The Song

Ian can't believe that he met his and his brother's idol in a coffee shop.

The Song

         “It’s just a song kid, just a song.”

         “What? How can you say that? It's awesome!”

         Ian was sitting in his favorite coffee shop when Willie walked in. He didn’t want to be a spectacle, so he sat quietly as Willie ordered his drink. Not seeing an empty table, and seeing Ian sitting alone, he asked politely, “May I join you? There are no empty tables available.”

         Ian about spit his coffee out trying to reply, “Yes, of course! I’d be honored Willie.”

         Willie had his long gray hair tucked into a Volunteer Fire Dept ball cap, with his signature Red Bandana around his neck. His beard and mustache were trimmed closely. With the ball cap and Red Bandana around his neck, it made him hard to recognize. As a fan though, Ian had no problem recognizing him instantly.

         After looking around one last time, Willie grabbed a seat across from Ian. “I guess I’m not so incognito right now.”

         Ian replied, “A lot of the regulars here are college age, you might go unrecognized. Maybe. I won’t say a word to anyone.”

         Ian sat there hardly believing his luck. Here he was in his favorite coffee shop, sitting with a country music legend. He found himself staring at Willie, unable to believe what was happening. Willie noticed his stare and playfully asked, “Did I spill coffee on my shirt?”

         “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to stare, I just can’t believe this is happening is all.”

         “It’s okay kid, I think I’d be more worried if I wasn’t recognized by someone.”

         “I’m sorry Mr. Willie …”

         “Please, just Willie will do. So what shall we talk about?”

         “Again, I’m sorry Willie, I’m Ian by the way. How about your awesome song, ‘Home In The Mountains & Plains’?”

         “It’s just a song Kid, just a song.”

         “No way! That song speaks to me! I mean it grips me and won’t let go.”

         “Well, I’m glad you like it, but really, it’s just a song.”

         “How can you say that?”

         “When you’ve written and sang as many songs as I have …”

         “Well, I guess so, but man, that song just resonates with me!”

         “Well, are you coming to the concert tomorrow night?”

         “I’d love to, but I gave my ticket to a Veteran who idolizes you. He’s the person who introduced me to your music.”

         “Well, come to the concert tomorrow. Show this to any usher, they’ll take care of you.” Willie handed Ian a small card with a scribbled inscription on back that Ian could barely read. He hoped an Usher could. “Oh, and bring your Veteran friend too.”

         Willie left a short time later, leaving Ian to sit there. Ian sat there long after Willie left, marveling at meeting his idol and legend, still unable to believe what had just happened.

         When he got home, Ian told his brother Ray, “Hey, you won’t believe what happened today, I’ll tell you details later. But I’m going to the Concert with you tomorrow!”

         Ray remained skeptical until Ian, with some hesitation, presented the small card bearing a signature as evidence. Ray looked at it. All he could say was, "Wow! Wow man, I mean like super Wow!”

         Sleep that night didn’t come easily for Ian. He woke many times, his mind racing. His sleep was filled with dreams of the concert, music so loud he couldn’t concentrate on anything else. Nor did he want to. He finally slept but tossed and turned throughout the night.

         At the concert the next night, he presented the card to the Usher and was surprised that they entered so easily. But, once inside the gate, another employee approached them and said, “Please come with me.”

         Neither one of them knew their destination, the ticket Ian had given Ray was in the back, in what Ian referred to as the ‘Nosebleed’ section. Instead, they were led to Balcony seats just to the left of the stage. Ian knew he could almost reach out and touch someone performing on the stage.

         Willie walked on stage to start the concert. Ian and Ray were lost in the moment as Willie sang song after song. Introducing the final song, Willie said, “Yesterday I had a coffee in a local coffee shop. There were no tables available, I ended up sitting with a fan who recognized me but told no one. We talked about various subjects and he shared his favorite song. I told him it was just a song. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Ian, this song’s for you. When someone loves it like you do, it’s not just a song. It’s Your song Ian.”

         Ian and Ray sat there stunned, enjoying themselves far more than either thought possible. The lyrics to ‘Home In The Mountains & Plains’, their favorite song were whispered by each. It meant a lot to Ray, he had listened to it constantly while deployed. Ian loved it for a couple of reasons, one being it was his brother’s favorite song.


         After the concert, an employee led them backstage, where Willie greeted them. The rest of the night was spent relaxing with the man both of them idolized.

Jim Dorrell
10/25/25