"Had no idea you actually had some kind of Lovecraftian nightmare in your mind … That is next-level disturbed … Love it !!!" - Brian Grantham

"I think this is brilliant. Dark, moody, and lyrically intelligent. In a very good way, the vibe brings to mind “Bad Things” by Jace Everett." - Tim Malone

"This is super cooool, Rick. Dark, dangerous, seductive, and mysterious." - Vicki Wilson

"It hit me both in the heart and the mind. I actually wanted the song to go on longer. " - Edan Stachelek

"That’s some powerful stuff. A brilliant summation up front with the disposition line setting up the song so clearly. Especially the bruised woman line and then rounding it off with the question at the end to bring it all home. Wonderful." - Rafi Arkin

"I really like the vibe you have going here! It’s capturing the spookyness really well." - Jodie-Hillcoat

"Yours is one of those songs where you can sit there and analyze each line over and over as to exact meaning, like “Hotel California,” but more than anything they create a mood. The melody enhances each line into an epic kind of film noire." - Bennett Johnson

"You are killing the Southern Gothic vibe, my friend! Keep’em coming – they suit you!" - Paula Ray Mascho

"Rick, this is great! It is a masterclass in alliteration, especially in the Verses, where it never sounds contrived. " - Paul Welsman

"Rick, while your characters starve, you give your listeners a veritable feast of images on which to gorge themselves." - Bennett Johnson

"This has a killer dark Americana atmosphere. Great grit in the performance!" - TEYNA

"I love this so much. It’s just right. And that finger-picking is on point. Made me think of Coffee Blues." - John Wetzel

"Maybe it’s always been there, but it feels like your “style” is evolving before our ears and eyes—Southern Gothic retro sound. Bits of Bobby Gentry, Hank Sr., Townes, etc., all mixed together in your own unique way. Nice job on this!" - Bennett Johnson

"Priceless! Your lyric captures what I’d call the predominant Human vs Snake attitude since Genesis." - Steve Purcell

"I felt as if I were sitting around the radio in the parlor with the family back in the 30’s, straining to hear the Grand Ole Opry, as this was playing." - Bennett Johnson

"I adore this. Love the melody, the imagery, and your vibe is just so cool. " - Jessica Thornhill

"Whole song had me mesmerized- and I’m with Paula : “She’ll light up the pines” … awesome! More of this please! " - Carey Latham

"The observant appreciation for her essence is worded in a way that is truly captivating, and I couldn’t help but smile and nod along. Awesome job! My new fave of yours!" - Paula Ray Mascho

"Great writing, as always, Rick.”She’s the one who can find the well” is such a simple, clear, beautiful phrase. " - Bruce Vierck

"This is awesome, Rick! Great writing, great melody, great story behind the song! Love your vocals! " - Heidi Owen Straub

"Musically, I think this is one of your best. Singing minor runs against major chords, throwing in some unexpected chord changes, etc, keeps it interesting.Nice work there, Bard!" - Bennett Johnson

"You do you so freakin great! I agree with RC .. This is pretty detailed writing. I love it. So many cool visuals and just real cool dark chords fit to the lyric " - B.D. Gillihan

"Overall, great song. And you know….it’s Southern Gothic…cause it’s dark with religious undertones and your music has echoes from the mountain." - Paula Ray Mascho

"Hey Rick, I love it, the vibes!! You just have such a great story tellers voice and love the melody on it!" - Sarah Wettlaufer

"Gothic Americana is what I call this vibe. Very cool, Rick. Lot’s of interesting imagery." - Jon Mentgen

"Lyrics…sooooooo goth! You nailed it. Rattle them bones…drink the Jones. Amazing job!" - Paula Ray Mascho

"I like the room this song sits in. I want to be in there with it. Lots of unique lyrics, and the smooth and wide line is selling the chorus. " - Drewcifer

"I”m learning bro .. drone a smooth rhythm and let the River flow. Excellent word craft.. cinematic imagery. Keep putting on the clinics." - RC Bateman

"Pure poetry with this one. Each section has that dark imagery with poetic lines galore. You really showcase your special brand of artistry with this one." - Paula Ray Mascho

"Like Thomas Jefferson said, “A little rebellion now and then is a good thing.” And your song is a good thing, too, imo! Love the revolutionary imagery." - Bennett Johnson

"Man this song makes me wanna quite my job." - tramey

"Well, I just love this, Rick. What a cool melody and really great lyrics! Your singing and playing were great too. I didn’t really understand the circus imagery, but I also was enjoying myself too much to care. 😀 Really great stuff!" - Erica Ellis