#TheClassics: Robert Earl Keen ‘Paint the Town Beige’

Everyone needs a certain appreciation for the classics – those songs that inspired the Texas and Nashville tunes we hear today. There was a certain honesty in songwriting back in the day that deserves to be recognized and remembered.

Music by Robert Earl Keen seems to be hit or miss for many folks, but he makes up for it in his storytelling capabilities and wonderful stage presence. His 1993 record, A Bigger Piece of Sky, showcases his versatility with his songs spanning across americana, country, bluegrass and folk.

The name of the record was taken from the opening verse in this crowd favorite, Paint the Town Beige:

I gave up the fast lane for a blacktop country road
Just burned out on all that talk about the motherload,
I traded for a songbird and a bigger piece of sky
When I miss the good old days I can't imagine why.

Many artists have covered this song, including Walt Wilkins, because of the simple yet strong lyricism. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!