March 13, 2025

Go On Lysette

Portland, OR

This song tells the story of two friends biking through Mitchell, Oregon who are joined unexpectedly by a cattle dog. "Go On Lysette" is a tender reminder that sometimes the most meaningful companions on our journey are the ones we never expected to meet.

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Background

"Go On Lysette" tells the story of two friends biking through Mitchell, Oregon during a scorching heatwave, when they're joined by a cattle dog who begins herding them along their route. Initial alarm transforms into an unexpected connection, as they decide to name the dog Lysette, before reluctantly sending her back to town with a forest service worker who promises to get her home safely.

"Go On Lysette" explores questions of how quickly connections are formed when we extend help and affection, and how these fleeting connections somehow manage to stay with us long after we've moved on. The song is a tender reminder that sometimes the most meaningful companions on our journey are the ones we never expected to meet.

Story Source: Clara Schneid
Teaching Artists: R.O Shapiro, Michelle Vaughn
Performer: Clara Schneid

Lyrics

Our saddle bags and my guitar
uphill in a heatwave
The air was heavy,
on the painted hills of Oregon
Go on get, go on get
go on Lysette!

A cattle dog is tailing us.
trying to herd the bikers.
Hot pavement
(is) no place for dog paws
Go on get, go on get
go on Lysette!

The color of dry dirt speckled white,
seeking shade in my shadow,
I asked what her name was
You said, “Lysette!”
Go on get, go on get
go on Lysette!

She felt like shade in the heat,
I wish-ed for a sidecar
Flagged down the next car
letting her go
Go on get, go on get
go on Lysette!

We got back up on our bikes
continued up the hill,
crossing fingers
she's still doing her thing.
Go on get, go on get
go on Lysette!

Story Source

Clara Schneid

CO-WRITER

Michelle Vaughn, R.O. Shapiro

PERFORMED BY

Clara Schneid

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