Twelve Days

written by: Gene Mills

genre: folk

Based on a true story about a woman during the recent recession who was facing eviction in twelve days. She imagines living in doorways and ponders how she’ll eat.

Dying Fire

written by: Gene Mills

genre: instrumental

Gene wrote this while watching the fire in the woodstove slowly dying, knowing his woodpile was gone.

Thriving

written by: Gene Mills

genre: americana/country

Brokenhearted man humorously thinks that drowning his sorrows is healthy because alcohol is made from vegetables.

Talking to a Stone

written by: Gene Mills

genre: folk

A man confronts the gravestones of his loved ones and realizes he’s neglected them.

River, Railway, Road

written by: Gene Mills

genre: americana/country

Someone is pining for his lost love and hoping she’ll return by any means—by the river, the railway or the road.

Waiting for Rain

written by: Gene Mills

genre: folk/acoustic

Talks about a farmer facing hard times during a drought; was inspired by a drought that hit central Virginia in the 1970s.

Anna Mae

written by: Gene Mills

genre: country

Tells the story of a coal miner's wife frustrated and powerless to protect her husband.

Country Boy

written by: Gene Mills

genre: country

"Country Boy" tells of a man who becomes enamored with country music and all the steps he takes to become a country boy born and bred.

Last Lullaby

written by: Gene Mills

genre: folk/acoustic

Last Lullaby describes the last moments shared with someone well loved before they pass away. It is unclear whether the one dying is a child, an adult, or a beloved pet.

Visit the Gene Mills Website

Gene Mills is a songwriter, guitarist, and singer based in Richmond, Virginia. He plays acoustic Americana—folk tinged with bluegrass and country. After making a living as a solo and ensemble musician in and around Charlottesville, Virginia from the late 1970s to the mid 1980s, he scaled back performing to study philosophy, which he now teaches at Virginia Commonwealth University.

In 2004, he started performing regularly again, together with his wife, Gayla, on bass. He and Gayla released "If Stones Could Talk" (2011), which reached number five on the Roots Music Folk Chart. Reviewers describe this country, bluegrass, and folk material: “superb musicianship” “fables of experience, tragedy, love and endeavor” “the best organic music,” “killer stuff.”

His first album "Waiting for Rain" (2008) has been described as “a charismatic acoustic collection of beautiful, rural story songs…a compelling and seasoned effort” (Maverick Magazine).

“Stories revealed from modern times to past, along with his stellar guitar work, show why Gene continues to be one of my favorite writers and musicians” (Steve Smith).

So peaceful. Thank you for this beautiful dying fire.

review written by: Tracy Newman Clever, real, heartfelt; excellent arrangement with a wonderfully smooth delivery.

review written by: Drake Norfolk Va Home run! Great slugging with that asnewr!

review written by: Kert This is a fine song lyrically, musically, and is well produced to boot. It's nice to listen to a song with such intelligent lyrics.

review written by: Lenny Solomon What a great song- interesting melody, clever lyrics, and good societal commentary. And the recording is tastefully produced with a great supporting instrumental cast to complement Gene's guitar and vocals.

review written by: Bill Awesome song.

review written by: me