Backstory:
Useful Van is a quirky folk-rock band that came together in the bustling heart of Athens, Georgia in 2011. The band is made up of four members, each with unique backgrounds but united by their shared love for music. Lead vocalist and songwriter, Eli Jackson, met drummer, Tom Winters, at an open mic night at a local coffee shop. The duo clicked instantly and later recruited bassist, Penny Lee, a classically trained musician with a love for the strange and unusual. The final piece of the puzzle was banjo player, Jack O’Reilly, who was a childhood friend of Eli’s. Despite their varied backgrounds, Useful Van found a common language in music, blending their eclectic tastes to create a sound that is entirely their own.
The band’s name, Useful Van, was inspired by Eli’s old, beaten-up van that served as their tour vehicle in their early days. The van, despite its rusted exterior and tendency to break down, was a symbol of their journey, embodying their struggles, perseverance, and the joy of chasing their dreams together.
Genre:
Folk-Rock
Song Title:
“Back Roads and Broken Strings”
Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:
(Verse 1: C, G, Am, F)
Walking down the back roads, with a guitar on my back
Living life in the fast lane, in a rusty, old van
Penny has her bass and Tom’s got his drum
Jack’s on the banjo, we’re gonna have some fun
(Chorus: Em, G, C, D)
Back roads and broken strings, life on the road ain’t always what it seems
But as long as we’re together, we’ll weather any storm
In our Useful Van, we find a place that’s warm
(Verse 2: C, G, Am, F)
Late nights and neon lights, music is our guide
The stories we could tell, if this old van could confide
From Georgia to Montana, each town has its own song
With every mile we travel, we know where we belong
(Chorus: Em, G, C, D)
Back roads and broken strings, life on the road ain’t always what it seems
But as long as we’re together, we’ll weather any storm
In our Useful Van, we find a place that’s warm
(Bridge: Am, F, C, G)
Rough roads might break us down, but our spirit won’t be tamed
In our Useful Van, we’re unchained
Through laughter and through tears, we’ll always find our way
In our Useful Van, we’re here to stay
(Chorus: Em, G, C, D)
Back roads and broken strings, life on the road ain’t always what it seems
But as long as we’re together, we’ll weather any storm
In our Useful Van, we find a place that’s warm
Fan Testimonial:
“My name’s Jimmy, and Useful Van is my absolute favorite band. Their music speaks to me in a way nothing else does. It’s raw, it’s honest, it’s everything I love about folk-rock. They aren’t just musicians, they’re storytellers, spinning tales about life on the road, friendship, and chasing dreams. Their song, “Back Roads and Broken Strings” is my anthem. It’s about finding warmth and unity in the most unlikely places. Their music makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger, something magical. Useful Van isn’t just a band, it’s a way of life.”