itty-bitty letter

Nailed to the bedroom door


It said, sweet Marie, people been talking about you

Aw, Sweet Marie, people been talking about you

They say you’re God’s only woman

Who’s got those cow eye blues


I've got them cow eye blues

He don’t want to hear me moan

I've got them cow eye blues

He don’t want to hear me moan

So he packed up his suitcase

And he threw away the saxophone


written by Mark Sheldan

copyright 1985 Socan



photo by Dan Lybarger



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