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HEART OF THE DRIVE

by Bruce Allen Oatway

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Americana rock song looking back at our hometown of Newport R.I.
it seems change is inevitable and when we look back at the way our old home town use to be, it's bittersweet. As gentrification has homogenized the world we're a little angry at the loss of community and the simple life we once took for granted. Our deep heart felt roots are values we still hold dear and so the double meaning of "heart of the drive" also refers to the "Ocean Drive", a road that skirts the ocean around the island we use to play, fish or just muse along on and sometimes on magical nights touch the moon and watch stars rain into the ocean.
As it turns out my guitar slinging rocker Billy "Duke" Oatway layed down master class tracks from his home across the bay..Jamestown, that really moved me. I'm so greatful for his love andthe care he's shown me.
So here's to Newporters and Locals everywhere!

lyrics

HEART OF THE DRIVE

I was born in old Newport town many long years ago
I saw summer, spring an fall, tripped out in the evening snow
When night got heavy and the moon got full
We'd rumble til the break of day
Crusin' down every cobblestone street
you know you could hear us say
We're living in the heart
In the heart of the drive
Yeah, living in the heart
Heart of the drive
Me & my baby we go cruisin' down Bellevue Avenue way
Watch those sailors come a rolling in off of Narragansett Bay
We watched the sun go slowly down in a bed of violet and blue
I can't remember we were so far gone
but when it all comes back into view
We're living in the heart
The heart of the drive
Yeah, living in the heart
Heart of the drive
This old town it don't look the same
guess it's been too long ago
First the Swiss Village then the Moorland Farm
what's next I think that I know
Those gambling boys will be coming around
with a smile on every two sided face
Don't be surprised boys if her native sons
blow you away from this place


We're living in the heart
The heart of the drive
Yeah, living in the heart Heart of the drive

2xs solo

When I look around now nothing much has changed
there's still the Midtown Spa
Down at the Dockside they're packing them in,
not room for one more car
If you get caught up in a traffic jam
well you know what confusion will bring
But if you stroll down by Trinity Church
you can still hear those choir boys sing

REFRAIN

credits

released March 18, 2024
Words & Music- Bruce Allen Oatway
Lead & Rythem guitars - Willian Duke Oatway
All other instruments - Bruce
Recorded, Mixed & Mastered @ Kula Mountain Studio
Maui, Hawaii
Malibu Music Publishing
Cover Photo: Tim Ternan
Cover Design: BAO

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Bruce Allen Oatway Hawaii

Bruce is a poet/composer. He is a multi-instrumentalist and producer and has composed for film and video.
Born in Newport , R. I. he worked over a decade for the Newport Jazz & Folk Festivals.
"Transformagical" was released in 2016 and is a mix of soothing instrumentals and moving rock with a bit of jawaiian swing.
His album "Just One Day" and singles "Twiight Dancer"& "Ocean Deep"
. ... more

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