Marion County songwriters can do better than the Ocala theme song written for our Tourism Development Council by a St. Augustine-area marketing consultant.
I made that boast a couple of weeks ago and asked local musicians to send in songs capturing the allure of this beautiful county. On the whole, I guess, most musicians expect to get paid for the hours it takes to write and record music.
But two songwriters did respond: Alan Height with a country music selection and Leslie Botello with lyrics. I think they did well.
Botello captures the calm, scenic and friendly qualities of Marion County that we need to value and preserve. Here's the beginning of the song:
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Like relaxation, it filters through the trees.
No place like Marion, it's the place to be.
Beautiful horses, roam in pastures green.
Lakes and ponds, ripple with beauty.
The friendly wave from passers-by . . .
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As I typed Botello's words, it struck me that so much of what we value about about Marion County - the very things that draw visitors and new residents - are threatened by urban sprawl and rampant population growth.
Do we, after all, really want to attract all these visitors?
Height's "Ocala Song" raises similar issues and prompts another question. Do we want the world to see us as quiet, country folk or as hardworking, high-tech entrepreneurs?
We are trying to be seen as both, I suppose, depending on whether our audience is thinking of business opportunities or daydreaming about vacations.
Height's song tells the story of a visitor who treasures his annual trips to Marion County - the relaxing atmosphere, the natural scenery and the nostalgia he finds in our small towns.
Here's the chorus:
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Ocala, with you I'm never alone.
Ocala, my, how you've grown.
The only problem with Ocala is knowing I will have to
Pack up my bags and go home.
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In the recording, he plays guitar and sings.
I am glad these two readers were willing to share their thoughts - through words and music - on what makes our community attractive.
You'll get no music out of me, but lyrics, that's different. I puzzled out these rhymes while cutting the grass.
| By the cool clear run of a Florida spring,
By mossy oaks where horses roam,
Where eagles glide and warblers sing -
Rejoice . . . in your Ocala home.
On boats and bike trails rambling miles,
In Southern style and forest beauty,
With food and art and sport and smiles,
Relax . . . in Marion County.
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I bet you can do better than that. So send in the songs - preferably recorded with music - along with your permission to use them.
The special e-mail address is still open for your submissions - marionthemesong@starbanner.com.
You'll also see the Now We're Talking blog is back. So add your comments online if you like.
Joe Byrnes can be reached at joe@ocala.com or (352) 867-4112.
Submitted Songs & Lyrics