Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry exited the stage after nearly 1 1/2 hours of country and rock favorites that would leave audience ears ringing for hours. They had sung about being a lucky man, some people changing, and something to be proud of, and had harmonized that Daddy wouldn't (won't) sell the farm.

But one thing was missing, and one thing was for sure. When they returned to the stage for an encore, they would sing the song they are best known for - "My Town" - and the audience excitement peaked.

It was a fitting end to the concert, even though the Grammy-nominated duo and band with numerous hits, album sales and awards found time for one more song.

"My Town" is an anthem, a non-sacred song with non-scriptural words that strikes a strong chord in many Americans. Gosh, for some it might even be sacred and scriptural. But for most it is simply about loyalty to one's town, regardless of the good, the bad or the ugly, which is a part of everyone's natural or adopted place they call home. It's a country version akin to the Beach Boys "Be True to Your School."

Music has a tendency to sooth the soul, or, in some cases, fire up the beast-motivator within us. And like all good country music, "My Town" tells a story that resonates in hearts and minds - and sells.

I suspect this rendition of "My Town" had special meaning for a few folks wearing black, white or straw cowboy hats, as well as colorful and stylish boots.

Unless you have been hiding under that oft-referenced large rock, you know Bobcat will soon be closing its Bismarck manufacturing plant. This is not good. It is bad and ugly for our town.

The song "My Town" shares the love many of us have for our hometowns. Hum along, if you can, to the chorus:

"Yeah, where I was born, where I was raised. Where I keep all my yesterdays. Where I ran off 'cos I got mad, An' it came to blows with my old man. Where I came back to settle down, It's where they'll put me in the ground: This is my town."

Bobcat stories of lost hopes and dreams are starting to surface. One is about a young man who found out Wednesday morning he would be unemployed in 60 or more days, as did so many others. The next morning the man was scheduled to close on a house purchase - but the bank called him and told him the deal was off. He had arranged an early move-in and had already started repairs and painting projects.

Country songs are about reality. Stuff happens that isn't always pretty. The songs are sometimes cheesy, as some might view this column. But they are real - wives do sometimes run off with lovers and dogs will get run over by cars. But all that and other tragedies and consequences of love vocalized Thursday evening were nothing compared to another line in "My Town."

"There ain't much goin' on here since they closed the mill."

Heck, I don't work at Bobcat and my job is secure, I think, but when those words were sung I felt like weeping for the men, women, children and families who will be impacted by the loss of jobs. Any fool knows Bismarck and Mandan will still have much going on after Bobcat locks the doors. But the death of Bobcat shouldn't be dismissed as a life change, at least right now. Death needs respectful mourning before healing and hopeful cheerleading.

I suspect another line in Eddie and Troy's anthem will be utilized by some as an avenue of hope.

"Come Sunday morning service, at the Church of Christ, Well there ain't an empty seat to be found. And this is my town."

Be it the Church of Christ, or any denomination, or any organization in Bismarck-Mandan, Bobcat workers and their families are hurting and need our understanding in the bereavement period, support, encouragement and strength.

After all, this is our town.

(Editor John Irby can be reached at 250-8266 or john.irby@bismarcktribune.com.)