Ricki,

This gave me a flashback of driving out west listening to Neil Young. This is the kind of song that sneaks up on you. I like the mellow feel and the melody and I think it's a really nice one.

Perhaps it could be a bit stronger lyrically. What's missing for me in the story is the big kahuna. Why did he leave? That's the reason she needs probably more than anything. I think at least one of your evolving choruses should address that directly. Not that she will know, just that she needs to know..I'm sure you get what I'm saying.

Also, I love that image of the Bitteroot Mountains. I think you could work something in the lyric to utilize that image as well.

Good luck with it. That's all I got..only a few fries.