Q: Speaking of titles, what's the meaning of the word "Sovay"?
Andrew Bird: Well, I always prefer to misunderstand songs. I think a lot of great things come out of misunderstandings. That's why I love Charlie Patton. I'd rather not get a lyric sheet. I'd rather misunderstand what he's saying and have it be a spark for a new song. So anyway, in this case, 'Sovay' was from an old English Childe ballad Sovay, Sovay, all along the day something about some highwayman or something but I never bothered to research it, and I never knew what it meant; it was mysterious. I was working on this song, and suddenly that word popped out. I was looking for a new word to describe unprecedented circumstances, and that word had not been defined for me, so it fit the bill and it sounded good. It's a new word.
Andrew Bird's version is quite different from previous ones.. basically seems like he likes and used the word and tried to incorporate it into the song/meaning, which he often does.
The song also seems to be cut into two different parts, with the first part describing escape plans, escape from whatever... then word washes ashore... a new hope? A finality?
That you're riding on a para-success Of a heavy-handed metaphor And a feeling like you've been here before
But then something changes... word washes ashore... most likely distressing, changing... And great how Bird uses the word Sovay to sound like waves coming up on shore...
I don't really want to go to a word-for-word analysis here (but I will in the future.. ), and ultimately it's your interpretation that matters... so many different factors, in any song really, that will influence your take home meaning/message. And so that's why I thought it appropriate as an opening overanalyzing song of the day... cuz in the end, it's what you take from it.
The second part; fighting a losing battle because you have to(?): The Ride of the Valkyries always conjures up the German invasion during WWII. Which, could mean that you're in for a 'rough ride', to put it loosely and vaguely. But, in the end, although we've been here before, "i swear this time" it'll be different..
And this is gonna be the last of Bird for a bit, I promise!
,.... AND BELOW, that Dutch TV interview! (btw, tried to upload it on youtube, but copyrights kicked it off... who knew! Viddler apparently has no qualms about it. 14 min., btw. Also, as another aside, I once knew someone who thought that whistling, or la-lal-la's and the like in songs were just filler where the artist cheats, or cheapens out. Needless to say this person is out of my life!.. hahaha.. )
Not necessarily my favourite song on the album, as it's so good, but yeah, obviously up there...
--------------------------------
Over-analysis here!: Section 1
" get out your measuring cups and we'll play a new game come to the front of the class and we'll measure your brain we'll give you a complex, and we'll give it a name
get out your measuring cups and we'll play a new game can't have the cream when the crop and the cream are the same liquid or gas no more than the glass will contain "
Watching a Dutch interview with him (which I'll post here as soon as I figure out how to rip the streaming video - I'll post instructions for that as well... ) in which he describes a hierarchy and constant "labeling" while at school and away... an institutionalizing. Quantifying aptitudes in society within distinct parameters... a rationalization, characterization, numeration (?) of what people see before them.
" when you talk about the hand of glory a tale that's rather grim and gory is it just another children's story that's been de-clawed? when the tales of brothers Grimm and Gorey have been outlawed "
The Grimm and Gorey is further detailed in the following section...
" I think they're gonna make you start over You don't want to start over Put your backpack on your shoulder Be the good little soldier Take your places now 'Cause we're all predisposed "
Literal sense, starting over a grade. No one wants to start over. I'm reminded of a saying my friend often uses... "Step up". Sometimes you have to put your backpack on your shoulder and march on. Now, I think he most likely means this in the opposite sense, again attacking convention... being soldier like, listening and following orders, status quo measuring cups.
" Put your backpack on your shoulder Be the good little soldier It's no different when your older You're predisposed That's all for questions now The case is closed! "
--------------------
I was discussing with someone recently that the world is bound by rationality, even at the sake of feeling. This is how you're supposed to do this, this is how you get over that, shutdown, 'de-clawed', 'outlawed', 'case is closed!', etc... A strategy for being able to organize, and theoretically to try to feel better with organized thoughts...
Why not just feel; what's wrong with that? Discuss, talk, listen to feelings, I think, and that will bring on other feelings, and ultimately, when feelings are involved it's not a rational decision most of the time, so why approach it like that?! Lists of positives and negatives.. hate them. Ultimately, some pros or cons have higher weighting than others, so then what? A weighted matrix? How does one stay objective giving something a higher weighting? Ultimately, it comes down to feeling(s)! One can't categorize everything.
Grimm's Law: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grimm%27s_law "Grimm's law was the first non-trivial systematic sound change to be discovered in linguistics; its formulation was a turning point in the development of linguistics, enabling the introduction of a rigorous methodology to historical linguistic research."
- which I think is appropriate given how Andrew Bird writes his albums.
Further interest in Grimm and Gorey? I now have an answer to when a loved one will roll on their side, try to fall asleep or just take a nap, and ask me to tell them a bedtime story - a theme for me to this blog.
OR... "Anthurium Lacrimae decays" could be beauty-inducing tears in witnessing the strange but wonderous parasitic nature of Anthurium ( or Orchid ) species of flowers that wrap themselves up and thrive in Trees.
Either way it describes so amazingly the theme of the ongoing cycles of decaying and parasitic phonomena in nature that is constantly spinning and evolving into new beautiful things and isn't that the true essence of everything. ( lol- I swear I am neither stoned nor drunk.) "
And I thought I over-analyzed songs...
It's a good song, could have more of a hook. I like the Niagara reference, and I like that it shares a name and theme with a Joel Plaskett song. That's about it; enjoy!
A successful multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Bird recently joined instrument and acoustic engineer Ian Schneller to create a novel live music experience, something they're calling the Sonic Arboretum, which premiered as part of the Guggenheim Museum's Dark Sounds series last month.
"Usually you think of acoustics in closed spaces because sound bounces off of things. But if you're in Zion National Park or the Sandstone Cliffs, you create this acoustical space with different textures of the plants in our area....And that's what we're trying to appropriate in this," says Bird (hence the botanical metaphor).
Bird uses his speakers almost like microphones. Using a loop peddle, he'll record and play back musical lines, controlling which horns amplify the sounds.
I honestly thought I blogged about this song earlier!.. but I can't find it here.. weird. I came here to look it up as I was listening to the song... Anyway, here's Andrew Bird's Sovay.
And a lot more. I really don't expect anyone to actually go through this; it's kinda too specific unless you love this song.
Lyrics:
i was getting ready to be a threat i was getting set for my accidental suicide the kind where no one dies, no one looks too surprised and then you, then you realize that you're riding on the para-success of a heavy-handed metaphor and a feeling like you've been here before
cause you've been here before, and you've been here before then a word washed to shore then a word washed to shore then a word washed to shore
sovay, sovay, sovay all along in the day
i was getting ready to consider my next plan of attack i think i'm gonna sack the whole board of trustees all those don quixotes in their b-17's and i swear this time, yeah this time they'll blow us back to the seventies and this time they're playin Ride of the Valkyries with no semblance of grace or ease and they're acting on vagaries, with their violent proclivities and they're playing ride, playing ride playing ride, ride, Ride of the Valkyries
sovay, sovay, sovay all along the day
i was getting ready to threaten to be a threat instead of thinking about my plan of attack, think about a sack the whole board of trustees, all those don quixotes in their b-17's and i swear this time it blows back to the 70's and this time, they're playin Ride of the Valkyries with no semblance of grace or ease now they're acting on vagaries with their violent proclivities
and they're playin ride and they're playin ride playin ride, playin ride, playin ride, playin ride Ride of the Valkyries
sovay, sovay, so ---
This is a really difficult song to fully understand lyrically (I'll get to the music in part two). There is so much going on here, maybe because it is so vague. Although, there are strong clues. I'm gonna try to not only stick to the clues, but also not to ignore other "clues" that may or may not match to the general idea (I think) is the basis for this song... basically, take a look at the song as empirically as I can, without the initial emotions attached.
---
Sovay? What the hell (who the hell?) is Sovay? From Wiki:
Sovay is a traditional English folk song (Roud # 7) about a young woman who dresses and arms herself as a highwayman in order to test her suitor. In disguise she robs her suitor of nearly all his possessions, but even under threat of death he refuses to give up the gold ring given by Sovay, thus proving his devotion. Sovay subsequently confesses the ruse to her lover and returns his various possessions, admonishing him only that had he indeed given up the ring, she would have killed him.
Notes: From the notes to Martin Carthy's first album (A Guitar in Folk Music. Petersham: New Punchbowl Music): Sovay was a great favourite among country singers and was printed by Such, among others, under its alternative title of The Female Highwayman. Her name varies from place to place - Sovay, Silvy, Shilo, Sally, etc. - but the story remains the same being a rather involved and slightly chancy way of establishing her lover's good faith.
Here are the first few lyrics from the traditional folk "Sovay":
Sovay, Sovay, all on a day She dressed herself in man's array. With a sword and pistol all by her side, To meet her true love, To meet her true love away did ride.
---
Ok, stepping back in, the other large theme here is a bit of war, riding, truth finding, complimented by Ride of the Valkyries..
--
As an aside, here's Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries if you don't recognize the name:
--
The word valkyrie derives from Old Norse valkyrja (plural valkyrjur), which is composed of two words; the noun valr (referring to the slain on the battlefield) and the verb kjósa (meaning "to choose"). Together, the compound means "chooser of the slain". The Old Norse valkyrja is cognate to Old English wælcyrge.[2] Other terms for valkyries include óskmey (Old Norse "wish girl"), appearing in the poem Oddrúnargrátr, and Óðins meyjar (Old Norse "Odin's girls"), appearing in the Nafnaþulur. Óskmey may be related to the Odinic name Óski (Old Norse, roughly meaning "wish fulfiller"), referring to the fact that Odin receives slain warriors in Valhalla.
Chooser of the slain? Sovay, as originally portrayed? Wish fulfiller? Wishful thinking?
In the opera-house, the Ride .. begins in the prelude to the Act, building up successive layers of accompaniment until the curtain rises to reveal a mountain peak where four of the eight Valkyrie sisters of Brünnhilde have gathered in preparation for the transportation of fallen heroes to Valhalla. As they are joined by the other four, the familiar tune is carried by the orchestra, while, above it, the Valkyries greet each other and sing their battle-cry.
Valkyries, ride over the battlefield I'm dying and glad to bleed Because I know today I will take my place with the heroes in Valhalla of old
For none but the brave, be he king or a slave With a pounding heart in his chest Will be worthy to rise and with the Valkyries fly And ride to Valhalla of old
There are obvious connections here with Sovay's desire, death-worthy need for the truth, and the Valkyries mission in/for Valhalla.
---
Additional references in the song:
Don Quixote: From the Globe: Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra's book contains, in germ or full-blown or by implication, practically every imaginative technique and device used by subsequent fiction writers to engage their readers and construct their works. It crystallized forever the making of literature out of life and other literature, and explored in typically ironic fashion, and for the first time, the murky, illusory frontiers between fact and fiction, imagination and history, perception and physical reality.... By the time we reach the end of the book, it is eminently clear that these protagonists are not precisely the men they were when they started out on their quest for chivalric adventures... For example, what is called the "false Quixote,"... The fictional characters themselves deny the validity and veracity of the imitation... what we call "realism" and what Cervantes called "verisimilitude," or the appearance of truth. It also allows for a constant and discomfiting blurring of the lines between actuality and fiction.
Para (from the lyric "para-success") means "pair/couple" in Polish. Para also means "steam/vapor" in Polish (funny people, eh? ;). Para also alludes to parachutes, and is the B-17 was not only used for bombing, but also drop (parachute) missions by UK during WWII (the UK Parachute Regiments were called "1 PARA, 2 PARA, 3 PARA, etc.. ). Para in Sanskrit is an adjective meaning "transcendental" (Don Quixote???). Finally, para in english means close, beside, or next to.
---
At this time, I'd like to over-analyze that last phrase in the context of everything written so far, "Accidental suicide The kind where no one dies". Hmm.. an accidental suicide>/. Could it be a reference to soldiers in a war? As in, signing up for war, you understand the risks, but it really is psychologically suicide? Or maybe the idea of knowing something to be true, and then it turning out not to be true? .. the kind where no one dies... is it Love he's referring to? I don't know.. more needs to be done here... it's a nice phrase for sure.
---
Ok, that's enough for now. So with all this background, here's what I'm getting (ie. the take home message). There's large allusions to travel, to riding: (Sovay on her horse, Don Quixote and his horse, the B-17 flying fortress "The War Horse", Ride of the Valkyries, been here before, etc.. ). There is also a strong allusion to change and truth; to what is real and moreover, to when it is real (Don Quixote, Sovay's story, directly from the lyrics: "I was getting ready to consider my next plan of attack", "Accidental suicide The kind where no one dies".
---
Anyway, this could be the greatest song ever written, or I'm over-analyzing the shit out of it. I haven't even started analyzing the musical genius here. "That you're riding on the para-success Of a heavy-handed metaphor And a feeling like you've been here before"...
Umm.. quite the disappointment actually... I've seen him now 3 times, and each time was a disappointment. His music produced is good, melodic.. live, he fiddles with recorders, his melodies, tempos... totally different experience than with the albums. And you know, a little variety is good, but this was just a bit too much.. too slow, he looked a bit embarrassed up there half the time, shaking his head like stuff just wasn't working out. I though this time might be different because he was playing with a full band, but they too seemed hindered and lacked creativity...
Also, she's been on a RadioLab blog episode, where Jad and Zoe discuss the physics of looping sound, and how to use a 17th century instrument to make awesome electronic music.
Zoe's old band, Rasputina, is playing Lee's Palace Feb 19th.
However, that's the same night Jenn Grant is playing at the Horseshoe, which sounds like the better deal.
She's getting goodreviews for her new album, and sounding more and more like the new Julie Doiron, which, I think, is a good thing... a little more lively/poppy wishing for edgy. (Download here)
Julie Doiron: I can wonder what you did with your day - Click here to download great album.
get out your measuring cups and we'll play a new game come to the front of the class and we'll measure your brain we'll give you a complex, and we'll give it a name
get out your measuring cups and we'll play a new game can't have the cream when the crop and the cream are the same liquid or gas no more than the glass will contain
when you talk about the hand of glory a tale that's rather grim and gory is it just another children's story that's been de-clawed? when the tales of brothers Grimm and Gorey have been outlawed
i think they're gonna make you start over you don't wanna start over put your backpack on your shoulder be the good little soldier take your places now, cause we're all predisposed
measuring cups, play a new game front of the class, measure your brain give you a complex and we'll give it a name
when you talk about the hand of glory a tale that's rather grim and gory is it just another children's story that's been de-clawed? when the tales of brothers Grimm and Gorey have been outlawed
so put your backpack on your shoulder be the good little soldier it's no different when you're older you're predisposed that's all for questions now, the case is closed
This little motherfucker chased this goose for at least the two minutes I watched him, and the goose didn't seem to mind at all.
Here's the full interview from the above video, maybe to watch with your breakfast. I feel obvious superficial connections to him, except for the musical talent. ;) It really is a great interview. Andrew Bird is worth knowing, and here's 15 minutes of your life listening.
hmmm... so, starting this blog / diary as my listing of things, thoughts about, ideas, interests difficult to share without a glass of wine, and photos. Basically a list of things for the record.
I've recently, and it isn't the first time, been listening to Andrew Bird's The Mysterious Production of Eggs in heavy rotation. I'm analyzing and re-analyzing a lot fo his songs from the album, and hope to get a collection of all the songs done at some point. At least what they mean to me... I think it's an absolutely fantastic album, and has indirectly inspired the website address, brothersgrimmandgorey, but more on that later I suppose.
Anyway, there are a few things I'm gonna post quite rapidly, just to get the last few weeks out here on the list... hopefully it sets everything in motion a bit. First things first...
A few nights ago, two in succession, a friend and friends of mine were sitting around my livingroom, listening to music, and we started looking through old photos... so, to get some instant substance up here, I'll upload some of the photos I think are appropriately fantastic.
Enjoy the morning with me, or your afternoon, as I procrastinate the moving and do some long overdue listening.
--
Mike O'Neill - Are We Waiting
Download and listen. It's worth it and takes 1 minute. Are We Waiting. This is just the beginning.
Mike O'Neill is a Canadiansinger-songwriter. He is originally from Oshawa, Ontario, but has been based in Halifax, Nova Scotia since 1996.
O'Neill was a founding member of Canadian indie-rock band The Inbreds along with drummer Dave Ullrich in the 1990s, and has since released two albums as a solo artist, What Happens Now? in 2000, and The Owl in 2004.
In 2007, he appeared in several episodes of Trailer Park Boys' seventh and final season, playing the hot tempered character Thomas Collins. He also served behind the scenes as Sound Mixer on the series for several seasons.
O'Neill currently plays in a new two-piece band with Trailer Park Boys producer Mike Clattenburg called The Self Concious. On October 22, 2008, O'Neill and Ullrich played a one-off Inbreds reunion show in Halifax as part of the 2008 Halifax Pop Explosion.
--
Bruce Springsteen - Brilliant Disguise
(one shot)
I hold you in my arms as the band plays What are those words whispered baby just as you turn away I saw you last night out on the edge of town I wanna read your mind and know just what Ive got in this new thing Ive found So tell me what I see when I look in your eyes Is that you baby or just a brilliant disguise
I heard somebody call your name from underneath our willow I saw something tucked in shame underneath your pillow Well Ive tried so hard baby but I just can't see What a woman like you is doing with me So tell me what I see when I look in your eyes Is that you baby or just a brilliant disguise
Now look at me baby struggling to do everything right And then it all falls apart when out go the lights Im just a lonely pilgrim I walk this world in wealth I want to know if it's you I don't trust cause I damn sure don't trust Myself
Now you play the loving woman I'll play the faithful man But just don't look too close into the palm of my hand We stood at the alter the gypsy swore our future was right But come the wee wee hours maybe baby the gypsy lied So when you look at me you better look hard and look twice Is that me baby or just a brilliant disguise
Tonight our bed is cold I'm lost in the darkness of our love God have mercy on the man Who doubts what he's sure of
As is typical of his era, James recorded a variety of material — blues and spirituals, cover versions and original compositions — frequently blurring the lines between genres and sources. For example, "I'm So Glad" was derived from a 1927 song by Art Sizemore and George A. Little entitled "So Tired", which had been recorded in 1928 by both Gene Austin and Lonnie Johnson (the latter under the title "I'm So Tired of Livin' All Alone"). Biographer Stephen Calt, echoing the opinion of several critics, considered the finished product totally original, "one of the most extraordinary examples of fingerpicking found in guitar music."
Eee, an I'm so glad Yes sir, I'm glad Until I just don't know What to do
An I am tired a-weeping I'm so tired a-moanin' I'm so tired of groanin' for you
Eee, an I am so - Yes, I am mighty glad Until I just don't know what -
Would you be my little darlin'? Would you be my dear? Would you be my darlin' Be my dear?
Then I would be mighty - I would be mighty glad Then I just wouldn't know What to do
When I say, 'Coo-coo-coo' Just like a little baby, do I would love to have A lovely kiss from you
Then I would be mighty - Then I would be so - Until I just wouldn't know -
You know, I'm tired a-weeping I'm so tired of a-moanin' I'm so tired of groanin' for you
Eee, an I am so glad Yes, I'm so glad Until I just don't know What to do-ooo-woo-ooo-ooo.
Here's Beck covering it:
Skip's is better.
--
Ryan Adams - Please Do Not Let Me Go
If the walls in the room could talk I wonder to myself would they lie It's like some kind of jail Fall from the curtains onto the bed I'm all alone now, I can do as I please I don't feel like doing much of anything True love ain't that hard to find Not that you will ever know Would you lay here for awhile? Please, do not let me go Please, do not let me go
You were sweet enough to sing, Oblivious to melody Red suitcase full of clothes Washed up on the shore of memory I'm all alone now and I feel just find I don't feel much like doing anything True love ain't that hard to find Not that either one of us will ever know Would you lay here for awhile? Please, do not let me go Please, do not let me go
--
Bob Dylan - Boots of Spanish Leather
Here's a great cover.
Oh I'm sailin' away my own true love I'm sailin' away in the morning Is there something I can send you from across the sea From the place that I'll be landing ?
No, there's nothin' you can send me, my own true love There's nothin' I wish to be ownin' Just carry yourself back to me unspoiled From across that lonesome ocean.
Oh, but I just thought you might want something fine Made of silver or of golden Either from the mountains of Madrid Or from the coast of Barcelona ?
Oh, but if I had the stars from the darkest night And the diamonds from the deepest ocean I'd forsake them all for your sweet kiss For that's all I'm wishin' to be ownin'.
That I might be gone a long time And it's only that I'm askin' Is there something I can send you to remember me by To make your time more easy passin' ?
Oh, how can, how can you ask me again It only brings me sorrow The same thing I want from you today I would want again tomorrow.
I got a letter on a lonesome day It was from her ship a-sailin' Saying I don't know when I'll be comin' back again It depends on how I'm a-feelin'.
Well, if you, my love, must think that-a-way I'm sure your mind is roarmin' I'm sure your thoughts are not with me But with the country to where you're goin'.
So take heed, take heed of the western wind Take heed of the stormy weather And yes, there's something you can send back to me Spanish boots of Spanish leather.
--
Scout Niblett - Kiss
A kiss could've killed me If it were not for the rain A kiss could've killed me Baby if it were not for the rain
And I had a feeling it was coming on And I felt it coming For so long If I'm to be the fool Then so it be
This fool can die now With a heart that's soaked How How had it coming For so long
And darling take my hand And lead me through the door Let's kidnap each other And start singing our song
My heart is charged now Oh, it's dancing in my chest And I fly when I walk now From the spell in that kiss
Cause I ...
It could've It could've killed me It could've killed me If it were not for the rain
Oh darling let me dream Cause somewhere inside me I have been waiting So patiently For you
So don't you break Don't break my dream Don't break my dream
Let the rain exalt us As the night draws in Winds howl around us As we begin What a way to start a fire Broken with the break of day
A kiss could have killed me If it were not for rain
And I have a feeling it's coming on And I felt it coming on for so long
And oh it could've It could've killed me It could've killed me If it were not for the rain
--
Loretta Lynn - Don't Come Home a-Drinkin'
(Loretta Lynn - Peggy Sue Wells)
Well you thought I'd be waitin' up when you came home last night You'd been out with all the boys and you ended up half tight But liquor and love that just don't mix leave a bottle or me behind And don't come home a drinkin' with lovin' on your mind No don't come home a drinkin' with lovin' on your mind Just stay out there on the town and see what you can find Cause if you want that kind of love well you don't need none of mine So don't come home a drinkin' with lovin' on your mind [ steel - guitar ] You never take me anywhere because you're always gone Many a night I've laid awake and cried dear all alone And you come in a kissin' on me it happens every time No don't come home a drinkin' with lovin' on your mind No don't come home a drinkin'... No don't come home a drinkin' with lovin' on your mind
--
The Wilderness of Manitoba - Crow's Feet
http://www.myspace.com/thewildernessofmanitoba She’s standing alone in a dark crowded room Her body is covered in roses It’s a frozen night bleeding from a cold afternoon With no place to go, she supposes
She turns to the streetlight as it shines down below The snow burns right into her toes I … Follow right after - who the hell could she be? Cause so far, love has just been a word that I speak
There once was a boy who had money for eyes If wishes were horses, he owned them He learned how to live but with no compromise His family would someday disown him
Now he’s an old man who is mad in the streets He stands where his home used to be (And) thinks of the golden days – how they’ve gone silently Cause love’s just a word that he learned how to speak
She's standing alone cause she can't see me by her side. She's tearing a hole through my love(?) Try as I might, but I keep letting her down Cause love’s just a word used to send in the clowns. Cause love’s just a word used to send in the clowns. Love's just a word, send in the clowns.
I don't believe there is a plan Feels too much like an accident I stumble blindly into your life This non-believer
We walk under these city lights We stand under the darkest nights And I can't imagine anything more up there beyond the sky I went to church on Christmas Eve For the first time in a century I sang the carols but I could not believe This non-believer
My dad said, "Son, there's nothing else Before you love someone you gotta learn to love yourself Know when they're gone they will be truly be gone So don't you waste your time"
But I wasted time in the dye I cast I will not blame this on my past I broke your heart Just messing around This non-believer
Open up my eyes to find You've learned a few tricks in your time And I spend my days just treading water Never learning how to swim My friends and family call me up Say "You're all right, but what the fuck?" What were you thinking Choose your head, foolish non-believer"
It's buried deep but I suspect There is something here to resurrect People collide, buildings collapse Gotta try again
I don't believe there is a plan Feels too much like an accident
--
Townes Van Zandt - Mr. Mudd and Mr. Gold
It was just like, I was lucky to be sitting in that chair, at that time.
I didn't know who this was until, well, now...
John Townes Van Zandt[1] (March 7, 1944 – January 1, 1997), best known as Townes Van Zandt, was a country-folk musicsinger-songwriter, performer, and poet. Many of his songs, including "If I Needed You," "To Live Is To Fly," and "No Place to Fall" are considered standards of their genre. AllMusic has called him "one of the greatest country and folk artists of his generation."[2]
The wicked king of clubs awoke It was to his queen turned His lips were laughing as they spoke His eyes like bullets burned The sun's upon a gambling day His queen smiled low and blissfully Let's make some wretched fool to play Plain it was she did agree
He send his deuce down into diamond His four to hart, and his trey to spade Three kings with their legions come Preparations soon where made They voted club the days commander Gave him an army face and number All but the outlaw jack of diamonds And the aces in the sky
He give his sevens first instructions Spirit me a game of stud Stakes unscarred by limitation 'tween a man named gold and man named mud Club filled gold with greedy vapors 'til his long, green eyes did glow Mud was left with the sighs and trembles Watching his hard earned money go
Flushes fell on gold like water Tens they paired and paired again But the aces only flew through heaven And the diamond jack called no man friend The diamond queen saw muds ordeal Began to think of her long lost son Fell to her knees with a mother's mercy Prayed to the angels every one
The diamond queen, she prayed and prayed And the diamond angel filled muds hole The wicked king of clubs himself Fell in face down in front of gold Now three kings come to clubs command But the angels from the sky did ride Three kings up on the streets of gold Three fireballs on the muddy side
The club queen heard her husband's call But lord that queen of diamond's joy When the outlaw in the heavenly hall Turned out to be a wandering boy Now mud he checked and gold bet all And mud he raised and gold did call And the smile just melted off his face When mud turned over that diamond ace
Now here's what this story's told If you feel like mud you'll end up gold If you feel like lost, you'll end up found So amigo, lay them raises down
-
Fort Worth. 2 weeks Radman.
--
Low - When I Go Deaf
When I go deaf I won't even mind Yeah, I'll be alright And I'll be just fine
I'll stay out all night Looking at the sky I'll still have my sight Yeah, I'll still have my eyes
And we will make love We won't have to fight We won't have to speak And we won't have to lie
And I'll stop writing songs Stop scratching out lines I won't have to fake And it won't have to rhyme
When I go deaf When I go deaf When I go deaf When I go deaf
When I go deaf When I go deaf When I go deaf When I go deaf
--
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Promise
Son, I see it in your eyes, There is a burden you cannot hide, But in their arms, you feel so alive, And in the moment you're cast aside.
All lines have broken, and we need to you to hold on, Your eyes have opened, but you've got to go on. I'll comfort you, I'll stay with you... It's a promise not forgotten.
Now I hear you in my mind, There was a story you claim to have, And I will by more gently by your feet, I'll tread softly or tread on my dreams.
All lines are broken, and we need you to hold on, Your eyes have opened, but you've got to go on. I'll comfort you, I'll stay with you... It's a promise not forgotten.
You're crying all these tears, but they mean to leave you dry, Still fighting all these years, 'bout the same old things, We wish we never had
The vision's softly fades, but there's a light that still remains, And in these walls, I feel your sadness wain, But in the moment you feel no pain.
All lines are broken, but we need you to hold on, Your eyes have opened, but you've got to go on. I'll comfort you, I'll sing to you... It's a promise not forgotten.
Come on baby let's ride(light) the sunrise Come on baby let's ride(light) the night
--
Leonard Cohen - Last Year's Man
The rain falls down on last year's man, that's a Jew's harp on the table, that's a crayon in his hand. And the corners of the blueprint are ruined since they rolled far past the stems of thumbtacks that still throw shadows on the wood. And the skylight is like skin for a drum I'll never mend and all the rain falls down amen on the works of last year's man. I met a lady, she was playing with her soldiers in the dark oh one by one she had to tell them that her name was Joan of Arc. I was in that army, yes I stayed a little while; I want to thank you, Joan of Arc, for treating me so well. And though I wear a uniform I was not born to fight; all these wounded boys you lie beside, goodnight, my friends, goodnight.
I came upon a wedding that old families had contrived; Bethlehem the bridegroom, Babylon the bride. Great Babylon was naked, oh she stood there trembling for me, and Bethlehem inflamed us both like the shy one at some orgy. And when we fell together all our flesh was like a veil that I had to draw aside to see the serpent eat its tail.
Some women wait for Jesus, and some women wait for Cain so I hang upon my altar and I voice my acts again. And I take the one who finds me back to where it all began when Jesus was the honeymoon and Cain was just the man. And we read from pleasant Bibles that are bound in blood and skin that the wilderness is gathering all its children back again.
The rain falls down on last year's man, an hour has gone by and he has not moved his hand. But everything will happen if he only gives the word; the lovers will rise up and the mountains touch the ground. But the skylight is like skin for a drum I'll never mend and all the rain falls down amen on the works of last year's man.
--
The Moody Blues - Go Now
We've already said ‘Goodbye’. Since you've got to go Oh you had better go now. Go now. Go now. Go now Before you see me cry. I don't want you to tell me Just what you intend to do now. 'Cause how many times do I have to tell you Darling, darling, I'm still in love With you now?
We've already said ‘So long’ I don't want to see you go. Oh you had better go now.
Go now. Go now. Go now Don't you even try telling me That you don't want me to end this way 'Cause, darling, darling, Can't you see I want you to stay?
We've already said ‘Goodbye’. Since you've got to go Oh you had better go now.
Go now. Go now. Go now Before you see me cry. I don't want you to tell me Just what you intend to do now. 'Cause how many times do I have to tell you Darling, darling, I'm still in love, Still in love, With you now?
I don't want to see you go But, darling, You'd better go now.
--
Ryan Adams - A Kiss Before I Go
The engine turns on a dime But I ain't goin' nowhere, tonight I ain't been goin' nowhere for quite awhile Can't tell the truth in a house of lies Can't explain what I don't know One shot, one beer and a kiss before I go
One more kiss 'fore I go One more night and day Breath all heavy and slow One shot, one beer and a kiss before I go
I'll miss those nights at the bar With every girl all loaded like freights And the pain in the morning comes as easy as it goes Can't find the truth in a house of lies And you can't see tomorrow with yesterday's eyes One shot, one beer and a place where nobody cries One more kiss 'fore I go One more night and day Breath all heavy and slow One shot, one beer and a kiss before I go --
Bon Iver - Beach Baby
When you're out, tell your lucky one to know that you'll leave. but you don't lock when you're fleeing I'd like not hear keys
only hold till your coffee warms, but don't hurry and speed.
one a time put a tongue in your ear in the beach and you clutched kicking heels
--
Neko Case - Favorite
Oh lie I thought you were golden I thought you were wise Caught you returning To the house you caught fire But I know that I was your favorite And I said Amen
Wise, found favorin' heaven And I at your side But I never felt sorry For those shimmering lies When I laid down and cried I was faking And I said Amen
Last night I dreamt That I hit a deer with my car Blood from his heart Spilled out onto my dress and was warm He begged me to follow But legions of sorrow defied me
Oh lie I thought you were golden I thought you were wise When I caught you returning To the house you caught fire But I know that I'm your favorite And I said "Amen" Oh favorite And I said Amen
--
A perfect accompaniment/rebut to the Neko Case...
Andrew Bird - The Naming of Things
you remind me of you the way you shot right through and how you broke my window glass, fast it happened so fast I have to confess that I that I was impressed that I despite all the mess and the broken glass I was impressed
here's where I disappeared where I fell off the pier and to be rescued I did wait I watched waterbugs skate as they draw figure eights as they draw from the bottom of the lake as they draw I watched waterbugs skate as they draw bottom of the lake I watched the waterbugs skate
memories like mohair sweaters stretched and pilled faux distressed letters moose's horns and figure eights white plastic bags in search of mates what suffocates the land in the memory of garbage can memory of garbage can
you can't be found when the bell rings you weren't there that day for the naming of things the naming of things where the homeroom bell rings the homeroom bell rings
hey, just look at the mess you made today didn't really think it would get this bad hey, feel like you're living in a Russian play where it seems like you made everybody mad
you remind me of you when you shot through and broke my window glass it happened so fast I have to confess I was impressed, I was impressed despite all the mess and the broken glass I was impressed
I have been wrestling with the thought of it all since you left me out in the cold last fall I wake up lonely and go to bed the same way people they call me just to make sure I'm O.K.
But I think I'm healing, damn this feeling I have been reeling, since last season It's the one thing I had left from everything i'd kept I'm going to miss how bad this has felt.
Women adored me for the sad look in my eyes and now they ignore me for getting on with my life
'Cause I think i'm healing, damn this feeling I have been reeling since last season It's the one thing I had left from everything I'd kept I'm going to miss how bad this has felt How bad this has felt How bad this has felt
Leaves they are falling, just as I let go of you winter is calling, and I have no memories to lose.
Posts
