Premiere: Paul Burch, “Girl I Sawed In Half”

Paul Burch by Emily Beaver
Photo by Emily Beaver

“Blue Yodeler” Jimmie Rodgers was arguably one of the most important people in country music history – his other nickname is, after all, “The Father Of Country Music”. On his upcoming album Meridian Rising, roots musician Paul Burch (loosely) tells the story of Rodgers’ life, delving into how he imagines the Yodeler might have felt at various points throughout his all-too-brief career. His first single, “Girl I Sawed In Half,” tackles the sweetness and tragedy of a brief love affair.

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“Jimmie learned his craft as an itinerant entertainer, performing whatever instrument he could find and wherever the wind might take him,” says Burch. “His business card stated he was expert at guitar, mandolin, banjo, and Hawaiian guitar—and—last but not least—breaking hearts. ‘Girl I Sawed in Half’ imagines the deep cut of first love found and lost on the road.”

Check out “Girl I Sawed In Half” below. Meridian Rising drops February 6 via Plowboy Records.