Music » Rock » GaryOVail » Song
The Ballad of Blaine Summer
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I grew up listening to countless ballads and storied-songs with tragic figures and sad endings. The Carter Family’s “John Hardy,” “Tell Old Bill,” by Dave Van Ronk, and “Brother Louie” by The Stories are some examples that linger in my memory. I tried to capture that tragic-figure vibe with “The Ballad of Blaine Summer.” The intro and outro give a tip of the hat to English court lute music of the late Renaissance and early Baroque eras (roughly 1530 to 1620). The middle section has a 70s feel to it, but I am not quite sure how to describe what's going on. Fairport Convention on funk-induced steroids—maybe?

Many thanks to Raul R. for lead vocals and Carrie R. on backing vocals.

Let me know if this tune reminds you of anything.
Details
Released 20-Jul-2026
Category Rock
Application Logic Pro
File
Type m4a
Size 4.4 Mb
Activity
Plays 4
Downloads 0
Weekly plays 4
Weekly downloads 0
Rights and AI
License Commerical derivatives allowed; contact artist for permission
AI lyrics No
AI music/production Yes
Lyrics
Verse 1

Ol’ Blaine Summer was a reckless man. He carried his guns every day. He smoked his weed, drove high speed; always got his way.

Blaine loved pretty faces, left no traces of love or trust. Wished he could trade places with different races of his neighborhood—if he could!

Verse 2

Ol’ Blaine Summer ended up in jail where he served some time. He found the Lord, met his wife. Learned to walk the line.

Blaine made major changes, what’s so strange, his urge remained. Still sees pretty faces on railroad traces in his brain. Stop this train!

Verse 3

Ol’ Blaine Summer is a restless man. He carries his guns every day. He’s in the fight, does what’s right in a four-wheel Chevrolet.

Blaine needs hope and healing, hit the ceiling as a warrior king. He is still concealing, not revealing anything—he’s weakening! 
Comments
listener
A new version of this song was uploaded on July 20, 2026 at 3:05:46 AM UTC.
 
18 hours ago
artist
Nice track with quirky lyrics. I was glad to see his "high speed driving" did not lead to an untimely demise.
7 hours ago
artist
Awesome Rock Ballad Garry 
Well enjoyed 🙏🙌🏼
4 hours ago
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