“Northwest” by Brandy Clark
Brandy Clark is a Washingtonian, and relatedly this song (“Northwest”) serves as a shoutout to the northwestern section of the continental United States. For example, the three locations mentioned in the first verse – Mount St. Helen, the Tilton River and Highway 508 – are all found in Washington, which is at the upper left-hand corner of the map.
That part of the country is also known for being relatively pristine as far as its natural environment goes. And accordingly, most of the lyrics are dedicated to depicting it as such, i.e. Brandy harping on the scenic beauty of the Northwest as opposed to the people therein.
“Where the trees grow mountain tall
Most of the summer feels like fall
Salmon run and the eagles fly
You’re in heaven but you didn’t die
Whistle blowin’ at the mill
Hickory shirts’ll pay the bills
I dream in shades of green and gray and gold
And I go home”
BRANDI CARLILE IN THE HOUSE
This track is from Brandy Clark’s eponymous LP, which Warner Records put out on 19 May 2023. The executive producer of the project, fellow music star Brandi Carlile, also happens to be a Washingtonian. In fact it was Carlile who inspired Clark to write this song.
