A shout out to the "Come-Here's"

And when I say “come-here” I’m not giving you the cyber equivalent of a “come hither” look. I’m talking about the non-natives in our little coastal hometown, referred to by the natives as “come-here’s.”

When I joined Facebook not long ago, I was surprised that a major topic of conversation among the members of our High School graduating class was how the “come-here’s” felt looked down upon by the "natives."

As a "native," hearing that made me sad. I certainly never intended for anyone to feel that way. If anything, I was a little intimidated by the non-natives who had come to us from bigger schools and had far-away (perhaps more sophisticated) extended families. My family went "across the river" to the city about twice a year. You could say we didn't get out much. The new kids at school were fascinating, and I was always a little afraid that they'd look down upon me and my simple life.

Our small town was (and is) a little, coastal backwater, but it's a beautiful place. To its inhabitants (new AND native) it's very special. In many ways, it's unspoiled and beautiful, and it's the home of some wonderful folks. As they say about Lake Wobegone, "all the women are strong, all the men are good looking, and all the children are above average."

I hold my head up and claim my native status, and when I do, remember friends, I'm not saying I'm better than you, I just love my home. Maybe it isn't really all that special, but it's special to me, and I'm glad y'all came along to share!

If you're not familiar with Kung Fu Panda, forgive me (we watch A LOT of animated movies at our house these days):

Mr. Ping: The secret ingredient is... nothing!
Po: Huh?
Mr. Ping: You heard me. Nothing! There is no secret ingredient.
Po: Wait, wait... it's just plain old noodle soup? You don't add some kind of special sauce or something?
Mr. Ping: Don't have to. To make something special you just have to believe it's special.
Po: There is no secret ingredient...

So, for the "come-here's" here's a little ditty (one of my favorites!) that says it all -- Dear "Come-Here's," You're not from Texas, but Texas wants you anyway!

That's Right (You're Not from Texas)
(watch Lyle perform it!)

You say you're not from Texas
Man as if I couldn't tell
You think you pull your boots on right
And wear your hat so well
So pardon me my laughter
'Cause I sure do understand
Even Moses got excited}
When he saw the promised land

That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
But Texas wants you anyway
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
But Texas wants you anyway

See I was born and raised in Texas
And it means so much to me
Though my girl comes from down in Georgia
We were up in Tennessee
And as we were driving down the highway
She asked me baby what's so great
How come you're always going on
About your Lone Star State

I said that's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
But Texas wants you anyway
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
But Texas wants you anyway

Oh the road it looked so lovely
As she stood there on the side
And she grew smaller in my mirror
As I watched her wave goodbye

Those boys from Carolina
They sure enough could sing
But when they came on down to Texas
We all showed them how to swing
Now David's on the radio
And old Champ's still on the guitar
And Uncle Walt he's home with Heidi
Hiding in her loving arms

That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
But Texas wants you anyway
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
But Texas wants you anyway

They're OK in Oklahoma
Up in Arkansas they're fair
But those old folks in Missouri
They don't even know you're there
But at a dance hall down in Texas
That's the finest place to be
The women they all look beautiful
And the men will buy your beer for free

And they'll say that's right
you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
But Texas wants you anyway
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
But Texas wants you anyway

So won't you let me help you Mister
Just pull your hat down the way I do
And buy your pants just a little longer
And next time somebody laughs at you

You just tell 'em you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
But Texas wants you anyway
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
But Texas wants you anyway

Title: That's Right (You're Not from Texas)
(watch Lyle perform it!)
Artist: Lyle Lovett
Album: The Road to Ensenada
Year: 1996
Genre: Western Swing