Lyrics: Prairie Songbirds
Performed by Debbie “Hayride” Harper & The Prairie Songbirds
Prairie Songbirds – DOWNLOAD
(Verse 1)
We were born under wide-open skies,
With hearts untamed, and fire in our eyes.
They tried to tie us down, but we wouldn’t stay,
We’re the ones who leave when the dawn breaks the day.
Like the wind through the grass, you can’t hold us tight,
We’re prairie songbirds, takin’ flight at night.
(Chorus)
We’re the girls that got away,
Free as the wind, we didn’t stay.
You can call our names, but we’re already gone,
We belong to the road, like an endless song.
You’ll remember us when the sky turns gray,
We’re the prairie songbirds, flyin’ away.
(Verse 2)
They all said we were too wild to hold,
With dreams in our hearts and spirits too bold.
We danced in the moonlight, we ran with the breeze,
Never afraid to chase what we believe.
So don’t try to find us in yesterday’s dust,
We’re out there somewhere, followin’ our wanderlust.
(Chorus)
We’re the girls that got away,
Free as the wind, we didn’t stay.
You can call our names, but we’re already gone,
We belong to the road, like an endless song.
You’ll remember us when the sky turns gray,
We’re the prairie songbirds, flyin’ far away.
(Bridge)
Maybe one day you’ll see us in the sunset’s glow,
A glimpse of what was, and what you’ll never know.
But we’re not lookin’ back, we’ve got miles to run,
We’re chasin’ the horizon, and followin’ the sun.
(Outro)
We’re the girls that got away,
With hearts that wander and never stay.
You’ll hear us sing in the whispering breeze,
But a caged bird never sings, only longs to be free.
We’re the prairie songbirds, forever free.
Prairie Songbirds —Music and Lyrics by Alan Nafzger
Finding the Perfect Theme Songs for Bands
Janet Haysmith Interviews Alan Nafzger:
Topic: Crafting Personal, Fitting Theme Songs for Bands
Janet Haysmith:
Welcome back, listeners! I’m Janet Haysmith, and today, we’re diving deep into the world of theme songs for bands. These aren’t just tunes; they’re personal anthems, capturing the soul of a group and delivering it straight to the audience. Joining me is none other than Professor Alan Nafzger, the mastermind behind some of the most memorable songs in country music, including Tumbleweed—the song that’s taken over the charts! Today, we’ll talk about his process for creating theme songs, specifically for bands like the Prairie Songbirds, a young, wild, and free all-female country band that’s got everyone talking. Alan, welcome!
Alan Nafzger:
Thank you, Janet! It’s great to be here. And yeah, crafting a theme song for a band is a little like catching lightning in a bottle, especially when you’re working with a group as unique as the Prairie Songbirds.
Janet Haysmith:
You’ve had incredible success with your songwriting, but what’s the key to creating a personal theme song for a band? I imagine it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation.
Alan Nafzger:
Not at all. Every band is different, and the song has to fit them like a glove. The key is capturing their essence—who they are at their core. In the case of the Prairie Songbirds, it’s about their youth, their energy, and the fact that they’re wild, free, and proud of it. These are young women who embrace their independence, and that has to shine through in their music. They’re not trying to fit into anyone’s mold. They’re out there blazing their own trail, and their song has to reflect that.
Janet Haysmith:
Absolutely. The Prairie Songbirds are definitely making waves—young, bold, and completely unafraid to stand out. And I hear they’re not just free-spirited but also taking a stand for their values. They’re proud of being virginal, which is a unique stance in today’s world, especially in the music industry. How do you approach something like that without sounding cliché?
Alan Nafzger:
It’s all about respect and honesty. These girls are living by their own rules, and they’re unapologetic about it. Their song isn’t about being preachy; it’s about owning who they are. I approach it like any other part of their personality—it’s one aspect of their identity, and they wear it with pride. The song has to embody their wild, untamed nature, while also being true to their sense of self. It’s like saying, “Yeah, we’re young and free, but we also know who we are and what we stand for.” There’s strength in that.
Janet Haysmith:
That’s powerful. So how do you balance those themes—wild and free, but also principled—in a single song?
Alan Nafzger:
It comes down to contrast, really. On one hand, you’ve got the freedom of the open prairie, the wide skies, the wind in your hair. On the other hand, you’ve got this deep sense of personal conviction. In their song, I want to blend those two ideas seamlessly. So, you get lines that reflect their wild side—running free, chasing dreams—but also moments of introspection, where they acknowledge that their sense of self is strong, and they’re not bending for anyone.
For instance, you might hear something like:
“We run with the wind, hearts open wide,
But we know who we are, there’s no need to hide.”
It’s about the tension between the urge to roam and the desire to stay true to yourself. The Prairie Songbirds aren’t tied down by expectations, but they’re also not swayed by what’s popular. That’s a theme I love working with because it’s real—it’s their reality.
Janet Haysmith:
That sounds like the perfect balance for them. I’m curious, how does the instrumentation reflect this combination of freedom and personal conviction?
Alan Nafzger:
Great question. The instrumentation has to evoke that wide-open feeling, so you’ve got the classic elements of country—steel guitars, fiddles, maybe some mandolin—but there’s also this underlying drive. A steady beat, maybe some percussion that feels like galloping across the plains. At the same time, I want it to feel grounded, like these girls are rooted in their values. So, it’s not too polished or overproduced. It’s raw, authentic—just like them.
Janet Haysmith:
Sounds like the perfect musical landscape for them to soar across. You’ve clearly thought a lot about who the Prairie Songbirds are as people. How much does that personal connection influence the writing process?
Alan Nafzger:
It’s everything. You can’t write a personal theme song without knowing who you’re writing for. I’ve spent time with these girls—seeing how they interact, hearing their stories—and that’s what fuels the writing. They’re young, they’re wild, and they’re proud of it. And, yeah, they’re proudly holding on to their values, which is rare but incredibly admirable. It’s part of their strength, and it comes through in their song.
The key is not to make it feel forced. They’re not walking around making big declarations. They just are who they are, and that’s what people love about them. The song has to feel as natural as the way they carry themselves—free but with an underlying strength.
Janet Haysmith:
It’s refreshing to hear about artists who are both confident and grounded. So what can fans expect from the theme song when it drops?
Alan Nafzger:
They can expect a song that reflects the spirit of the Prairie Songbirds—a song that feels like riding with the wind, but with a backbone of conviction. It’ll be full of energy, but also have moments that make you stop and think, “Wow, these girls know exactly who they are.” It’s a celebration of freedom, youth, and pride. And trust me, when you hear it, you’ll want to roll the windows down and just take off down a dirt road.
Janet Haysmith:
I’m already picturing it! One last question before we wrap up. What advice would you give to young bands who are looking to craft their own theme song—something personal, fitting, and lasting?
Alan Nafzger:
Be honest. Don’t try to fit into anyone’s expectations of what your theme should be. Your theme song is your personal anthem—it should reflect who you are, what you stand for, and what you believe in. If you’re wild and free, lean into that. If you’ve got values that are important to you, don’t be afraid to let that shine. A theme song only works when it’s authentic to the people who are performing it. That’s the secret sauce. Authenticity is what resonates.
Janet Haysmith:
Wise words, Alan. Thank you so much for joining us today and giving us an inside look at your process for creating the perfect theme song for a band. I can’t wait to hear the Prairie Songbirds’ anthem. It sounds like it’s going to be an instant hit!
Alan Nafzger:
Thanks, Janet! I’m excited for everyone to hear it, too.
Janet Haysmith:
Well, folks, that’s it for today! Stay tuned for the release of the Prairie Songbirds’ new theme song and more from the world of country music. This is Janet Haysmith signing off, reminding you that sometimes the wildest hearts make the best music!