Montgomery Ward

Spice Rack Collective

Sweet origin story for the lovely Anders family.

Mike had most of the song written prior to February, and he and Margaret fine-tuned the words at the studio while we were setting up to record. Mike invited his bluegrass pickin’ buddies over for the third Saturday recording session, where they all did a couple takes live from the floor, then added another couple of lead takes for mandolin and banjo. After that, we said, “Good enough!” and had a fun impromptu bluegrass jam standing around the studio. Great way to round out a music-filled afternoon and evening!

The next Saturday, we knocked out a Dobro track (thanks, Uncle Billy!), lead and background vocals, and another banjo track amongst all the other bits and pieces being recorded that day.

Mike’s got ideas for another couple of verses to detail the time span between “asked her out” and “been together 40 years,” but we ran out of recording time in February. (That’s the same reason my electric bass part made it onto the final track – I never had time to go back and re-record on the upright bass!)

Mike Anders - Songwriting, lyrics, lead vocals, acoustic guitar
Pam Anders - Inspiration :)
Margaret Bibb- Harmony vocals
Brett Boyer - Banjo
Ben May - Mandolin
Billy Ray Craig - Dobro
Kevin Craig - Bass, recording, mixing

Montgomery Ward
I walked into the department store; I had a bill to pay.
There stood a pretty young lady who took my breath away.
I walked up to the counter knowing what I wanted to say,
Then I looked into her eyes and lost my nerve that day.

I met my wife in Customer Service at Montgomery Ward.
I kept my bill paid up-to-date and she was my reward.

I came back in the very next day and got into her line.
I knew that I had to make this sweet young lady mine.
I walked up to the counter and saw that beautiful face.
I asked her out and she said, “Yes!” My heart began to race.

I met my wife in Customer Service at Montgomery Ward.
I kept my bill paid up-to-date and she was my reward.

Now we’ve been together more than 40 years.
We’ve had out share of joys and a sprinkling of tears.
I just couldn’t live without her, she’s my everything.
Each morning when I see her face, my heart begins to sing.

I met my wife in Customer Service at Montgomery Ward.
I kept my bill paid up-to-date and she was my reward.

I met my wife in Customer Service at Montgomery Ward.
I kept my bill paid up-to-date and she was my reward.
Yes, she was my reward.