I first heard your song when my family and I were in a homeless shelter. I was looking for work and finally landed a job. Probably the most physically demanding job I've ever had. It is 130 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit with the heat index inside. I ended the day with chaffing anywhere my skin rubbed my clothes or other skin. My privates bleeding from the end of it. The next morning when my alarm went off at 0330hrs I got up and was sitting there on my bunk thinking how I didn't know how I was going to make it through my shift. Keep The Wolves Away comes on and I think to myself wwjwd. What would John Wayne do. Of course he'd, go on in for his shift pilgrim. I still have that job over 4 years later. I run half the plant from 3 different computers now. Your song inspired in me the fortitude to climb up out of absolute ruin with my wife and two daughters on my back. Thank you.
I've been both the child and the father in a very similar story. As a child, I watched the nightly news to make sure the base my Dad was stationed at was safe while he was in Viet Nam. As an adult, I made my living as a nuclear submarine reactor operator in the US Navy, and then 30 years at ORNL. My family worried about me, and I spent many overtime hours on emergency response teams. I heard your song in 2015 the first time, and it really resonated with me. The main difference is the sudden loss of my only son in 2016. Thank you for the music. It has truly blessed me.
Pretty much summed up my experiences with the state of Texas over twenty years ago. Damned sorry it was even worse for you and yours. Your music is very powerful. Keep making it so.
My husband passed away almost two years ago and this was his favorite song because it was similar to what he did to earn a living for our family. Now me, my daughters and even my 3 year old grand baby play it and sing it all the time. It just reminds us of how hard he worked for our family and how hard it was and how much he loved us.
That song hits home for me also. I worked at the plants and refineries all my life mostly in the Texas City area but for a few years at Dow Freeport also, had buddies that have died, its sad, song dang near brings tears to my eyes when I hear it.
My husband was not as horrifically injured, and not in the same industry, but much of this song could be us. 2 kids, older boy & younger girl. Dad working as a fixer in the cotton mills. Tore his back to pieces pulling a snag out of a sand roller. 8:35 Company gaslighted him with a company doctor(quack) telling him it was much milder. Trying to get past statute of limitations on workman's comp claim. My family gets him in to see a specialist. Confirms major surgery needed. Company denies claim(doesn't know he kept paperwork) We get a lawyer/he gets every 4th disability check. Surgery done. 18 month recuperation/i work 2 full time jobs. We settle for pittance/as long as he resigns. Cant get a job in the mills now/ word of lawsuits gets around. Goes to less lucrative work. Works all the time. 20 years later pain(never really stopped) is back. Another disc gives way. Money tight, all to keep wolves away.😢
I had no doubt that the song was true from the first time hearing it. Your voice was so genuine, it's just sad that stories like yours are not uncommon. This nation really puts profits over people on a massive scale. I'm glad your dad survived, and that you guys are doing well.
Having lived in Lake Jackson during the same time period I really understand and appreciate what you and your family went though. I recall the DDT trucks, which eventually turned to airplanes. My Father worked at Plant A in the fire department during this time… many days we wondered if he would come home… many plant explosions. I recall my father talking of the incident with your father as the first time I heard Keep the Wolves away, it sent chills down my spine. Like you I was born in that same hospital… there is so much of a story there… Thanks for your music and bring back memories of my life that has since been gone. Forgot the chemical flares that would burn all night with the orange glow…. The constant rumble from the flares. Constant sirens from chemical releases… one plant made a chemical toluene diisocyanate… the Plant was known as TDI… by the workers TDI stood for the Texas Death Institute… rumor had it that if you smelt almonds while the alarms were going off in that plant, lay down… save your self the fall…. The hazards of working and living there were significant… but our parents kept on working… as you so eloquently describe, to keep the wolves away!
As awesome as that song is, and it is an absolutely awesome song, one of my all time favorites, the solo that his guitar player plays just blows me away every time I hear it, just the tone that he gets out of that song in Bm it's just so unforgettable. I don't consider myself a lead guitar player, but I would sure like to be able to play that solo, maybe one day I'll break down and get some lessons and learn how to play it.
I love that song brother I could feel how real it is from just the first line. . Been listening to it from years now. thank you for sharing such a touching story
I raised my family in Deer Park, Texas where Shell is the big plant. My first husband worked in a plant in Bayport, south of Deer Park, but most people work along Hwy 225. Every time something rattles windows, people leave their homes and looked towards where their loved ones work. Pasadena, Deer Park, La Porte, and towards the coast in Texas City, the petrochemical industry rules. My family is still in Deer Park, and I am on Galveston Island. We always know which way the wind blows and we know what the sirens mean and how to shelter in place. This song reminds us that while the money is good, it's good because the job is dangerous. We throw the dice everyday living and working where we do. On a side note, I can listen to this song's arrangement all.day.long.
The first time I listened to your song I felt it in my soul! Thank you for allowing us into yours 🙏 🤲 ❤ I'm stoked to hear you play here in Memphis tonight!!!
I first heard this song when KOKE fm was introducing new music Eric Bob and Scotty ... i have been hooked since that moment. Thank you for your writing such powerful lyrics. Looking forward to the next show ACL Live 12/30/23
Grew up listening to this song because my dad played it all the time. I know this song by heart and always will. It brang good times to our family and I believe you know my dad as well. So sad that this happened but you turned it into a song that so many people can enjoy
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I first heard your song when my family and I were in a homeless shelter. I was looking for work and finally landed a job. Probably the most physically demanding job I've ever had. It is 130 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit with the heat index inside. I ended the day with chaffing anywhere my skin rubbed my clothes or other skin. My privates bleeding from the end of it. The next morning when my alarm went off at 0330hrs I got up and was sitting there on my bunk thinking how I didn't know how I was going to make it through my shift. Keep The Wolves Away comes on and I think to myself wwjwd. What would John Wayne do. Of course he'd, go on in for his shift pilgrim. I still have that job over 4 years later. I run half the plant from 3 different computers now. Your song inspired in me the fortitude to climb up out of absolute ruin with my wife and two daughters on my back. Thank you.
I knew when I heard this song that it came from the heart and had to be true. Unreal things don't bring a tear to my eye.
Your dad is a hero!
I've been both the child and the father in a very similar story. As a child, I watched the nightly news to make sure the base my Dad was stationed at was safe while he was in Viet Nam. As an adult, I made my living as a nuclear submarine reactor operator in the US Navy, and then 30 years at ORNL. My family worried about me, and I spent many overtime hours on emergency response teams. I heard your song in 2015 the first time, and it really resonated with me. The main difference is the sudden loss of my only son in 2016. Thank you for the music. It has truly blessed me.
Pretty much summed up my experiences with the state of Texas over twenty years ago. Damned sorry it was even worse for you and yours.
Your music is very powerful. Keep making it so.
My husband passed away almost two years ago and this was his favorite song because it was similar to what he did to earn a living for our family. Now me, my daughters and even my 3 year old grand baby play it and sing it all the time. It just reminds us of how hard he worked for our family and how hard it was and how much he loved us.
Love the song brother and I don't miss the breeze smelling like PVC cleaner either 😉
I love this song .Working man’s song.
That song hits home for me also. I worked at the plants and refineries all my life mostly in the Texas City area but for a few years at Dow Freeport also, had buddies that have died, its sad, song dang near brings tears to my eyes when I hear it.
My husband was not as horrifically injured, and not in the same industry, but much of this song could be us. 2 kids, older boy & younger girl. Dad working as a fixer in the cotton mills. Tore his back to pieces pulling a snag out of a sand roller. 8:35 Company gaslighted him with a company doctor(quack) telling him it was much milder. Trying to get past statute of limitations on workman's comp claim. My family gets him in to see a specialist. Confirms major surgery needed. Company denies claim(doesn't know he kept paperwork) We get a lawyer/he gets every 4th disability check. Surgery done. 18 month recuperation/i work 2 full time jobs. We settle for pittance/as long as he resigns.
Cant get a job in the mills now/ word of lawsuits gets around. Goes to less lucrative work. Works all the time. 20 years later pain(never really stopped) is back. Another disc gives way. Money tight, all to keep wolves away.😢
somehow I always knew it as a true story, great song, always inspires me to keep the wolves away, greetings from Medellin, Colombia
I had no doubt that the song was true from the first time hearing it. Your voice was so genuine, it's just sad that stories like yours are not uncommon. This nation really puts profits over people on a massive scale. I'm glad your dad survived, and that you guys are doing well.
You need to do a live show in Freeport. I'll be waiting.
Thanks for opening up man.may God continue to bless you and your family.
Having lived in Lake Jackson during the same time period I really understand and appreciate what you and your family went though. I recall the DDT trucks, which eventually turned to airplanes. My Father worked at Plant A in the fire department during this time… many days we wondered if he would come home… many plant explosions. I recall my father talking of the incident with your father as the first time I heard Keep the Wolves away, it sent chills down my spine. Like you I was born in that same hospital… there is so much of a story there… Thanks for your music and bring back memories of my life that has since been gone. Forgot the chemical flares that would burn all night with the orange glow…. The constant rumble from the flares. Constant sirens from chemical releases… one plant made a chemical toluene diisocyanate… the Plant was known as TDI… by the workers TDI stood for the Texas Death Institute… rumor had it that if you smelt almonds while the alarms were going off in that plant, lay down… save your self the fall…. The hazards of working and living there were significant… but our parents kept on working… as you so eloquently describe, to keep the wolves away!
Thanks for this amazing song God bless you and your family much Respect From Anaheim CA
As awesome as that song is, and it is an absolutely awesome song, one of my all time favorites, the solo that his guitar player plays just blows me away every time I hear it, just the tone that he gets out of that song in Bm it's just so unforgettable. I don't consider myself a lead guitar player, but I would sure like to be able to play that solo, maybe one day I'll break down and get some lessons and learn how to play it.
Thank you for sharing your heart with us. You are both brave and beautiful. God bless you and yours ❤
My favorite band.
Powerful song , powerful story. That would have been incredibly hard on you and your family. Keep writing your songs man
I love that song brother I could feel how real it is from just the first line. . Been listening to it from years now. thank you for sharing such a touching story
I raised my family in Deer Park, Texas where Shell is the big plant. My first husband worked in a plant in Bayport, south of Deer Park, but most people work along Hwy 225. Every time something rattles windows, people leave their homes and looked towards where their loved ones work. Pasadena, Deer Park, La Porte, and towards the coast in Texas City, the petrochemical industry rules. My family is still in Deer Park, and I am on Galveston Island. We always know which way the wind blows and we know what the sirens mean and how to shelter in place. This song reminds us that while the money is good, it's good because the job is dangerous. We throw the dice everyday living and working where we do. On a side note, I can listen to this song's arrangement all.day.long.
The first time I listened to your song I felt it in my soul! Thank you for allowing us into yours 🙏 🤲 ❤
I'm stoked to hear you play here in Memphis tonight!!!
Grew up in Texas City and remember everything you describe here!! Monsanto, Dow and the tin smelter. Thanks for you and your music and stories !
IBEW wireman here on the road still...
This song hits too hard most of the time...
God Bless you all and thank you for sharing!
I first heard this song when KOKE fm was introducing new music Eric Bob and Scotty ... i have been hooked since that moment. Thank you for your writing such powerful lyrics. Looking forward to the next show ACL Live 12/30/23
Such a sad Story. God bless you and your family.
Grew up listening to this song because my dad played it all the time. I know this song by heart and always will. It brang good times to our family and I believe you know my dad as well. So sad that this happened but you turned it into a song that so many people can enjoy
One of my all time favorite songs! Thank you! Tragic inspiration for it, but beautiful song…
Watching this from Freeport, I am an operator at the plant that owned the tank truck that was leaking in this accident
The chemical was Hexamethylene diisocyanate if anyone’s curious
Im born an raised in demi john. Love the song❤️
My father was injured as an iron worker. It was a long, drawn-out thing. It changed him.. and us... ultimately killing him at 43...
Sounds EXACTLY like the town I grew up in in Alabama
I just can't imagine how tough it was
Thanks for sharing that.
It is John Sealy hospital. Sorry to hear about your dad. 🔥 song too btw.
❤❤❤❤❤❤
"There was a fire at the refinery, your dad's in a helicopter on the way to Galveston." I know that waiting room in Galveston.
I don't know why but I always took this story as gospel. I never questioned it and don't believe a lot.
We all have struggles just play music
My cousin was a bartender at devils backbone for years. Hell she might still be