Away From the Mire by the Artist Billy Strings
Overview
Away From the Mire is a signature track by American bluegrass guitarist and singer Billy Strings; the song was released as the second single from his second solo studio album HOME. The album was released on September 27, 2019 through Rounder Records and was recorded at Sound Emporium in Nashville, Tennessee in January 2019.
The studio version is track 4 on HOME and runs 7:44 in length; it was written by William Apostol and Jon Weisberger. The song is credited as psychedelia, bluegrass and was co-produced by Glenn Brown and Billy Strings himself.
Meaning and Musical Style
Billy Strings has said the song focuses on what he described as personal stuff between me and a family member; this makes it one of the most introspective and emotionally direct songs on the album, compared to other tracks like Taking Water which focuses on social themes.
Musically, the track is described as an introspective, multi-part composition that flows from slow guitar and mandolin through faster-paced picking and thick bluegrass instrumentation topped with violin and guitar solos. It is known for its dynamic build; starting forlorn and reflective, then moving into high energy improvisation, which has made it a live showcase piece.
Album Context and Success
HOME was Strings' breakout record; it charted on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums chart for 77 weeks, peaking at number one. The album later earned Billy Strings his first Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards in March 2021.
Other key details include:
- Album Title Meaning: Titled HOME because Strings was starting to feel at home in Nashville and in the music industry at the time
- Band Personnel: Billy Strings on guitar and vocals, Billy Failing on banjo, Jarrod Walker on mandolin, and Royal Masat on bass
- Additional Musicians: John Mailander on violin and Glenn Brown on vibraphone on this track, plus contributions from Molly Tuttle and Jerry Douglas elsewhere on the album
- Live Versions: A popular live version Away From The Mire (Live at Moody Center, Austin, TX, 6/2/2023) runs 13:08 and was released on Live Vol. 1 in 2024
The song was premiered exclusively via The Boot before the album release and quickly became a fan favorite for its emotional lyrics and extended jam sections; it remains a centerpiece of Billy Strings' live shows and his Austin City Limits performance.
Show Schedule
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