Roots Music Report

Credits:

Lyrics

Chimney Letters (4:12) ISRC Code - TCAHJ2371353 Release Date - August 25, 2023 Songwriter, Publishing & PRO
Words and Music by Marty Falle/ Appalachia Rust Records Nashville/ ASCAP
 

“Chimney Letters” draws from an old Appalachian custom where children tossed their Christmas wishes into the fireplace, believing the rising smoke carried their messages to Santa Claus. Rooted in Scots-Irish storytelling and the hard realities of Eastern Kentucky farm life, the song reflects a tradition born in cabins where paper was scarce, hope was sacred, and the chimney served as both a hearth and a highway to heaven.

Set against the backdrop of a struggling tobacco farm, the story echoes generations of Appalachian families who endured loss yet held tight to faith, imagination, and the belief that Christmas could bring miracles. With the high-lonesome harmony of Dale Ann Bradley and a cast of world-class Bluegrass musicians, “Chimney Letters” honors the region’s musical heritage—raw, tender, and deeply human. At its heart, the song is a reminder of what Christmas truly means in the mountains: hope for healing, love for family, and the courage to believe in something greater than our circumstances.” – Marty Falle August 2023

“Chimney Letters” (feat. Dale Ann Bradley) (words and music by Marty Falle)

When I was a child on our Tobacco farm

I’d sit with my Mama and rest in her lovin’ arms

And I’d start thinkin’ about a Christmas Day. Oh Lord

So I grabbed me a pencil, started scribblin’ away…

I said Dear Santa… We are so poor

And Mama can’t take much More…No No

But if you can and if you don’t mind Dear Claus

Bring my Daddy back home for one Christmas night

Chimney Letters… Burn them away…

My Daddy left town the year I was born

Left us a tractor and an old beat up barn

And I keep a thinkin what I’d done wrong…so wrong

Every boy needs a Dad. Why you gone so long?…

Chimney Letters

Burn them away…

The fairies in the chimney will take it away

To the North Pole where Santa waits

Chimney Letters… Burn them away…

Dear Santa gonna fold my letter tight

Toss it in the fire with all of my might

Watch it go up in smoke into the cold starry night

And if you can…..and you don’t mind… Bring my dad home for one Xmas night

Chimney Letters… Burn them away…

The Players:

Marty Falle – Songwriter, Lead and BG Vocals, Guitar
Jonathan Yudkin– Producer, Fiddle, Mandolin
Michael Bub - Acoustic Bass
Rob Ickes - Dobro
Matt Menefee – Banjo
Carl Miner - Guitar
Dale Ann Bradley - vocals
Kim Parent and Marcia Ramirez – Background Vocals