From the recording Life Stories
The Cafe Near The Edge of Town
James lives in an area of NC that was in the epicenter of impact from hurricane Helene in 2024.
This song is a story that takes place in a small NC town where homes, businesses, and most important, people’s lives were devastated from floods and winds never seen before in the area. The amazing part of the story is the way people came together to support and love one another when much of their local world was devastated. The Cafe Near The Edge of Town represents the place(s) where people came together. “Please join us when you can.”
Musicians: James Hammel (vocals and guitars), Taylor Pierson (piano), Zack Page (bass), Finn MaGill (violin)
Lyrics
The Cafe Near the Edge of Town
James Hammel
Verse 1
When the storm rolled in
Darkness filled our world
The wind, the rain, the toll, the pain
Now the people come together
Sharing small talk when they meet
Praising heroes who served their town
Chorus 1
Then they gather round among the friends they’ve found
At the Cafe Near the Edge of Town.
The Café serves a simple fare
The line grows out the door
They talk the glory days
Share their storied ways
They hang on. Stay strong.
Their stories turn to song
At the Cafe Near the Edge of Town
Please Join us when you can
Verse 2
The children play together
On the swings by the playground
While their parents work for tips and food
Sharing stories that lift their moods
The people share their history
Of the wonders of their town
Chorus 2
Then they join their hands,
Together till the end
At the Cafe Near The Edge of Town
They laugh and they love.
Praise heaven above.
Nurture each other
Pray together
They Hang on. Stay strong.
The stories turn to song
At the Cafe Near the Edge of Town
Please Join us when you can
Bridge
Time rolls on
The people carry on
The Town rolls along
And they all sing their special songs
Verse 3
There’s an old stone church down on Maple Street
The People worship there
They pray for better days
Sing their hymns away
Hoping God will light the way
They nurture one another, console each another
While the church bell rings a way
Chorus 3
They know the place to contemplate their fate
Is the Cafe Near The Edge of Town.
They meet and they greet
They’re the regulars
They toast their glasses
To the good old days
They hang on, stay strong
Their stories turn to song
They celebrate life
They sing through the night
And they all seem to know
That the place to go is
The Cafe Near the Edge of Town.
The Cafe Near the Edge of Town
Please Join us when you can