I don't think the article is available online, but the winter issue of Georgia Music Magazine has a cover story on Widespread Panic. And the article opens with the story of Michael Houser, the former lead guitarist who died of pancreatic cancer, writing what I believe was his last song: Travelin' Man.
The story goes that J.B., the band's front man and Houser's good friend, sat at his bedside, transcribing the lyrics as Houser came in and out of consciousness.
Look at these lyrics. Can you imagine writing this song, knowing that you might never leave your bed again, much less your home? Maybe there was no other way to write it.
Been thinkin' all day
Packin' my car
With this baggage of mine
I wouldn't get too far
Stored away on a bus
No need to hide
I'm slowing down
Catchin' one last ride
Been feelin' alright
For a couple of days
Either in a fog
Or a sunny haze
Got a big hole
In my deflector screen
What I really need
Warp nine, Geordi, please
Wanna keep my eyes on the road
Wanna carry my life in a bag
Like to live in a hotel room
Wanna be a travelin' man
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