Austin writer Glenn Smith said the idea for a song came to him on a long drive. He has researched and written about the border wall fight and has grown to love the Big Bend over the years. He said the movement needed an anthem, though not necessarily a protest song.
A longtime Houston friend then called to say his son, Houston songwriter Christian Staehely, had written a song. Smith and musician and producer Eric Harrison coordinated musicians for the recording. The result, by the Austin band West Texas Exiles and Jimmie Dale Gilmore, who sometimes lives in Terlingua, is titled "Big Bend, Take Me In."
Gilmore said the song came from an unexpected direction and that its timing and quality made it feel like a treasure. According to the story, the song does not directly address the border wall. It is a melodic piece about wide open spaces and the chance to reflect on life. The song benefits The Big Bend Sentinel.