AN AMBITIOUS ENDEAVOR
AN AMBITIOUS ENDEAVOR
Embedded Files
After completing his first album "Midnight Mountain Hour" in 1978, Aaron Johnson set out to record his follow-up, a "double LP " or "double cassette" album, an ambitious feat for a new solo artist in 1978 with no connections to record labels. Aaron relocated to Colorado Springs to work with rising local engineering star Tom Gregor at Startsong Studios to make the expansive project a reality, bringing Stiffwater lead vocalist and guitarist David McKinnis along with him. Drummer Scott Blumenreich and bassist Jeff Waynik were recruited and the effort was underway. A year of composing, rehearsing and recording followed, combined with an unplanned promotional effort of live appearances. Local radio station KILO 94 featured the emerging tracks on their late night radio show focusing on local talent, and San Juan Stories was an immediate hit with the large listening audience. What followed was a whirlwind local tour and a brush with various record companies that nearly derailed the album's completion. Produced at the height of the disco era, San Juan Stories was an outlier, but in the long run would prove timeless and immune to the dating that inevitably would happen with disco.
In 2029 San Juan Stories will be 50 years old. Thanks to the brilliant engineering of Tom Gregor, San Juan Stories sounds fantastic when compared to today's recording production. Equally important is the remastering knowledge applied by Aaron's longtime associate Blair Ashby, which keeps the San Juan Stories sound relevant in the digital age, where sound quality has become secondary to image and convenience. The songs stand the test of time, notably Aaron's self-proclaimed best piece "Silver Lake." For the official digital release of the album, Aaron has fashioned a rendition of "San Juan Fanfare" with a brass ensemble, as it was originally intended in 1979 but could not be executed in such manner at that time.
San Juan Stories was produced in an era when people sat down together and listened to music. It was a social ritual that has sadly fallen by the wayside in today's hurried society. Unlike the ghost town of Sneffels (Aaron poses in the old saloon in the photo), San Juan Stories endures and still enthralls and overwhelms with its beauty and grandeur.
The AJP Project has been launched in a campaign to educate on the issues of AI and its impact on music, and encourage folks to listen to music and support local live music talent. Be sure to view the short video message from Aaron below on this project and the release of San Juan Stories in the digital age.
LISTEN TO SAN JUAN STORIES
LISTEN TO SAN JUAN STORIES
CREDITS
CREDITS
COMPOSED, ARRANGED & PRODUCED BY AARON JOHNSON with exception of "Twentieth Century Mountain Man," composed by Aaron Johnson & David McKinnis. Copyright 1979 AJP.
Executive Production: Tom LaBoria, David Gauthier
Associate Producer: David McKinnis
Recorded at STARTSONG STUDIOS, Colorado Springs, Engineered by Tom Gregor
1999 20th Anniversary Restoration Effort and CD transfer: Blair Ashby, Aunyx Productions
2014 35th Anniversary Edition produced by Aaron Johnson for AJP.
2025 digital release coordination, AJP Project Management: Ellen-Ritt Johnson
Executive Production: Tom LaBoria, David Gauthier
Associate Producer: David McKinnis
Recorded at STARTSONG STUDIOS, Colorado Springs, Engineered by Tom Gregor
1999 20th Anniversary Restoration Effort and CD transfer: Blair Ashby, Aunyx Productions
2014 35th Anniversary Edition produced by Aaron Johnson for AJP.
2025 digital release coordination, AJP Project Management: Ellen-Ritt Johnson
SONGS
SONGS
SAN JUAN STORIES
TWENTIETH CENTURY MOUNTAIN MAN
ALL THE LITTLE CHILDREN
ARDIA'S GANG
MINERAL POINT
ANIMAS FORKS
FANTASY
SAN MIGUEL
OPHIR PASS (INSTRUMENTAL)
SILVER LAKE
SAN JUAN FANFARE (INSTRUMENTAL)
AVALANCHE (INSTRUMENTAL)
OURAY (INSTRUMENTAL)
WHAT YOU'VE BEEN UP TO
THE DURANGO-SILVERTON LINE
I KNOW A PLACE (INCLUDING THE SAN JUAN STORIES OVERTURE)
SAN JUAN RAT PATROL
BONUS TRACK: SAN JUAN FANFARE WITH BRASS ENSEMBLE (2025)
MUSICIANS
MUSICIANS
AARON JOHNSON
AARON JOHNSON
ACOUSTIC AND ELECTRIC GUITARSBANJOSYNTHESIZERSLEAD AND BACKING VOCALSORCHESTRAL ARRANGEMENTS
JEFF WAYNIK
JEFF WAYNIK
BASS GUITAR
DAVID McKINNIS
DAVID McKINNIS
LEAD AND BACKING VOCALSACOUSTIC & ELECTRIC GUITARS
SCOTT BLUMENREICH
SCOTT BLUMENREICH
DRUMS & PERCUSSION
MIKE KLOEPFER
MIKE KLOEPFER
BASS GUITAR ON "SILVER LAKE"
JIM BENNETT
JIM BENNETT
DRUMS ON "SILVER LAKE"
TOM GREGOR
played flute and various percussion on "Animas Forks" and "San Miguel" and tympani parts on "Silver Lake"TOM GREGOR
BRIAN SYPES
played synthesizer on "Ophir Pass"LYRICS
LYRICS
SAN JUAN STORIES
Let me tell you San Juan storiesOf loves and lusts and private wars,Of legends lost and lovely ladies,Of men and mountains and sung folklore,And so much more.
Step into a world my friend, into another time,Where time is none and we’re so far away.Stand beside a river clear, behold a haunting land,Where stories haunt the minds of men each day.
Here in dark cathedral gates, in heaven or in hell,Many stories haunt the minds of men,Of guns and ghosts and nameless hosts,And women of the night,Of bravery that laughs and faces death.
Let me tell you San Juan storiesOf loves and lusts and private wars,Of legends lost and lovely ladies,Of men and mountains and sung folklore,And so much more.
Step into a world my friend, into another time,Where time is none and we’re so far away.Stand beside a river clear, behold a haunting land,Where stories haunt the minds of men each day.
Here in dark cathedral gates, in heaven or in hell,Many stories haunt the minds of men,Of guns and ghosts and nameless hosts,And women of the night,Of bravery that laughs and faces death.
TWENTIETH CENTURY MOUNTAIN MAN
There's a man of the mountains that people seldom see, fewer still know his name.A man with no direction, from windswept white domains, a wilderness still untamed.Sitting in the bar room, t-bone steak to warm the night, the loner stares out at the snow.Another beer as night falls, one more look at the waitress before he moves on down the road.
Many say he has died a thousand deaths never tried, hard to believeThat a man so timeless could live so effortless in this century.
A legendary hero, a nightmare villain foe, it is said that he has killed.A double-barreled shotgun as an instrument of death, to right the wrongs or as he wills.
Twentieth century mountain man could it be that you're lonely?Do you really belong back in time's rusty song where you'll be free?
What destiny awaits this man? Will he disappear or die a lonely death in the snow?Will he be destroyed or live forever in our minds?Where does a man like him go?
There's a man of the mountains that people seldom see, fewer still know his name.A man with no direction, from windswept white domains, a wilderness still untamed.Sitting in the bar room, t-bone steak to warm the night, the loner stares out at the snow.Another beer as night falls, one more look at the waitress before he moves on down the road.
Many say he has died a thousand deaths never tried, hard to believeThat a man so timeless could live so effortless in this century.
A legendary hero, a nightmare villain foe, it is said that he has killed.A double-barreled shotgun as an instrument of death, to right the wrongs or as he wills.
Twentieth century mountain man could it be that you're lonely?Do you really belong back in time's rusty song where you'll be free?
What destiny awaits this man? Will he disappear or die a lonely death in the snow?Will he be destroyed or live forever in our minds?Where does a man like him go?
ALL THE LITTLE CHILDREN
I stand and watch the teacher talk, it seems to me she could use some wordsAll the little children are much at ease, my presence makes her nervous. In the valley there's a man, who can teach a child the world.He can mend a broken heart and help the young lady smile.
The old man can cast a spell of charm, the child's eyes are all aglow.Sweetly smiling and telling stories, the lady rests and hangs her head low.Be thankful for mountains and women, be thankful for old men and songs.All too soon taken for granted and all the little children are gone.
All the little children still blind to pain don't know that the old man has died.They don't know his value to them or the way the teacher has tried.Be thankful for mountains and women, be thankful for old men and songs.All too soon taken for granted and old mountain men are gone.
I stand and watch the teacher talk, it seems to me she could use some words.All the little children are much at ease and all eyes are upon her.She explains to the children, be thankful for old men and songs.With tears of hope upon her cheeks, I slip out the door to be moving on.
I stand and watch the teacher talk, it seems to me she could use some wordsAll the little children are much at ease, my presence makes her nervous. In the valley there's a man, who can teach a child the world.He can mend a broken heart and help the young lady smile.
The old man can cast a spell of charm, the child's eyes are all aglow.Sweetly smiling and telling stories, the lady rests and hangs her head low.Be thankful for mountains and women, be thankful for old men and songs.All too soon taken for granted and all the little children are gone.
All the little children still blind to pain don't know that the old man has died.They don't know his value to them or the way the teacher has tried.Be thankful for mountains and women, be thankful for old men and songs.All too soon taken for granted and old mountain men are gone.
I stand and watch the teacher talk, it seems to me she could use some words.All the little children are much at ease and all eyes are upon her.She explains to the children, be thankful for old men and songs.With tears of hope upon her cheeks, I slip out the door to be moving on.
ARDIA'S GANG
A drinkin' on a chilly night we're rousing round in town tonightAnd we have learned the fuzz just went on strike.What do we do the people cry as things get worse as the days go byIt's a shame no one will stand and fight for rights!
So we're the law and don't you fall, you're out of line,Yeah, you're doin' real fine I doubt you'll hang.We're cleanin' up this town today, need no pay,Yeah, just do as we say we're Ardia's gang.
And who are you to come roarin' through on fancy choppers like you do?You know that's called disturbin' the peace!But you don't care as you destroy our humble town where we're employed,To the can you go, I'll throw away the key.
Cause we're the law and you will fall, you're out of line,Yeah, you're doin' real fine I think you'll hang.We're cleanin' up this town tonight, don't you fight,Yeah, we'll punch out your lights, we're Ardia's gang.
Big city man of law and rights has saved you from the noose tonight,Excuse us now, but we'll be movin' on.We'll pluck some punks from a mountainside and keep the drunks from the tourist sightsAnd hire a man who'll do the job right.
'Cause he's the law and don't you fall, stay in line line,Yeah, you're doin' real fine I doubt you'll hang.We're cleanin' up this town today, need no pay,Yeah, just do as we say we're Ardia's gang.
A drinkin' on a chilly night we're rousing round in town tonightAnd we have learned the fuzz just went on strike.What do we do the people cry as things get worse as the days go byIt's a shame no one will stand and fight for rights!
So we're the law and don't you fall, you're out of line,Yeah, you're doin' real fine I doubt you'll hang.We're cleanin' up this town today, need no pay,Yeah, just do as we say we're Ardia's gang.
And who are you to come roarin' through on fancy choppers like you do?You know that's called disturbin' the peace!But you don't care as you destroy our humble town where we're employed,To the can you go, I'll throw away the key.
Cause we're the law and you will fall, you're out of line,Yeah, you're doin' real fine I think you'll hang.We're cleanin' up this town tonight, don't you fight,Yeah, we'll punch out your lights, we're Ardia's gang.
Big city man of law and rights has saved you from the noose tonight,Excuse us now, but we'll be movin' on.We'll pluck some punks from a mountainside and keep the drunks from the tourist sightsAnd hire a man who'll do the job right.
'Cause he's the law and don't you fall, stay in line line,Yeah, you're doin' real fine I doubt you'll hang.We're cleanin' up this town today, need no pay,Yeah, just do as we say we're Ardia's gang.
MINERAL POINT
On a road to the sky you could feel you were at heaven's door,Where men dreamed of gold paving trails in the snow and in lore.Dreams high on the wind, sweetened by the land of the sun.Many made their claim to nothing and then they were gone.
Relentless winters biting with the wind that mournfully cries.Shaking creaky timbers, weathered, refusing to die.What's left of the empire that never came to be?Buried with the bones of the men and machine deep beneath.
At Mineral Point, the mountains are still singing,At Mineral Point the saga of life.At Mineral Point the old mines are still standing,One more golden autumn, one more chance to die.
Spingtime is kind, the summer blesses the Point with mild rains.Forces of life whittle at fading pasts and remains.Too soon the fall will arrive, right behind with stabbing knife,The winter will crack at the sound of the deadwood plight.
On a road to the sky you could feel you were at heaven's door,Where men dreamed of gold paving trails in the snow and in lore.Dreams high on the wind, sweetened by the land of the sun.Many made their claim to nothing and then they were gone.
Relentless winters biting with the wind that mournfully cries.Shaking creaky timbers, weathered, refusing to die.What's left of the empire that never came to be?Buried with the bones of the men and machine deep beneath.
At Mineral Point, the mountains are still singing,At Mineral Point the saga of life.At Mineral Point the old mines are still standing,One more golden autumn, one more chance to die.
Spingtime is kind, the summer blesses the Point with mild rains.Forces of life whittle at fading pasts and remains.Too soon the fall will arrive, right behind with stabbing knife,The winter will crack at the sound of the deadwood plight.
ANIMAS FORKS
Go now my friend up the canyon and stand where time holds on,Clinging to one last ounce of glory in fading timbers' dawn.Once alive with the cries of silver, this old town held its high reign.Now all is still with an ominous silence, only shells of dreams remain.
Can you hear them as they join with you now?Feel them as they become part of you now.Close your eyes and see them around you now.Can you hear the sounds? Can you hear the sounds in the rain?
Here comes the train up from Durango on steel rails you cannot see.Hear the whistle echo around you as they scurry down the street.Supplies are docked near the old smelter, the mines have had a good day.Rejoice through the night with Wild Times liquor, come mornin' you'll be on your way.
Winter's hand touches the woodwork and the frost laces the frames.Weak as the spirits of your dreams, the buildings barely remain.Withstand the years and the tears, like many, you don't want to go.If the snow don't kill then someone's gun will as tough times deliver the final blow.Can you hear them as they join with you now?Feel them as they begin to die with you now.Close your eyes and realize you'll die with this town.Can you hear the sound? Can you hear the sound in the rain?
In one last clash you cling for existence, your plans to leave have changed.Your body crumbles with the town and freezes you in the rain.And your friends, they are dead and you're dying with themAs you blood joins with the stream.Time plants you dead with no tombstone head and buries you with your dream.
Can you feel them all around the town? Can you feel the silence bring it all down?Did you really think you' get out of town?Can you hear the sound? Can you hear the sound in the rain?It's in the rain. Can you hear the sound in the rain? It's in the rain.
Go now my friend up the canyon and stand where time holds on,Clinging to one last ounce of glory in fading timbers' dawn.Once alive with the cries of silver, this old town held its high reign.Now all is still with an ominous silence, only shells of dreams remain.
Can you hear them as they join with you now?Feel them as they become part of you now.Close your eyes and see them around you now.Can you hear the sounds? Can you hear the sounds in the rain?
Here comes the train up from Durango on steel rails you cannot see.Hear the whistle echo around you as they scurry down the street.Supplies are docked near the old smelter, the mines have had a good day.Rejoice through the night with Wild Times liquor, come mornin' you'll be on your way.
Winter's hand touches the woodwork and the frost laces the frames.Weak as the spirits of your dreams, the buildings barely remain.Withstand the years and the tears, like many, you don't want to go.If the snow don't kill then someone's gun will as tough times deliver the final blow.Can you hear them as they join with you now?Feel them as they begin to die with you now.Close your eyes and realize you'll die with this town.Can you hear the sound? Can you hear the sound in the rain?
In one last clash you cling for existence, your plans to leave have changed.Your body crumbles with the town and freezes you in the rain.And your friends, they are dead and you're dying with themAs you blood joins with the stream.Time plants you dead with no tombstone head and buries you with your dream.
Can you feel them all around the town? Can you feel the silence bring it all down?Did you really think you' get out of town?Can you hear the sound? Can you hear the sound in the rain?It's in the rain. Can you hear the sound in the rain? It's in the rain.
FANTASY
I'm singin' what I feel now, just sit back and close your eyes,Imagine you and I all alone.Holding you so very close beneath a lush spire of pine, we are one, I am yours,And you are mine.And jagged peaks sear the sky as thunder clouds go rolling by.With days so short, we have no time to spare.I really doubt if anyone would care, if we were found alone and lying here.
You're not supposed to be here, neither am I,We shouldn't even be thinking these thoughts.I can't ignore a fantasy denying rules of society, it excites meLike nothing else has done.And if you feel the same as I, join me now, watch the clouds roll by,With days so short, we have no time to spare.I really doubt if anyone would care, if they found you and me lying here.
I'm singin' what I feel now, just sit back and close your eyes,Imagine you and I all alone.Holding you so very close beneath a lush spire of pine, we are one, I am yours,And you are mine.And jagged peaks sear the sky as thunder clouds go rolling by.With days so short, we have no time to spare.I really doubt if anyone would care, if we were found alone and lying here.
You're not supposed to be here, neither am I,We shouldn't even be thinking these thoughts.I can't ignore a fantasy denying rules of society, it excites meLike nothing else has done.And if you feel the same as I, join me now, watch the clouds roll by,With days so short, we have no time to spare.I really doubt if anyone would care, if they found you and me lying here.
SAN MIGUEL
Flyin' high above old Telluride, men of wings leap off the mountainside,Into town they soar and glide for a morning's cup of tea.Join me with my friends this day, breakfast at the Iron Ladle mayBring you back this evening HEY for a drink, so don't be late.A girl in a gown will bring you a big steak as the choppers pull in for the night.The lanterns are low on the sleepy street glowAnd the sun sets one more time, before we go.
Twenty-six saloons light up the night and the Sheriff hopes that there ain't no fightCruisin' young folks' old town tonight in sleepy San Miguel.
When mornin' comes so cold and pure and heaven beckons you know for sureYour soul's alive! Go tackle a big black bear!Join your friends for poker rounds and settle the score on polo groundsForget the life in which you drown almost every day of the year.Sitting in the parlor with an ice cream float manufactured right before your eyes.Go to the bookstore, see the show tonight, see a movie you never sawOnly three years old.
And you'll be so glad that you are here as you rest aside with a can of beer,Relax my friend you've nothing the fear in sleepy San Miguel. Singin'...la la la dee ca....
Try some fishin' at the lake any time of the year.In the snow no one will know whether or not you were here.Once in a while the sirens cry, somebody's been hurt.Usually something minor, usually not much worse.
The jeepin' man can say it all, in four wheel drive you'll watch him crawl,Get yer ass up the pass real fast before you fall real far.Imogene will make you scream as you balance on creaky beams.You're face-to-face with God it seems as you dangle on a falling star.Black Bear Road will lighten a shit-load off your case before you're through.What's that? I hear you say, you've had enough today?Don't jump out of this funny looking car if you value your life!
I'll guarantee you an easy stay, rest and sleep and come what may.Hope you've had a pleasant stay so all your friends you'll tellYou have had a wonderful mountain time, popping grapes and sipping wine,Lovely girls, no tourist lines in sleepy San Miguel.
Flyin' high above old Telluride, men of wings leap off the mountainside,Into town they soar and glide for a morning's cup of tea.Join me with my friends this day, breakfast at the Iron Ladle mayBring you back this evening HEY for a drink, so don't be late.A girl in a gown will bring you a big steak as the choppers pull in for the night.The lanterns are low on the sleepy street glowAnd the sun sets one more time, before we go.
Twenty-six saloons light up the night and the Sheriff hopes that there ain't no fightCruisin' young folks' old town tonight in sleepy San Miguel.
When mornin' comes so cold and pure and heaven beckons you know for sureYour soul's alive! Go tackle a big black bear!Join your friends for poker rounds and settle the score on polo groundsForget the life in which you drown almost every day of the year.Sitting in the parlor with an ice cream float manufactured right before your eyes.Go to the bookstore, see the show tonight, see a movie you never sawOnly three years old.
And you'll be so glad that you are here as you rest aside with a can of beer,Relax my friend you've nothing the fear in sleepy San Miguel. Singin'...la la la dee ca....
Try some fishin' at the lake any time of the year.In the snow no one will know whether or not you were here.Once in a while the sirens cry, somebody's been hurt.Usually something minor, usually not much worse.
The jeepin' man can say it all, in four wheel drive you'll watch him crawl,Get yer ass up the pass real fast before you fall real far.Imogene will make you scream as you balance on creaky beams.You're face-to-face with God it seems as you dangle on a falling star.Black Bear Road will lighten a shit-load off your case before you're through.What's that? I hear you say, you've had enough today?Don't jump out of this funny looking car if you value your life!
I'll guarantee you an easy stay, rest and sleep and come what may.Hope you've had a pleasant stay so all your friends you'll tellYou have had a wonderful mountain time, popping grapes and sipping wine,Lovely girls, no tourist lines in sleepy San Miguel.
OPHIR PASSINSTRUMENTAL
SAN JUAN FANFAREINSTRUMENTAL
AVALANCHEINSTRUMENTAL
OURAYINSTRUMENTAL
SILVER LAKE
There is a place where clouds linger and the wind whispers a name,A lonely place they call Silver Lake.Still waters grace the sandy shore and a town frozen in time,Weather-worn and bracing the tundra on high.All the people are gone, only remnants remain of a dayWhen men lived and died for a dream...for a dream...
It was told that an ore car load could make a man rich,So they came with visions of gold in their eyes.Few who came prospered well, others came for food and a bed,A steady job and a tin roof over their head.I could hear the whistle moan in the canyon far below.Then I heard the train wouldn't stop hear anymore...anymore...
I warn you now oh Silver Lake, the bells they toll for thee.You were built on dreams and lies.They're leaving you to the mountains now, they'll decide your fate.Will you live or will you die?
I recall that final day walking down main street,The beach head already being reclaimed by the wind.I was the last man to leave, sand wisping 'round my feet.The dust of time serenading the end.Can you hear the whistle moan in the canyon far below?They say the train don't stop here anymore...anymore...
I warned you then oh Silver Lake, the bells they toll for thee.How many winters can you bear?Storms will rage, the snow will fly, yet you haunt my memory.Though you may die you'll aways be there.
There is a place where clouds linger and the wind whispers a name,A lonely place they call Silver Lake.Still waters grace the sandy shore and a town frozen in time,Weather-worn and bracing the tundra on high.All the people are gone, only remnants remain of a dayWhen men lived and died for a dream...for a dream...
It was told that an ore car load could make a man rich,So they came with visions of gold in their eyes.Few who came prospered well, others came for food and a bed,A steady job and a tin roof over their head.I could hear the whistle moan in the canyon far below.Then I heard the train wouldn't stop hear anymore...anymore...
I warn you now oh Silver Lake, the bells they toll for thee.You were built on dreams and lies.They're leaving you to the mountains now, they'll decide your fate.Will you live or will you die?
I recall that final day walking down main street,The beach head already being reclaimed by the wind.I was the last man to leave, sand wisping 'round my feet.The dust of time serenading the end.Can you hear the whistle moan in the canyon far below?They say the train don't stop here anymore...anymore...
I warned you then oh Silver Lake, the bells they toll for thee.How many winters can you bear?Storms will rage, the snow will fly, yet you haunt my memory.Though you may die you'll aways be there.
WHAT YOU'VE BEEN UP TO
It's that typical all-American story and I'm not sayin' it's wrong.It happens every day to everyone and that's why I am singin' this song.Been some things I've been noticin' and I don't think they need mentioning.We both know what's been going on where do we stand in this thing?
Neither one of us is wrong or right, seems things were turnin' out this way.Maybe we should let the course of things goTo see what will take place on the following day.
I know what you've been up to, no need for fancy acts.The fire's fading fast and we don't seem to mind.I know what you've been up to, baby those are the facts.Maybe it's time to be movin' on down the road, if you don't mind.
Yeah, I know what you've been up to, why don't we decide what we'll do?Whatever's best is fine here with me, please forgive my blunt attitude.Baby, you should know by now that it's mutual and in all probabilityYou know what I've been up to, so I'm sure you undoubtedly see...
It's that typical all-American story and I'm not sayin' it's wrong.It happens every day to everyone and that's why I am singin' this song.Been some things I've been noticin' and I don't think they need mentioning.We both know what's been going on where do we stand in this thing?
Neither one of us is wrong or right, seems things were turnin' out this way.Maybe we should let the course of things goTo see what will take place on the following day.
I know what you've been up to, no need for fancy acts.The fire's fading fast and we don't seem to mind.I know what you've been up to, baby those are the facts.Maybe it's time to be movin' on down the road, if you don't mind.
Yeah, I know what you've been up to, why don't we decide what we'll do?Whatever's best is fine here with me, please forgive my blunt attitude.Baby, you should know by now that it's mutual and in all probabilityYou know what I've been up to, so I'm sure you undoubtedly see...
SAN JUAN LADY
I had a dream last night as I lay close and warm by the fire.So real a woman beckoned me to her side in desire.Alone were we in her cabin next to the stream.Was it real or was it a dream?
We roamed the hills and the peaks with the deer and the sheepBy rivers flowing clear from highest snow lands running deep.Live by the land, live by the light of the fire.Live in our love, live only with what's required.
Have you seen the San Juan lady? Is she real or a part of you and me?
To hell you ride in the heart of historyOf mountains and miners and ghosts and San Juan ladies...Why do I remember? Have I been that way before?With a face so fair and kiss so sweet once more....
Men may say that there is a San Juan ladyWho roams the hills and the peaks with the deer and the sheep.Men may say she's dead and others a dream.But cradled in those mountains is a cabin by a stream...
Have you seen the San Juan lady? Is she real or a part of you and me?
As I am thinking, I rest easy down by the steam.Stare at my reflection and wonder was it really a dream?
I had a dream last night as I lay close and warm by the fire.So real a woman beckoned me to her side in desire.Alone were we in her cabin next to the stream.Was it real or was it a dream?
We roamed the hills and the peaks with the deer and the sheepBy rivers flowing clear from highest snow lands running deep.Live by the land, live by the light of the fire.Live in our love, live only with what's required.
Have you seen the San Juan lady? Is she real or a part of you and me?
To hell you ride in the heart of historyOf mountains and miners and ghosts and San Juan ladies...Why do I remember? Have I been that way before?With a face so fair and kiss so sweet once more....
Men may say that there is a San Juan ladyWho roams the hills and the peaks with the deer and the sheep.Men may say she's dead and others a dream.But cradled in those mountains is a cabin by a stream...
Have you seen the San Juan lady? Is she real or a part of you and me?
As I am thinking, I rest easy down by the steam.Stare at my reflection and wonder was it really a dream?
THE DURANGO-SILVERTON LINE
The sun had just arisen to warm the mighty San Juan.Puffing steam engine still willing to roll with the dawn.And the people gather 'round to climb aboard the trainAnd in excitement there nobody can refrainAnd it isn't very long 'till the train is rolling again.So they venture on the wheels and hear the whistle sing,They're headed for the hills still waiting for the springTo see the wonders there that nature will bring.And the mountains glow with snow, what a lovely time to rollOn the Durango-Silverton line.
The passengers are tourists mostly there for the ride,To watch the white river and the soaring eagle glide.A journey through the past on great mountain spiresOn three feet of track greet man's golden hourOf days of defeat and King Silver's victory.Escape with me now to some forgotten place,Meet me at the station and leave our hurried paceAt dawn we will ride back into history.And the mountains glow with snow, what a lovely time to rollOn the Durango-Silverton line.
Big steel wheels a turnin' and churnin' the mills of Father Time,For beauty and for pleasure, for running from the deadly, fearful grind.Standing on the platform, we wave goodbye to present-day shambles.Pass Rockwood Cut, we're home free, tried and true and we can ramble.And miles in no-man's land, re-live a life so grand on the Durango-Silverton line.
Filling up with water at the tank near haunted Needleton,We disembark, abandoned in the heart of the Animas Forks canyon.Alone in silent splendor, the rumble and the whistle slowly fade.Vanished into smoke, round the bend she's gone, good ol' 4-7-8.And here we are alone, in our ghostly railway home near the Durango-Silverton line.
When all is still and restful as the past pages of iron horse stories,Meet me down at the tracks when you hear the roar of the Silver Century.We'll ride the clacking steel wheels, bound for glory with cinders in our hair.Been gone so long old steaming friend, good to know you have always been so near!And the mountains far and near, will wait another year for the Durango-Silverton line.
The sun had just arisen to warm the mighty San Juan.Puffing steam engine still willing to roll with the dawn.And the people gather 'round to climb aboard the trainAnd in excitement there nobody can refrainAnd it isn't very long 'till the train is rolling again.So they venture on the wheels and hear the whistle sing,They're headed for the hills still waiting for the springTo see the wonders there that nature will bring.And the mountains glow with snow, what a lovely time to rollOn the Durango-Silverton line.
The passengers are tourists mostly there for the ride,To watch the white river and the soaring eagle glide.A journey through the past on great mountain spiresOn three feet of track greet man's golden hourOf days of defeat and King Silver's victory.Escape with me now to some forgotten place,Meet me at the station and leave our hurried paceAt dawn we will ride back into history.And the mountains glow with snow, what a lovely time to rollOn the Durango-Silverton line.
Big steel wheels a turnin' and churnin' the mills of Father Time,For beauty and for pleasure, for running from the deadly, fearful grind.Standing on the platform, we wave goodbye to present-day shambles.Pass Rockwood Cut, we're home free, tried and true and we can ramble.And miles in no-man's land, re-live a life so grand on the Durango-Silverton line.
Filling up with water at the tank near haunted Needleton,We disembark, abandoned in the heart of the Animas Forks canyon.Alone in silent splendor, the rumble and the whistle slowly fade.Vanished into smoke, round the bend she's gone, good ol' 4-7-8.And here we are alone, in our ghostly railway home near the Durango-Silverton line.
When all is still and restful as the past pages of iron horse stories,Meet me down at the tracks when you hear the roar of the Silver Century.We'll ride the clacking steel wheels, bound for glory with cinders in our hair.Been gone so long old steaming friend, good to know you have always been so near!And the mountains far and near, will wait another year for the Durango-Silverton line.
I KNOW A PLACE-PART 1
I know a place where clouds hang low during the winter.Ominous mountain tops are clothed by thick layers of snow,And the silent canyons become still as the frozen streams deep within them.I know a place where the romance of the past is capturedBy the loneliness of high town timbers perched on the edge of forever,Whose lost future dwindles in the wake of a roaring storm.
I know a place where spring arrives, gentle, easy,And the soft fingers of warmth caress buds of tomorrow,Bring the color of life to all who see and respect its beauty.The hearts and minds of men are at peace, warmed by the thaw of love,And once again we are here, one with all, and all as one.
The past has died, the legends thrive, never to be taken away.Enduring forever, long after man has gone,This place where time knows no speed, will stand, undefeated and untamed,The greatest testimony of divine creation.
They call it the San Juan.
I KNOW A PLACE-PART 2: SAN JUAN STORIES OVERTURE
I KNOW A PLACE-PART 3
The time is now. No longer must you wait for me.Precious days passing so quickly. Flowing memories are pure reason.We flow ever on like the seasons.
You'll find me here just like you found me before,Waiting on the forest floor and touching the skyWith the seasons. We move with the wind like the seasons.
I know a place where clouds hang low during the winter.Ominous mountain tops are clothed by thick layers of snow,And the silent canyons become still as the frozen streams deep within them.I know a place where the romance of the past is capturedBy the loneliness of high town timbers perched on the edge of forever,Whose lost future dwindles in the wake of a roaring storm.
I know a place where spring arrives, gentle, easy,And the soft fingers of warmth caress buds of tomorrow,Bring the color of life to all who see and respect its beauty.The hearts and minds of men are at peace, warmed by the thaw of love,And once again we are here, one with all, and all as one.
The past has died, the legends thrive, never to be taken away.Enduring forever, long after man has gone,This place where time knows no speed, will stand, undefeated and untamed,The greatest testimony of divine creation.
They call it the San Juan.
I KNOW A PLACE-PART 2: SAN JUAN STORIES OVERTURE
I KNOW A PLACE-PART 3
The time is now. No longer must you wait for me.Precious days passing so quickly. Flowing memories are pure reason.We flow ever on like the seasons.
You'll find me here just like you found me before,Waiting on the forest floor and touching the skyWith the seasons. We move with the wind like the seasons.
SAN JUAN RAT PATROL
When morning warms a rugged land, waves of light like slender strandsSignal birds to sing their song, high country life just lasts so long.From the north on eight spinning wheels, adventurers return to feelThe presence of the land they roam, mighty San Juan we have returned...home.
Here they come, up the mountainside, there they go a climbin' for the sky,Big as life, the legend thrives. In the San Juan wind you can hear the crySan Juan Rat Patrol will never die, still going strong in four wheel drive.All aboard my friend for a journey to the stars,Don't fear the storm, the victory is ours!It is ours! Stand high! Reign high! Shove her in low and watch her crawl for the sky!Heaven and homeland achieved by the ride.Bustin' gut rollin' and rockin' with pride.Give her some gas and takin' it slow.The gates finally open and the trumpets the blow.
Ophir Pass, Engineer Mountain, Durango and the old town of Silverton.Anywhere you'll find them there. Dallas Divide, Animas Forks town,They're everywhere, just look around, cruisin' high and gettin' down.Getting tougher to be found. Listen friend for the sound.You know it sounds familiar, like a train that's glory-bound.Glory-bound! Stand high! Ride high!Yeah-shove her in low and watch her go for the sky!The trumpets are sounding, away with all fears!In the land of the angels there's nothing to fear!Just bustin' britches and forgin' the streams,Passing over rainbows and touching their dreams.
So dream...go and and dream...
Take a break, settle for the night. No surrender until there's no sunlight.Come the dawn, again they're gone. Tried and true, withstand the test of time.Forever on, they will survive, wise with age and sweet as wine.Grab the shift, shove the clutch, grit your teeth and roll. Nothing keeps a good man down,No hail, no sleet, nor snow.Here we go! Ride high! Whoa-stand high!Shove her in low and watch'em crawl for the sky!The trumpets are sounding, away with all fears!In the land of the angels there's nothing to fear!Just bustin' britches and forgin' the streams.Riding over rainbows and living their dreams.
San Juan Rat Patrol HEY! San Juan Rat Patrol
When morning warms a rugged land, waves of light like slender strandsSignal birds to sing their song, high country life just lasts so long.From the north on eight spinning wheels, adventurers return to feelThe presence of the land they roam, mighty San Juan we have returned...home.
Here they come, up the mountainside, there they go a climbin' for the sky,Big as life, the legend thrives. In the San Juan wind you can hear the crySan Juan Rat Patrol will never die, still going strong in four wheel drive.All aboard my friend for a journey to the stars,Don't fear the storm, the victory is ours!It is ours! Stand high! Reign high! Shove her in low and watch her crawl for the sky!Heaven and homeland achieved by the ride.Bustin' gut rollin' and rockin' with pride.Give her some gas and takin' it slow.The gates finally open and the trumpets the blow.
Ophir Pass, Engineer Mountain, Durango and the old town of Silverton.Anywhere you'll find them there. Dallas Divide, Animas Forks town,They're everywhere, just look around, cruisin' high and gettin' down.Getting tougher to be found. Listen friend for the sound.You know it sounds familiar, like a train that's glory-bound.Glory-bound! Stand high! Ride high!Yeah-shove her in low and watch her go for the sky!The trumpets are sounding, away with all fears!In the land of the angels there's nothing to fear!Just bustin' britches and forgin' the streams,Passing over rainbows and touching their dreams.
So dream...go and and dream...
Take a break, settle for the night. No surrender until there's no sunlight.Come the dawn, again they're gone. Tried and true, withstand the test of time.Forever on, they will survive, wise with age and sweet as wine.Grab the shift, shove the clutch, grit your teeth and roll. Nothing keeps a good man down,No hail, no sleet, nor snow.Here we go! Ride high! Whoa-stand high!Shove her in low and watch'em crawl for the sky!The trumpets are sounding, away with all fears!In the land of the angels there's nothing to fear!Just bustin' britches and forgin' the streams.Riding over rainbows and living their dreams.
San Juan Rat Patrol HEY! San Juan Rat Patrol
SPECIAL THANKS
SPECIAL THANKS
Nancy Johnson, Julie Kremer, Tom Gregor, Ed and Jean Louden, KILO 94 FM, ESP Sound, David Payne, Ron Ardia, Vernon Garner, June Johnson, Amber LeHardy, Shanna Stanley, Blair Ashby, and my biggest fan, Ellen Ritt-Johnson.
Many thanks to the talented musicians without whom this very large vision would not have come to fruition.
Thanks to Blair Ashby for his invaluable technical assistance on the San Juan Fanfare 2025 bonus track.
Extra heartfelt thanks to my longtime collaborator David McKinnis, who stood by me throughout the entire process. He truly believed in the vision. Thank you my friend! -AJ
Many thanks to the talented musicians without whom this very large vision would not have come to fruition.
Thanks to Blair Ashby for his invaluable technical assistance on the San Juan Fanfare 2025 bonus track.
Extra heartfelt thanks to my longtime collaborator David McKinnis, who stood by me throughout the entire process. He truly believed in the vision. Thank you my friend! -AJ
GALLERY
GALLERY
Aaron Johnson (left) poses with the band "Legacy," tasked with the impossible feat of playing San Juan Stories live during production of the album. Scott Blumenreich, Jeff Wanik and David McKinnis played on most of the album.
THE AJP PROJECT
THE AJP PROJECT
The AJP Project is an ongoing effort to release all of Aaron Johnson's music in today's digital age while simultaneously educating supporters past and future on the issues of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it is fundamentally changing the music industry, and to foster support of local musicians and live music. The project's charter encourages folks to put down their phones, get away from their screens and listen to music again, and do so with friends and loved ones. This practice, dating back to the 1970s, is a great way to relax, it's good for you and strengthens social bonds through a shared experience of taking a musical journey together. Try it! Discover what you've been missing!
More releases coming in 2026!
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