We didn’t call it camping… that’s what city folks say… when they do it once in a while.
We called it…
the weekend.
…and sometimes in the summer— it was just life.
…
Growing up in Georgia…
I didn’t have to go anywhere—
to find it.
I lived on the edge of thick… deep woods… the kind full of things that could hurt you.
We weren’t scared…
didn’t matter—
we were in there anyway.
Kids… by ourselves… no parents… just dirt… trees… and whatever moved in the shadows.
…
Then there were the weekends…
My friend Chris— his folks had land on Lake Oconee.
Man… we lived out there.
Tents… or just sleeping by the fire…
Fishing… boating… skiing… swimming…
Great times.
…
And when I wasn’t there…
I was with my dad… and my uncle… heading up into the north Georgia mountains… along the Tallulah River.
We’d drive about 15 miles down a narrow gravel road… till we hit the river crossing.
Then we’d drive straight through it.
Clear water… ice cold… even in summer…
on the other side— was nothing.
No people.
Just us… and whatever else was out there.
Bears… Bigfoots… timber rattlesnakes…
just the locals.
…
We’d set camp right on the water…
Fish all day.
Rainbow… brown… beautiful native brook trout…
Trout for breakfast— fish… grits… eggs…
Lunch— fish sandwich… chips…
Supper— we went all out…
Grilled or fried fish… vegetable kabobs… baked potatoes in the fire… salad…
We ate like kings out there.
…
I’ve caught so many fish in that river… I couldn’t even guess the number.
Been going since I was about 7…
I’m 52 now.
Haven’t been in a few years…
Life gets busy…
…but that place is down in me.
…
Some summers…
the riverbanks would glow red—
tiny garnets everywhere.
We’d sift through them… looking for the bigger ones…
We’d also look for gold… found some too.
I remember once… I had a handful of decent-size wild garnets and gold… glistening in my palm
but that place for me— is more valuable than anything I can hold.
…
Then came Florida…
Lived there for 12 years.
Different world— same soul.
Many freshwater fishing trips inland… spent much time at many of the different springs…
…but also the coast…
I lived on Anna Maria Island…
Had a sea kayak.
Weekends… I’d load up my truck… drive to Bishop Harbor…
Drop in…
Paddle 45 minutes out to these tiny… remote islands.
Set up camp.
…
Mornings— I’d paddle and fish…
Afternoons— back to camp… eat… rest… chillax…
Evenings— back out till dark…
Then nights…
just me…
the fire… the water… the sounds… the wildlife…
Alone…
but not really.
…
Down there…
we call it…
Salt Life.
Had the sticker on my truck and everything.
…
So yeah man…
I’ve been what yall call camping a few times 😁
…
All jokes aside…
I’m about that life.
It’s in me…
just like music.
…
…
been singing this in my head and on guitar all day…
Me and my buddy Jonathan… fishing in Florida
Jon and I were fishing when 3 huge wild boars walked behind us
My friend Jimmy holdin’ my fish… this is my pb 9.3 lbs… caught at Lake Istokpoga FL… Feb 2o14Supper one evening on the remote island
…
Romans 1:20
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
Matthew West’s one of those artists where it just feels real. A lot of his songs are pulled from real-life stories—people writing in, sharing what they’ve been through—and he turns that into something honest. He’s been through it himself too… even lost his voice for a season and had to fight his way back. He’s also written for artists like Casting Crowns, Rascal Flatts, and Mandisa—which says a lot about how strong his writing really is. You can hear it in his own music—nothing forced, nothing fake… just faith, struggle, and redemption showing up in the songs.
First up— 🎵 History History (2o05)
Next— 🎵 Get Away History (2o05)
Also I’ve included a cool bonus video where Matthew surprises a fan from Twitter with a phone call… a song… and a prayer.
Hope yall enjoy… 🙌🙏t`’
Matthew 11:28 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
I’m fine in the fire… beside me— a fourth man… So go ahead— turn it up.
“Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt. and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” — Book of Daniel 3:25 (KJV)
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield… the Lord bestows favor and honor… no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly…” — Psalm 84:11 ✝️