Songs have been written about anything and everything.

Some can make you feel good. Some make you blue. They can inspire. They can be humorous. They can tell stories.
They can be poetic.

Feel free to post a song that for whatever reason captured you.

They sat together in the park
As the evening sky grew dark
She looked at him and he felt a spark
Tingle to his bones
'Twas then he felt alone
And wished that he'd gone straight
And watched out for a simple twist of fate

They walked along by the old canal
A little confused, I remember well
And stopped into a strange hotel
With a neon burnin' bright
He felt the heat of the night
Hit him like a freight train
Moving with a simple twist of fate

A saxophone someplace far-off played
As she was walkin' on by the arcade
As the light bust through a beat-up shade
Where he was waking up
She dropped a coin into the cup
Of a blind man at the gate
And forgot about a simple twist of fate

He woke up, the room was bare
He didn't see her anywhere
He told himself he didn't care
Pushed the window open wide
Felt an emptiness inside
To which he just could not relate
Brought on by a simple twist of fate

He hears the ticking of the clocks
And walks along with a parrot that talks
Hunts her down by the waterfront docks
Where the sailors all come in
Maybe she'll pick him out again
How long must he wait?
One more time, for a simple twist of fate

People tell me it's a sin
To know and feel too much within
I still believe she was my twin
But I lost the ring
She was born in spring
But I was born too late
Blame it on a simple twist of fate



Songwriter: Bob Dylan

Telegraph Road
Dire Straits

A long time ago came a man on a track
Walking thirty miles with a sack on his back
And he put down his load where he thought it was the best
Made a home in the wilderness

He built a cabin and a winter store
And he ploughed up the ground by the cold lake shore
And the other travellers came walking down the track
And they never went further, no, they never went back

Then came the churches, then came the schools
Then came the lawyers, then came the rules
Then came the trains and the trucks with their load
And the dirty old track was the Telegraph Road

Then came the mines, then came the ore
Then there was the hard times, then there was a war
Telegraph sang a song about the world outside
Telegraph Road got so deep and so wide
Like a rolling river

And my radio says tonight it's gonna freeze
People driving home from the factories
There's six lanes of traffic
Three lanes moving slow

I used to like to go to work but they shut it down
I've got a right to go to work but there's no work here to be found
Yes, and they say we're gonna have to pay what's owed
We're gonna have to reap from some seed that's been sowed

And the birds up on the wires and the telegraph poles
They can always fly away from this rain and this cold
You can hear them singing out their telegraph code
All the way down the Telegraph Road

Well, I'd sooner forget, but I remember those nights
Yeah, life was just a bet on a race between the lights
You had your hand on my shoulder, had your hand in my hair
Now you act a little colder like you don't seem to care

But just believe in me baby and I'll take you away
From out of this darkness and into the day
From these rivers of headlights, these rivers of rain
From the anger that lives on the streets with these names
'Cause I've run every red light on memory lane
I've seen desperation explode into flames
And I don't wanna see it again

From all of these signs saying "sorry but we're closed"
All the way down the Telegraph Road


Songwriter: Mark Knopfler

When we were waiting for Edwin to join our family ( he is adopted from Guatemala) I heard this song on the radio and cried.

Somewhere Out There - From An American Tale: Fievel Goes West


Somewhere out there,
Beneath the pale moonlight,
Someone's thinking of me,
And loving me tonight.

Somewhere out there,
Someone's saying a prayer,
That we'll find one another,
In that big somewhere out there.

And even though I know how very far apart we are,
It helps to think we might be wishing on the same bright star,
And when the night wind starts to sing a lonesome lullaby,
It helps to think we're sleeping underneath the same big sky!

Somewhere out there,
If love can see us through,
Then we'll be together,
Somewhere out there,
Out where dreams
Come true...

That's a beautiful thing. Sometimes words just hit your heart.

I spent about six months in Guatemala. Loved the experience and the people.

bone...
Stealing my song from the ‘cover tune’ thread a while back I see.

How’s this...

The leaves seen through my window pane
Remind me that it's time to move my life again
November sun is felt by none
A chilly breeze has blown my thoughts to what's to come
A cup of warm coffee, some vitamin C
A bowl for the cat, a bowl for the dog, a bowl for me
Choose my bluest tape and unlock my car
An honest tune with a lingering lead has taken me this far

On the edge of the porch in the warm evening night
Throwing the bone for the dog I see two passing lights
Well, I wonder where that driver's bound
Is there someone, somewhere, someway out there that I've not found
A touch of smoke ain't what it seems
Dust and sunshine can also make my eyes look mean
But there's a brown cat sleeping through this day's show
Toppin' off the woodpile, breathing slow

‘Driving Song’ by Widespread Panic
Not a lot of lyrics but it paints a picture and is great song.

I agree, the country and people are beautiful. Where were you in Guatemala? We stayed in Antigua. Edwin was born in Retalhuleu on the Pacific coast.

Then there’s this...

Look for a while at the china cat sunflower
Proud walking jingle in the midnight sun
Copperdome bodhi drip a silver kimono
Like a crazy quilt star gown through a dream night wind

Crazy cat peekin' through a lace bandanna
Like a one-eyed cheshire, like a diamond-eye jack
A leaf of all colors plays a golden-string fiddle
To a double-e waterfall over my back

Comic book colors on a violin river cryin' leonardo
Words from out a silk trombone
I rang a silent bell, beneath a shower of pearls
In the eagle-winged palace of the queen chinee


So there!! Take that English language and shove it!!

‘China Cat Sunflower’ by the Grateful Dead

Nice one Port.

Never heard that.

Of course one of my favorites:

"there was an itsi bitsi tini weeni yellow polka dot bikini" just kidding.

For all the great songs there sure has been some bad ones as well.

Last addition. I promise.
I wish more took it to heart....

I've seen Jesus play with flames in a lake of fire that I was standing in
Met the devil in Seattle and spent 9 months inside the lion's den
Met Buddha yet another time and he showed me a glowing light within
But I swear that God is there every time I glare in the eyes of my best friend
Says my son it's all been done and someday your gonna wake up old and gray
So go and try to have some fun showing warmth to everyone
You meet and greet and cheat along the way
There's a gateway in our mind that leads somewhere out there beyond this plane
Where reptile aliens made of light cut you open and pull out all your pain
Tell me how you make illegal something that we all make in our brain
Some say you might go crazy but then again it might make you go sane
Every time I take a look inside inside that old and fabled book
I'm blinded and reminded of the pain caused by some old man in the sky
Marijuana, LSD, Psilocybin, and DMT
They all changed the way I see
But love's the only thing that ever saved my life
So don't waste your mind on nursery rhymes
Or fairy tales of blood and wine
It's turtles all the way down the line
So to each their own til' we go home
To other realms our souls must roam
To and through the myth that we all call space and time

‘Turtles All the Way Down’ by Sturgill Simpson

Port, add as many that pleases you.

Lyrics have always been a thing to me. I quote them like poems. I remember songs my father sang. Every word they never leave me. They just roll around in my mind.

This song has a feeling that holds on to me.

There's a house on my block that's abandoned and cold
The folks moved out of it a long time ago
And they took all their things and they never came back
It looks like it's haunted with the windows all cracked
Everyone calls it the house
The house where nobody lives

Once it held laughter
Once it held dreams, did they throw it away, did they know what it means?
Did someone's heart break
Or did someone do somebody wrong?

Well, the paint is all cracked, it was peeled off of the wood
The papers were stacked on the porch where I stood
And the weeds had grown up just as high as the door
There were birds in the chimney and an old chest of drawers
Looks like no one will ever come back
To the house where nobody lives

Oh, and once it held laughter
Once it held dreams, did they throw it away, did they know what it means?
Did someone's heart break
Or did someone do somebody wrong?

So if you find someone
Someone to have, someone to hold, don't trade it for silver
Oh, don't trade it for gold
'Cause I have all of life's treasures and they're fine and they're good
They remind me that houses are just made of wood
What makes a house grand, oh, it ain't the roof or the doors
If there's love in a house, it's a palace for sure
But without love it ain't nothin' but a house
A house where nobody lives
But without love
It ain't nothin' but a house, a house where nobody lives


Lyrics by Tom Waits

I always thought this would be a great song at a wedding: Beginnings by Chicago:

[Verse 1]
When I'm with you, it doesn't matter where we are
Or what we're doing, I'm with you, that's all that matters
Time passes much too quickly when we're together laughing
I wish I could sing it to you, oh no
I wish I could sing it to you

[Chorus]
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Mostly I'm silent mmm silent la la la la la
Never think about words to say

[Verse 2]
When I kiss you, I feel a thousand different feelings
The color of chills all over my body
And when I feel them, I quickly try to decide which one
I should try to put into words, oh no
Try to put into words

[Chorus]
Mostly I'm silent silent la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la
Silent

[Verse 3]
Only the beginning of what I want to feel forever yeah
Oh no whoa yes
Only the beginning, only just the start
I've got to get you into my life
Got to get you next to me
Only the beginning, only just the start

I’m a big lyrics guy too. It’s part of what drew my to the Grateful Dead. They sang songs that told tales. Covering and writing cowboy songs. Doing the same with Americana standards that were long dead. Then they spun their own stories. Songs like Wharf Rat come to mind.
Lyrics are also why I didn’t ever find a real connection to Phish after Jerry died. Most of their songs are ‘China Cat Sunflower-esk’ in their meaning. I couldn’t connect to the band.
What ended up pulling me into Widespread Panic is they carried the Dead’s tradition of writing stories. Telling tales... and doing it to psychedelic music. Panic being much heavier and more southern in sound, but still in the tradition.

As a fellow dead head hard act to follow.

Like Dylan their songs can be taken as life lessons.

I once heard Tom Waits say "songs are interesting things you can do with air."

So much can be relayed in the lyrics of a song. A message wrapped in music.

There are many great musicians. There are few great song writers.

I always thought Bob Seger wrote great lyrics. I don't want to post them all the lyrics but some of the songs that come to mind are "Til It Shines", The Famous Final Scene", "Like a Rock", "Turn the Page" "night Moves" "Feel Like a Number"etc

Lots of songs to choose from.

If the lyrics of "a" song is something you feel strongly about hey, post it.

Triumph.
FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

The days grow shorter and the nights are getting long
Feels like we're running out of time

Every day it seems much harder tellin' right from wrong
You got to read between the lines

Don't get discouraged, don't be afraid, we can
Make it through another day
Make it worth the price we pay

The Good Book says it's better to give than to receive
I do my best to do my part

Nothin' in my pockets I got nothin' up my sleeve
I keep my magic in my heart

Keep up your spirit, keep up your faith, baby
I am counting on you
You know what you've got to do

Fight the good fight every moment
Every minute every day
Fight the good fight every moment
It's your only way

All your life you've been waiting for your chance
Where you'll fit into the plan
But you're the master of your own destiny
So give and take the best that you can


You think a little more money will buy your soul some rest
You'd better think of something else instead

You're so afraid of being honest with yourself
You'd better take a look inside your head

Nothing is easy, nothing good is free
But I can tell you where to start
Take a look inside your heart
There's an answer in your heart

Fight the good fight every moment
Every minute every day
Fight the good fight every moment
Make it worth the price we pay

Good songs are like guidelines. This is one:

If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine
And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung
Would you hear my voice come through the music
Would you hold it near as it were your own?

It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken
Perhaps they're better left unsung
I don't know, don't really care
Let there be songs to fill the air

Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow

Reach out your hand if your cup be empty
If your cup is full may it be again
Let it be known there is a fountain
That was not made by the hands of men

There is a road, no simple highway
Between the dawn and the dark of night
And if you go no one may follow
That path is for your steps alone

Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow

You who choose to lead must follow
But if you fall you fall alone
If you should stand then who's to guide you?
If I knew the way I would take you home


Songwriters: Jerome J. Garcia / Robert C. Hunter

"Revelation (Mother Earth)"

[Daisley - Osbourne - Rhoads]

Mother please forgive them
For they know not what they do
Looking back in history's books
It seems it's nothing new
Oh, let my mother live

Heaven is for heroes
And hell is full of fools
Stupidity, no will to live
They're breaking God's own rules
Please let my mother live

Father of all creation
I think we're all going wrong
The path they're taking
Seems to be breaking
And it won't take too long
Children of the future
Watching empires fall
Madness, the cup they drink from
Self destruction, the toll

I had a vision, l saw the world burn
And the seas had turned red
The sun had fallen, the final curtain
In the land of the dead
Mother, please show the children
Before it's too late
To fight each other, there's no one winning
We must fight all the hate


Round Here

Counting Crows

Step out the front door like a ghost
Into the fog where no one notices the
Contrast of white on white.
And in between the moon and you the angels
Get a better view of the crumbling
Difference between wrong and right.
I walk in the air, between the rain,
Through myself and back again where? I
Don't know
Maria says she's dying, through the door
I hear her crying why? I don't know
Round here we always stand up straight
Round here something radiates
Maria came from Nashville with a suitcase in her hand
She said she'd like to
Meet a boy who looks like Elvis.
She walks along the edge of where the ocean meets
The land just like she's
Walking on a wire in the circus.
She parks her car outside of my house
And takes her clothes off, says she's
Close to understanding Jesus.
She knows she's more than just a little misunderstood,
She has trouble acting
Normal when she's nervous.
Round here we're carving out our names
Round here we all look the same
Round here we talk just like lions, but we sacrifice like lambs
Round here she's slipping through my hands
Oh sleeping children better run like the wind,
Out of the lightning dream
Mama's little baby better get herself in out of the lightning
She says "it's only in my head."
She says "shh, I know it's only in my head."
But the girl on the car in the parking lot says
"man, you should try to take a
Shot. can't you see my walls are crumblin'"
Then she looks up at the building
And says she's thinkin' of jumping. she says
She's tired of life, she must be tired of something.
Round here she's always on my mind
Round here (hey man)i got lots of time
Round here we're never sent to bed early and nobody makes us wait
Round here we stay up very, very, very, very late.
I can't see nothing, nothing round here (oh)
Won't you catch me if I'm falling?
Won't you catch me if I'm falling?
Won't you catch me 'cause I'm falling down on you.
See I'm under the gun round here
Oh man I said I'm under the gun round here
And I can't see nothing, nothing round here.

Songwriters: Steve Bowman / David Lynn Bryson / Adam Fredric Duritz / Charles Thomas Gillingham / David A Janusko / Dan Ryan Jewett / Matthew Mark Malley / Christopher C Roldan

Sympathy for the Devil

The Rolling Stones

Please allow me to introduce myself
I'm a man of wealth and taste
I've been around for a long, long year
Stole many a man's soul to waste

And I was 'round when Jesus Christ
Had his moment of doubt and pain
Made damn sure that Pilate
Washed his hands and sealed his fate

Pleased to meet you
Hope you guess my name
But what's puzzling you
Is the nature of my game

I stuck around St. Petersburg
When I saw it was a time for a change
Killed the czar and his ministers
Anastasia screamed in vain

I rode a tank
Held a general's rank
When the blitzkrieg raged
And the bodies stank

Pleased to meet you
Hope you guess my name, oh yeah
Ah, what's puzzling you
Is the nature of my game, oh yeah

I watched with glee
While your kings and queens
Fought for ten decades
For the gods they made

I shouted out
Who killed the Kennedys?
When after all
It was you and me

Let me please introduce myself
I'm a man of wealth and taste
And I laid traps for troubadours
Who get killed before they reached Bombay

Pleased to meet you
Hope you guessed my name, oh yeah
But what's puzzling you
Is the nature of my game, oh yeah, get down, baby

Pleased to meet you
Hope you guessed my name, oh yeah
But what's confusing you
Is just the nature of my game, mm yeah

Just as every cop is a criminal
And all the sinners saints
As heads is tails
Just call me Lucifer
'Cause I'm in need of some restraint

So if you meet me
Have some courtesy
Have some sympathy, and some taste
Use all your well-learned politesse
Or I'll lay your soul to waste, mm yeah

Pleased to meet you
Hope you guessed my name, mm yeah
But what's puzzling you
Is the nature of my game, mm mean it, get down

Oh yeah, get on down
Oh yeah
Oh yeah
Tell me baby, what's my name
Tell me honey, can ya guess my name
Tell me baby, what's my name
I tell you one time, you're to blame
Oh, right
What's my name
Tell me, baby, what's my name
Tell me, sweetie, what's my name

Songwriters: Keith Richards / Mick Jagger

Counting Crows were in Reno a few months ago and I went with my daughter.

Really good show. Excellent musicians.

Lyrically I love their music.

"Anna Begins" has amazing lyrics.

Counting Crows are awesome I agree

I Do
Paul Brandt

I've seen the storm clouds in your past
But rest assured 'cause you are safe at home at last
I rescued you, you rescued me and we're right where we should be
when we're together

I know the questions in your mind
But go ahead and ask me one more time
You'll find the answer's still the same
It won't change from day to day
for worse or better

Will I promise to be your best friend?
And am I here until the end?
Can I be sure I have been waiting for you?
And did I say my love is true?
Baby I will, I am, I can, I have, I do

I know the time will disappear
But this love we're building on will always be here
No way that this is sinking sand
On this solid rock we'll stand forever

Will I promise to be your best friend?
And am I here until the end?
Can I be sure I have been waiting for you?
And did I say my love is true?
Baby I will, I am, I can, I have, I do

Songwriters: Kasseem Dean / Jonathan H. Smith / Calvin Cordazor Broadus

I was there in late seventies.

Had my dog with me and a backpack. Lived in a tent and traveled through most of the country.

Landed in Belize city. Went inland through Belize to Tikal.

I graduated from college with a degrees in Anthropology.
Had a interest in the Mayan culture and went looking for ruins.

Lived in Livingston on the Caribbean coast. Went Lago Isabel, Chichicastenango, Huehuetenago, Atitlan. The lake around Atitlan was incredible beautiful. Climbed up to see an active volcano. Went to mercado's every weekend.

Loved the country.

"Ohio"

Tin soldiers and Nixon coming,
We're finally on our own.
This summer I hear the drumming,
Four dead in Ohio.

Gotta get down to it
Soldiers are cutting us down
Should have been done long ago.
What if you knew her
And found her dead on the ground
How can you run when you know?

Gotta get down to it
Soldiers are cutting us down
Should have been done long ago.
What if you knew her
And found her dead on the ground
How can you run when you know?

Tin soldiers and Nixon coming,
We're finally on our own.
This summer I hear the drumming,
Four dead in Ohio.


49 years ago, today, 5/4/70. Kent State University.

That is a very difficult song for me to handle.

I graduated from Kent in 1971. I was there. There through the whole thing. I was near Franklin Hall had been arrested and put on a bus guarded by National Guard soldiers when the shots rang out.

All those years ago and I have a hard time listening to that song.

I've known a few guys who thought they were pretty smart
But you've got being right down to an art
You think you're a genius-you drive me up the wall
You're a regular original, a know-it-all
Oh-oo-oh, you think you're special
Oh-oo-oh, you think you're something else
Okay, so you're a rocket scientist

That don't impress me much
So you got the brain but have you got the touch
Don't get me wrong, yeah I think you're alright
But that won't keep me warm in the middle of the night
That don't impress me much

I never knew a guy who carried a mirror in his pocket
And a comb up his sleeve-just in case
And all that extra hold gel in your hair oughta lock it
'Cause Heaven forbid it should fall outta place
Oh-oo-oh, so you think you're something special
Oh-oo-oh, you think you're something else
Okay, so you're Brad Pitt

That don't impress me much
So you got the looks but have you got the touch
Don't get me wrong, yeah I think you're alright
But that won't keep me warm in the middle of the night
That don't impress me much

You're one of those guys who likes to shine his machine
You make me take off my shoes before you let me get in
I can't believe you kiss your car good night
C'mon baby tell me-you must be jokin', right!
Oh-oo-oh, so you think you're something special
Oh-oo-oh, you think you're something else
Okay, so you've got a car

That don't impress me much
So you got the moves but have you got the touch
Don't get me wrong, yeah I think you're alright
But that won't keep me warm in the middle of the night
That don't impress me much
You think you're cool but have you got the touch
Don't get me wrong, yeah I think you're alright
But that won't keep me warm on the long, cold, lonely night
That don't impress me much

Okay, so what do you think you're Elvis or something
Whatever
That don't impress me

The band: Brad
The song: "Arrakis"

"I was just wandering after love -
If I started falling anywhere around here...
'cause I swear that I saw it in the sky,
a comet -
A star flying high everywhere.
If you know me, know me, know you can show me.
Yes I know, if you want, move close to the sun.
And oh......
I feel that, too young, I know it's all wrong.
We walk through the fields without a care in the world.
If you know me, know me, know you can show me.
Yes I know, if you want, move close to the sun.
And oh......
All we are is all we are.
All we are is all we are."

This song must be mentioned.

Back in the day, Obie Benson and Al Cleveland collaborated on this song and tried to convince The Four Tops to record it. They refused because it was a protest song, as did Joan Baez. Marvin Gaye liked the song and wanted one of the groups he was producing to record it. But, he got part of the proceeds if he was the one to record it.

He talked to Motown's leader Barry Gordy about the song and Gordy told Marvin "why do you want to ruin your career?" Y'all getting this...........It was 1970 and protesting against bias and prejudice was still a huge thing.

Can you imagine what it was like for black artists back in the day? You know things are unjust, but you wanna make it and know that addressing such unfairness would probably kill your career.

That's powerful.

Here are the lyrics:





The recording:

Just a great song Vers. No doubt about it.

Melody Gardot was hit by a SUV while riding a bike. The accident nearly cost her life and left her permanently disabled.

Although personal for her the song apply's to many.

"Some Lessons"

Well I'm buckled up inside
It's a miracle that I'm alive
I do not think I can survive
On bread and wine alone
To think that I could have fallen
A centimeter to the left
Would not be here to see the sunset
Or have myself a time

Well why do the hands of time
So easily unwind

Some lessons we learn the hard way
Some lessons don't come easy
That's the price we have to pay
Some lessons we learn the hard way
They don't come right off and right easy
That's why they say some lessons learned we learn the hard way

Remember the sound of the pavement
World turned upside down
City streets unlined and empty
Not a soul around
Life goes away in a flash
Right before your eyes
If I think real hard well I reckon I've had some real good times

Well why do the hands of time
So easily unwind

Some lessons we learn the hard way
Some lessons don't come easy
That's the price we have to pay
Some lessons we learn the hard way
They don't come right off and right easy
That's why they say some lessons learned we learn the hard way

I don't blame you. National Guard was in over its head. The political climate wasn't good, there'd been some student uprising at KSU in the days before. Some little marine wannabes who weren't old enough to drink decided there would be blood.

That song was on the radio three weeks after the shootings. It hit hard, which isn't surprising.

Of all the songwriters Dylan occupies a unique position for quality and quantity. Dylan is a master wordsmith.
So many of his songs are poetic this is one of many but it stands out imo.

'Twas in another lifetime, one of toil and blood
When blackness was a virtue the road was full of mud
I came in from the wilderness, a creature void of form
Come in, she said
I'll give ya shelter from the storm

And if I pass this way again, you can rest assured
I'll always do my best for her, on that I give my word
In a world of steel-eyed death, and men who are fighting to be warm
Come in, she said
I'll give ya shelter from the storm

Not a word was spoke between us, there was little risk involved
Everything up to that point had been left unresolved
Try imagining a place where it's always safe and warm
Come in, she said
I'll give ya shelter from the storm
I was burned out from exhaustion, buried in the hail
Poisoned in the bushes an' blown out on the trail
Hunted like a crocodile, ravaged in the corn
Come in, she said
I'll give ya shelter from the storm

Suddenly I turned around and she was standin' there
With silver bracelets on her wrists and flowers in her hair
She walked up to me so gracefully and took my crown of thorns
Come in, she said
I'll give ya shelter from the storm

Now there's a wall between us, somethin' there's been lost
I took too much for granted, I got my signals crossed
Just to think that it all began on an uneventful morn
Come in, she said
I'll give ya shelter from the storm
Well, the deputy walks on hard nails and the preacher rides a mount
But nothing really matters much, it's doom alone that counts
And the one-eyed undertaker, he blows a futile horn
Come in, she said
I'll give ya shelter from the storm

I've heard newborn babies wailin' like a mournin' dove
And old men with broken teeth stranded without love
Do I understand your question, man, is it hopeless and forlorn
Come in, she said
I'll give ya shelter from the storm

In a little hilltop village, they gambled for my clothes
I bargained for salvation and she gave me a lethal dose
I offered up my innocence I got repaid with scorn
Come in, she said
I'll give ya shelter from the storm

Well, I'm livin' in a foreign country but I'm bound to cross the line
Beauty walks a razor's edge, someday I'll make it mine
If I could only turn back the clock to when God and her were born
Come in, she said
I'll give ya shelter from the storm


Songwriter: Bob Dylan

I'm just a sentimental old sap. This song, by Kenny Chesney, has been going through my head a lot recently. The first part really applies to my 31 year old son.....but the second part really applies to my graduating daughter.

There Goes My Life - Kenny Chesney:



All he could think about was
I'm too young for this
Got my whole life ahead
Hell I'm just a kid myself
How 'm I gonna raise one

All he could see were his dreams
Goin' up in smoke
So much for ditchin' this town
And hangin' out on the coast
Oh well, those plans are long gone

And he said
"There goes my life
There goes my future, my everything
Might as well kiss it all goodbye
There goes my life"

A couple years of up all night and
Few thousand diapers later
That mistake he thought he made
Covers up the refrigerator
Oh yea, he loves that little girl

Mamma's waitin' to tuck her in
As she fumbles up those stairs
She smiles back at him
Draggin' that teddy bear, sleep tight
Blue eyes and bouncin' curls

He smiles
"There goes my life
There goes my future, my everything
I love you Daddy, good night
There goes my life"

She had that Honda loaded down
With Abercrombie clothes
And fifteen pairs of shoes
And his American Express

He checked the oil, slammed the hood
Said, "You're good to go"
She hugged 'em both
And headed off to the West Coast

And he cried
"There goes my life
There goes my future, my everything
I love you, Baby, goodbye"

There goes my life

There goes my life
Baby goodbye
Baby goodbye
There goes my life



My son is doing great in life. My daughter will be heading off to college before long. I don't know what it is - is it because she's my youngest? Because she's a daughter? Because my wife and I will be empty nesters within months? I'm really struggling. Glad for my son, glad for my daughter, yet at the same time, with Sooga taking off.................I worry. A lot.

Dang - I didn't know being a parent would be this tough - when it's time to let go. Had no problem with my son - sending him off, etc. I guess it's just different with a daughter?

You get sentimental with age.

It's weird something out of nowhere just sets you off.

Music for sure. Lyrics for sure.

On the Blues thread I posted a song by Robert Kidney called "Rosalee."

I listened to that song and watched that video and tears came pouring.

It just hit me out of nowhere for no real reason. Then as I thought about it; I came to realize that it was the passage of time. And how quickly your youth fades.

Empty nest. I get that. I am fortunate to live with my daughter, her husband and my two grandsons. It is like being a Dad all over again.

Bruce Springsteen gets little props on this site, which is strange because we have a lot of blue-collar types here.

I know this is sacrilege... I never found his music compelling. His lyrics were tropes... we got it, the mill closed, (insert male name) lost his job and (insert female name) are running off on his motorcycle, her dad won’t understand...blah.
He and John Cougar Mellencamp, or John Mellencamp, or John Cougar, or JCM whatever he’s going by now are both in that category for me.
To each their own.

I just don't think that Springsteen is a particularly talented vocalist. Quite the contrary, in fact.

I know that some people really love his music. I would rather listen to paint peeling off the walls.

Not a fan. Not on a playlist. Don't have a cd.

But I saw him live once and he puts on a hell of a show.

Some of his stuff is ok.

The Boss might not have the best voice, but this thread is about song lyrics and he wrote some very good songs that appeal to a lot of hard-working folks who have faced tough times due the collapse of industry in the NE and The Rustbelt.

I'm not sure how many folks consider this song as containing great lyrics, but I think they are as relevant today as they were way back in 1970 when the song was released. The song still sounds good, as well.

Enjoy...

It was a sad day when Bob Marley left this earth. He had so much more to give.

I am thankful he left us this song.

The Beatles created some lyrical masterpieces. Many should be here.

However, John Lennon on his own created one of the greatest.


Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people living for today


Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people living life in peace, you


You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope some day you'll join us
And the world will be as one


Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people sharing all the world, you


You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope some day you'll join us
And the world will be as one


Songwriter: John Winston Lennon

In the Cinco DeMayo thread I posted a song meant as a bit of a dig to the topic of the thread itself. No one seemed to catch it. Lyrics can be dismissed for a good beat or misinterpreted all together. This was a classic case.
The lyrics are about an old man looking back on his life and seeing the decline of the American dream... this, performed by a Latino band... in a thread filled with stereotypical tropes about the Mexican culture... posted by (likely) European heritage caucasians.

That thread was started for all the wrong reasons and is fairly repulsive.

It’s why I jumped in with my post then left.

Good job Port. Appropriate.

I was just thinking of songwriters that I admire. People like Paul Simon, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Tom Waits, Van Morrison, Garcia & Hunter, Lennon & McCarthy.

Lyrically all and others have produced gems.

But when I think lyrically I always come back to Dylan. I could post fifty songs that are amazing. When he goes we will not see the likes of him again.


May God's bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay
May you stay forever young

Forever young
Forever young
May you stay
Stay forever young

May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you


May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay
May you stay forever young


Forever young
Forever young
May you stay
Stay forever young


May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift


May your heart always be joyful
May your song always be sung
And may you stay
May you stay forever young


Forever young
Forever young
May you stay
May you stay forever young


Songwriter: Bob Dylan

As a parent and now grandfather it is so fitting.

Old man look at my life
I'm a lot like you were
Old man look at my life
I'm a lot like you were
Old man look at my life
Twenty four and there's so much more
Live alone in a paradise
That makes me think of two
Love lost, such a cost
Give me things that don't get lost
Like a coin that won't get tossed
Rolling home to you
Old man take a look at my life
I'm a lot like you
I need someone to love me
The whole day through
Ah, one look in my eyes
And you can tell that's true
Lullabies, look in your eyes
Run around the same old town
Doesn't mean that much to me
To mean that much to you
I've been first and last
Look at how the time goes past
But I'm all alone at last
Rolling home to you
Old man take a look at my life
I'm a lot like you
I need someone to love me
The whole day through
Ah, one look in my eyes
And you can tell that's true
Old man look at my life
I'm a lot like you were
Old man look at my life
I'm a lot like you were


I love this live version... when it was a new song...

Correct.

I think he's the most important rock songwriter to ever come out of America, other than perhaps Dylan.

He's not just about hitting the road with his girl, or losing his job cuz the factory closed.

This song about 9/11 is like cinema for the mind.


THE RISING

Can't see nothin' in front of me
Can't see nothin' coming up behind
I make my way through this darkness
I can't feel nothing but this chain that binds me

Lost track of how far I've gone
How far I've gone, how high I've climbed
On my back's a sixty pound stone
On my shoulder a half mile line

Come on up for the rising
Come on up, lay your hands in mine
Come on up for the rising
Come on up for the rising tonight

Left the house this morning
Bells ringing filled the air
Wearin' the cross of my calling
On wheels of fire I come rollin' down here

Spirits above and behind me
Faces gone black, eyes burnin' bright
May their precious blood bind me
Lord as I stand before your fiery light


I see you Mary in the garden
In the garden of a thousand sighs
You're holding pictures of our children
Dancin' in a sky filled with light

May I feel your arms around me
May I feel your blood mix with mine
A dream of life comes to me
Like a catfish dancin' on the end of the line

Sky of blackness and sorrow (a dream of life)
Sky of love, sky of tears (a dream of life)
Sky of glory and sadness (a dream of life)
Sky of mercy, sky of fear (a dream of life)
Sky of memory and shadow (a dream of life)
Your burnin' wind fills my arms tonight
Sky of longing and emptiness (a dream of life)
Sky of fullness, sky of blessed life (a dream of life)

Come on up for the rising
Come on up, lay your hands in mine
Come on up for the rising
Come on up for the rising tonight

I was close to posting Old Man.

His song "The Will to Love" is an amazing song imo.

When I get in my Neil mood I binge.

Good addition. My son and nephew both love this song and I can't help like feeling I'm the old man. LOL

Seriously though.......great song that tugs at the heart strings we don't know we have. "I'm a lot like you were" has endless meanings.

One of my favorite Springstein song is The River. I think the song is somewhat haunting in its tone. I also think I could have ended up in that very situation very easily. I was put in that situation so many times. Somehow, I avoided it and found a woman too good for me and avoided toiling my life away in a factory making another man rich.

Here are the lyrics:



The recording:

Here's another one that really hits home with me. Kenny again.


Kenny Chesney Lyrics
"Noise"

Wrecking balls, downtown construction
Bottles breaking, jukebox buzzing
Cardboard sign says "The Lord is Coming"
Tick, tick, tock
Rumors turn the mills back home
Parking lot kids with the speakers blown
We didn't turn it on but we can't turn it off, off, off
Sometimes I wonder how did we get here
Seems like all we ever hear is noise

Yeah we scream, yeah we shout 'til we don't have a voice
In the streets, in the crowds, it ain't nothing but noise
Drowning out all the dreams of this Tennessee boy
Just tryin' to be heard in all this noise

24 hour television, get so loud that no one listens
Sex and money and politicians talk, talk, talk
But there really ain't no conversation
Ain't nothing left to the imagination
Trapped in our phones and we can't make it stop, stop this noise

Yeah we scream, yeah we shout 'til we don't have a voice
In the streets, in the crowds, it ain't nothing but noise
Drowning out all the dreams of this Tennessee boy
Just tryin' to be heard in all this noise

Every room, every house, every shade of noise
All the floors, all the walls, they all shake with noise
We can't sleep, we can't think, can't escape the noise
We can't take the noise, so we just make noise

Yeah we scream, yeah we shout 'til we don't have a voice
In the streets, in the crowds, it ain't nothing but noise
Drowning out all the dreams of this Tennessee boy
Just tryin' to be heard in all this noise

All this noise
Can't take the noise
Can't take the noise
Can't stand the noise
Can't take the noise









There is so much truth in that song.

Take 3 1/2 minutes to listen to it.

Great tune, albeit sad. One of my faves of his.

That song was released in 1971 and if you look at the words, nothing much has changed in the world... scary

This is an old song. It has been sung by many. Frank Sinatra probably was the most recognized. I had to look up who wrote it.

I just love the song. It is a beautiful touching song.



Fairy tales can come true
It can happen to you if you're young at heart
For it's hard, you will find
To be narrow of mind if you're young at heart


You can go to extremes with impossible schemes
You can laugh when your dreams fall apart at the seams
And life gets more exciting with each passing day
And love is either in your heart or on it's way


Don't you know that it's worth
Every treasure on earth to be young at heart
For as rich as you are
It's much better by far to be young at heart


And if you should survive to a hundred and five
Look at all you'll derive out of bein' alive
And here is the best part, you have a head start
If you are among the very young at heart


And if you should survive to a hundred and five
Look at all you'll derive out of bein' alive
And here is the best part, you have a head start
If you are among the very young at heart


Songwriters: Carolyn Leigh / Johnny Richards

Since you're taliking about Neil:Rockin' in the Free World
Neil Young... from 1988...

Things don't change much, do they?


There's colors on the street
Red, white and blue
People shufflin' their feet
People sleepin' in their shoes

there's a warnin' sign
On the road ahead
There's a lot of people sayin'
We'd be better off dead
Don't feel like Satan
But I am to them
So I try to forget it
Anyway I can

Keep on rockin' in the free world
Keep on rockin' in the free world

I see a woman in the night
With a baby in her hand
Under an old street light
Near a garbage can

Now she puts the kid away
she's gone to get a hit
She hates her life
And what she's done to it

There's one more kid
That will never go to school
Never get to fall in love
Never get to be cool

Keep on rockin' in the free world


We got a thousand points of light
For the homeless man
We got a kinder, gentler
Machine gun hand

We got department stores
And toilet paper
Got Styrofoam garbage
For the ozone layer

Got a man of the people
Says people alive
Got fuel to burn
Got roads to drive

No they have not..

I have that concert on DVD.

Amazing how a one person with an acoustic guitar can have that kind of control off an audience.

Neil. I always felt like his voice was an echo from far away. His songs are so different. Haunting lyrics full imagery and word pictures.

Hell Yes, Bone! I've always loved Neil Young's voice. Raw and unadulterated, he is who he is. He was sued by his own record company because he didn't conform to what they thought Neil Young should sound like. Give me a rock block of Needle and the Damage Done, Cortez the Killer, and Walk On.

I've gone fishing at the same place on the Mighty Ottawa River every year since I was 9. Helpless embodies everything that makes Neil Young dear to me:

There is a town in North Ontario
Dreams, comfort, and memories to spare
In my mind, I still need a place to go
All my changes were there

The world needs more fishing music.

Two Rivers Groove:

Looking out my window
Hoping to see, sunshine headed down my way
There's grey skies, clouds rollin in
I believe it smells like rain

Stuck here

Waiting

Praying for a West wind to blow these clouds away
Then I'm goin fishin
Head down to my honey hole to drift my troubles away

I can remember
Friends here before me
Some have gone away
The river keeps flowin, only faces drifting it have changed

One day my children
Or my children's children will head down to my honey hole and they
Will say I can remember
I would like to live on that way

I started fishing when I was five. Fishing for smallmouth in the Susquehanna river in Pa.

Started fly fishing around 30 and have traveled all over chasing fish.

Great sport that has been apart of my whole life.

Okay, like the BEST FISHING SONG EVER!

I raised my son on fly fishing. And just now helped him buy some land in Oregon. The plan is to build a house there next spring. The house will be very close to the Deschutes river. One of the best fishing rivers in the lower 48.

His girlfriend (just no ring). Is from Australia. And her parents have a place in New Zealand. He has gone there the last two years to fish. Some funny stories came out of that. She is a singer.

I fish the Deschutes for steelhead and know a couple really productive areas that are not heavily fished. No joke, your son gets out here and wants to be shown some productive water, look me up. I’d be glad to have a new fishing buddy... I’ve lost my last two. One to Maui. The other to early retirement and travel. I went solo last year... which I’m not a real fan of. The water is cold and fast moving. One wrong step and it’ll gobble you up and not spit you out. Mother Nature takes no mercy. Better to have a partner that can help get you out of a bad situation if needed.

I'm lucky that my little woman loves to fish. I even proposed to her while we were fishing in the rain on Ladue Reservoir. When we first started dating that was my dad's test to see if she was the kinda girl he wanted his son to be with... So he gave her a fishin rod, told her it was her rig whenever we went out, and it would be on the rod rack in the garage if she ever wanted to use it. Two days later she came by when I was gone to let my dad know she was grabbing her pole to hit up a local farm pond... and she'd be happy if he joined her. Shoot, you can talk to my dad about all the mundane bullspit in the world and he tunes it out, but if you give him a line on a new honey hole... He's all ears. First and only girl my dad approved of.

Only thing she isn't into is wading. I guess I need to get her a pair of waders that don't leak. But... There is no better sight than her setting in the bow of the Smokercraft, bare feet dangling in the water, sun setting behind her, as she patiently waits for the take and raises the rod to the bend of another fish that dwarves my best of the day. Images ingrained in my mind that I pray I will never lose.

Dig your tune Pit, but this is THE BEST FISHING SONG EVER!!! Shared it before and it bears more play. My favorite part:

Let me tell you how my baby gonna cook them fish
Put'em in a pot, put'em in a pan
Cook'em til they're nice and Brown
Mix up a batch of buttermilk, cornbread mamma
With a couple of beers to wash it all down
Any fish bite if you got good bait
Here's a little tip that I would like to relate
Many fish bite if you got good bait
Yes I'm going fishin, momma goin fishin, and the baby goin fish in too.

I'm not a fisher, but I do know the Deschutes and have been on it numerous times. It is also one of the most beautiful rivers I have ever been on. Even just outside Bend (which isn't a big town, but certainly growing fast!) and it maintains its majestic, tranquil beauty.

My son lives in Terrabonne just past Redmond on what is called Crooked River Ranch.

I live in Reno about a seven hour beautiful drive to get there. I go often when he is home.

That is some beautiful country.

Here’s one of my happy places.



Here’s why it makes me happy.

I’d Rather Go Fishin’...
by Strangefolk

Nothing better than good water and fly rod.

Unfortunately I haven’t picked up my fly rod in years. Sadly.
I started learning about 15 years ago. I fished a couple seasons with a guy that taught me the very basics. I never picked up the knots and such. He basically had me buy my gear. Then he set it all up. Tied the flies on for me when on the river. All that technical stuff. I was more focused on learning to cast in my limited outings with him. I figured I had a lifetime of fall fishing trips with him to learn the rest.... then he got a girlfriend... married her.... became a stepdad to a toddler... moved to Washington. I haven’t fished with him in years. My fly rod collects dust as I don’t really have the skills to utilize it properly.
I got fairly good at casting during the calm morning hours. With the sun comes the wind. The Deschutes can be a wind tunnel once it warms up. I was never very good at fly casting once the winds kicked up. Too many wind knots and wasted presentations. Anymore I spin cast exclusively. I can throw further and more accurately. Regardless of winds. I can cover more water with consistently good presentations. I hook more fish.
That said... I miss my fly rod. I hate that I don’t have the skills to use it or a friend that can show me more of the skills, in real world settings, to get me up to speed. As it is using it by myself is too much wasted time on my very limited trips to the river.
I’ve only hooked one steelie on it many many years back. A TOTALLY different fight from my spin rod. You really feel the power of the fish so much more. It was something I hope to experience again...
One day. I’m sure. When river time isn’t so precious.

I started fishing in Pa. many years ago. Started when I was five. Became an accomplished spin fisherman against smallmouth bass.

When I was about thirty-five I started fly fishing. I rarely have picked up a spinning rod since. Once learned it is just more fun.

Fly casting to catch fish is not hard. Becoming really good at it is like anything worth learning you have to commit to learn.

If you are interested I can PM lots of good information. I actually found learning to fly fish as much fun as actually doing it. I have thirty plus years of experience. So I can help.

When it comes to fishing for trout or steelhead it is by far the most productive tool. Big water for steelhead is best with a spey rod. Spin fishing is very limited because you can not present enough natural food imitations.

I taught my son. But now he is more accomplished in Oregon and with a spey rod because he lives there and fishes way more than I.

Trout fishing with a fly rod will out produce a spin rod 100 to 1. Not even close. Because you are presenting natural food sources. Dry fly fishing is without a doubt the most fun fishing there is.

At that I am a master because of experience and acquired knowledge from the worlds greatest. I took a serious interest learned from books and tapes. And met some of the best.

Lefty Kreh is the guy I learned the most from. I met him at a sports show and study all his material.

Start with him he has published tons. But he has a natural way to make it simple.

Day by day, my life gets colder
My eyes grows thin as I get older
Peace in pieces, bloody and bruised
I feel so helpless and confused
'Cause I hear
Screaming on the left
Yelling on the right
I'm sitting in the middle trying to live my life
'Cause I can't stop the war
Shelter homeless, feed the poor
I can't walk on water
I can't save your sons and daughters
Well, I can't change the world and make things fair
The least that I can do
The least that I can do
The least that I can do is care
Ooh yeah
Oh
I pray and pray for life's salvation
Faith is tried and true in tribulation
Love is lost and lonely, check the news
And with these open arms I'll wait for you
'Cause I hear you
Screaming on the left
Yelling on the right
I'm sitting in the middle trying to live my life
'Cause I can't stop the war
Shelter homeless, feed the poor
I can't walk on water
I can't save your sons and daughters
Well, I can't change the world and make things fair
The least that I can do
The least that I can do
The least that I can do is care
For the life of me
I can't see how the devil keeps enticing me
All you see is a felon
I know God can see what's right in me
How I can be labeled as a villain in the first place
When the worst case scenario is my birth place
I'm just trying to keep from falling victim to the murder rate
Take my life lesson, convincing the adolescents there's a God up in heaven
Sending down blessings
And your future ain't brighter than your present, quit stressing
Screaming on the left
And yelling on the right
While I'm sitting in the middle
Trying to live my life
'Cause I can't stop the war
Shelter homeless, feed the poor
I can't walk on water
I can't save your sons and daughters
Well, I can't change the world and make things fair
(Yeah, I wish I could though)
The least that I can do is care
No, I can't stop the war
Shelter homeless, feed the poor
I can't walk on water
I can't save your sons and daughters
Well, I can't change the world and make things fair (no no no no)
(I wish I could though)
The least that I can do (is what I can do)
The least that I can do (I take with what I can do)
The least that I can do
Is to always care
Yes I can care
And you know I can care
Yes I can care
Is what you can do

Who is the author?

One guy who got lost in time but who I have always admired as a song writer is (Cat Stevens) now Yusuf Islam.


Trouble
Oh trouble set me free
I have seen your face
And it's too much too much for me

Trouble
Oh trouble can't you see
You're eating my heart away
And there's nothing much left of me

I've drunk your wine
You have made your world mine
So won't you be fair
So won't you be fair

I don't want no more of you
So won't you be kind to me
Just let me go where
I'll have to go there

Trouble
Oh trouble move away
I have seen your face
And it's too much for me today

Trouble
Oh trouble can't you see
You have made me a wreck
Now won't you leave me in my misery

I've seen your eyes
And I can see death's disguise
Hangin' on me
Hangin' on me

I'm beat, I'm torn
Shattered and tossed and worn
Too shocking to see
Too shocking to see

Trouble
Oh trouble move from me
I have paid my debt
Now won't you leave me in my misery

Trouble
Oh trouble please be kind
I don't want no fight
And I haven't got a lot of time

I left the author off on purpose since most posters around here will start crying that he sucks once they know who it is.


Kid Rock

Just curious because I am unfamiliar with the song.

It should make no difference who wrote it. If you like it and feel strongly about it; it should not matter to you what others may think imo.

Here you go bro

It is a good song.

In honor of Neil.

I had to post this song. Although I have listened it many many times this live version blows the doors off.

Every time I watch this live performance and listen to it on my bose headphones; I am blown away.

There is something about the song and melody that is so captivating. Neil's guitar work is flawless and so emotional.

An amazing performance.

Thought I would post this song after I posted the lyrics. It is such a good song.

First I have always loved this song.

And I love Jade. Will be seeing her this week. She is my sons girl and they have a break from touring.

I can ABSO-LUTELY relate. I think it boils down to confidence in your approach. If you don't have someone who you can bounce ideas or voice frustrations to it makes it hard to stick with a certain tack. It's easy to second guess yourself when you don't have a track record of success to fall back on. And when you can only steal a few hours when the stars align, you want to increase your odds of success by doing what has worked in the past.

Don't get hung up on casting; you can catch a fish after a bad cast, but you probably won't catch a fish on a bad drift. You are freaking PortlandDawg, the absolute man. I've seen some of your awesome artwork; you can remember a couple knots. Start with a blood knot to connect different thicknesses of line together. Your regular old improved clinch knot is fine to connect the fly.

You can make it as easy or as complicated as you want. People make things, in general, sound harder than they actually are. There's this thing called tenkara flies from Japan, which is basically chicken feathers on a hook. It's been proven to catch any species of fish, so when you hear some jack hole talking about nothing biting except using a size 16 Brown drake, know you have just as much of a chance as he does. Just work the same water you would with your spinning rod with enough confidence to keep yourself from changing rigs every 5 casts.

I've never fished the Susquehanna , it sounds awesome. Spend some time in Potter County, God's Country, fishing Freeman's Run for Brook and Brown.

Have you ever looked up Joe Humphreys? He was a professor at Penn St. and taught Jimmy Carter and his wife to fly fish. He's got a real common sense approach. He grew up fishing small streams with thick cover, no wide open areas like out west. He tells a story about catching a trout on a fly he made from orange scraps around the house, putting it in the basket of his bike,and singing at the top of his lungs the whole way home. It's a feeling I think we all are trying to recapture when we wade into the water how many years later.

Honestly I have been a dedicated fly fisher for many years.

Sure I have read Humphreys. I have read and done so much in fishing it has been a great passion.

My favorite book and the one I recommend to anyone beginners to expert.

Dave Whitlock's Guide to Aquatic Trout Foods.
Really well illustrated and super informative.

I could teach someone to cast effectively very quickly.

There are some basics tips that really help. I read first. Then studied. Then watched. And then practiced.

It is a feel thing. Like riding a bike. Once you get the basics. Experience teaches.

I lived in Harrisburg as a young boy. My father started me fishing for smallies.

Today the best smallmouth fishing anywhere is Lake Erie. My brother is going out with a guide today near Presque Isle. Average smallie 3-4 pounds. Unreal fishery.

Is a 48-pound striped bass a biggie?

https://www.thechronicleherald.ca/news/l...hutdown-312685/

Sure. I never fished for strippers. They were in some of the lakes in Georgia.

I rarely fished stillwater. Most of the fishing I have done has been in rivers wading.

Some saltwater not much.

Uh.........yeah. Huge.

I have a couple of stripers in my pond. Great game fish.

If any of mine were even 8 pounds I'd be surprised. (I have a rule for my pond: come fish. Bluegill don't get put back in the pond. The bass are catch and release only)

That thing is massive!

Lol!

I don't get? Does that mean something like girls in clubs?

Then I get it.

Hey how about Jade with "Georgia"?

I just think you added an extra "p," bro.

Now, I don't get the Jade w/Georgia comment. Please elaborate.

Posted above her singing "Georgia on My Mind".

I thought she was great on that song.

Thanks for the recommendation. I will definitely check that out.

Do you have any recommendations for books on fly tying? I have been tying my own for a while, but really want to get good at it. I got a copy of "Fly Tying Made Clear and Simple," by Skip Morris. I felt it did a good job of progressively building techniques with each fly tied. The dawggone materials are so expensive though, I found myself using a lot of substitutions that I'm not quite sure were appropriate.

I'm taking a guys trip with my son and father to the Au Sable near the end of June. Looks like a lot of mayfly hatches. I'd like to find a good book that shows different fly, emerger, and nymph variation. I'd really like my son to be in the midst of a hatch where I've rigged him up with a dry and an emerger on the dropper. This will be his first fly fishing trip where he will have a chance to catch native and wild trout; until now it's been all stocked put and take fish. Sounds like Mr. Whitlock's book might be the thing, as I'm sure it details different species throughout the life cycle. Even if it's not a book on tying specifically, I think I have the skills to produce a reasonable facsimile. There's always YouTube as well.

Have you ever fished at night? There's hex hatches that I've heard produce bruiser Brown's at night. I'd like to learn to tie some spinners. I've never night fished for trout before though. I'm guessing they aren't typically sipping and are really aggressive at that time, but I don't normally feel a take, so I am apprehensive of fishing when I can't see.

Oh yeah, it's a song lyrics thread. I got a couple percolating, but the kid's tablet is aboot to die, so it will wait.

Bone, loved hearing your son's little yum-yum's version of that classic tune. Does she have any original work you can bring to light?

I took one fly tying class. Not my thing.
Whitlock goes into it a little in the book. But he has a theory that replicas are not needed.

I know in Upper Michigan they fish for huge browns at night with mouse patterns. I looked into it once and there are guides that specialize in that.

Check this out.

War Pigs

Black Sabbath

[Verse 1]
Generals gathered in their masses
Just like witches at black masses
Evil minds that plot destruction
Sorcerers of death's construction
In the fields, the bodies burning
As the war machine keeps turning
Death and hatred to mankind
Poisoning their brainwashed minds
Oh, Lord, yeah!

[Verse 2]
Politicians hide themselves away
They only started the war
Why should they go out to fight?
They leave that all to the poor, yeah!
Time will tell on their power minds
Making war just for fun
Treating people just like pawns in chess
Wait till their judgment day comes, yeah!

[Guitar Solo]

[Verse 3]
Now, in darkness, world stops turning
Ashes where their bodies burning
No more war pigs have the power
Hand of God has struck the hour
Day of Judgment, God is calling
On their knees, the war pigs crawling
Begging mercies for their sins
Satan, laughing, spreads his wings
Oh, Lord, yeah!

I really got into fly fishing and fly tying for a while. I dedided that I have too many expensive hobbies, so fly tying and golf were the ones to go. I do miss it, and gave away tons of fly tying materials and gear. But I'm sticking with photography, cycling, guns and guitars.

-

This song depicts the great Jazz bassist/composer/arranger/bandleader Charles Mingus in his final days. He always said he'd outlive Duke Ellington (who died at 77), but suffered ALS which stole his body, then took him from us- at 56. From Joni Mitchell's liner notes:

"Charles Mingus, a musical mystic, died in Mexico, January 5, 1979 at the age of 56. He was cremated the next day. That same day, 56 sperm whales beached themselves on the Mexican coastline and were removed by fire. These are the coincidences that thrill my imagination."


"A Chair In The Sky"
-Joni Mitchell/Charles Mingus
from 'Mingus' Asylum Records ‎– AS 53091 1979

The rain slammed hard as bars
It caught me--by surprise
Mutts of the planet
And shook me down for alibis
I'm waiting
For the keeper to release me
Debating this sentence
Biding my time
In memories
Of old friends of mine
In daydreams of Birdland
I see my soul on fire
Burning up the bandstand
Next time
I'll be bigger!
I'll be better than ever!
I'll be happily attached
To my cold hard cash!
But now Manhattan holds me
To a chair in the sky
With the Bird in my ears
And boats in my eyes
Going by

There are things I wish I'd done
Some friends I'm gonna miss
Beautiful lovers
I never got the chance to kiss
Daydreamin' drugs the pain of living
Processions of missing
Lovers and friends
Fade in and they fade out again
In these daydreams of rebirth
I see myself in style
Raking in what I'm worth
Next time
I'll be bigger!
I'll be better than ever!
I'll be resurrected royal!
I'll be rich as Standard Oil!
But now, Manhattan holds me
To a chair in the sky
With the Bird in my ears
And boats in my eyes
Going by

Interesting.

I knew that she collaborated with Mingus only remember a little.

I will listen to that.

Dawg... this album has been in my Top 10 for forty (!!!) years. That's how good it is.

And that's counting all the landmark historic Classical and Straight-ahead Jazz masterpieces in my 750+ LP collection. All the exotic stuff I've found. All the family favorites.

Top 10.
All Time.

Everything Joni had done before was leading to this joint. The personnel on the album is a 'who's who' of contemporary front-runners... and sitting at the feet of The Master had to be both inspirational and intimidating af for her. Joni herself even said that she ran 3-4 versions of every tune past Charles during her process.

The Boys In The Band were more than happy to indulge her- and themselves. It was that much of a worthy project, and her music was that good. They all worshiped Charles. They'd do anything to make this thing happen.

_____________________

A tip: Set aside a chunk of 'me time'... and do this thing justice. It's best enjoyed/appreciated if listened to deeply. Consider the album a concert suite to be experienced like a complete story... with multiple chapters that tell the tale. Take it in from start to finish. The way we always used to listen to music, you know?

Old School.

Set aside the time to do it right. Create/prepare a listening session. If you enjoy a sip/equivalent, please do so. Every tune on this collection is a knockout- from lyrics through final mix... and the musicians are the best of their generation(s).

Dawg, I promise you: If you love and appreciate deeply-conceived music, you will adopt this album like a family member. This album sit on the same shelf as Miles Davis' 'Kind Of Blue.'

That is some heavy praise.

No doubt I will check it out. I have Joni on play lists and have always had great respect for her.

Jade MacRae is an Australian r&b, jazz singer. She has albums out and will be releasing a new album shortly.

"Mingus" and "Hejira" are my two favorite Joni Mitchell albums.

("Hissing of Summer Lawns" probably third).

I also love 'Don Juan's Reckless Daughter'

She had a monster string of albums during that period.
No better lyricist has ever existed. Joni's the queen.

Marmalade, "Reflections of My Life" might be the best song with the best lyrics ever!

Dean Ford passed away this past December...a great talent! Check out some versions of that song and see how spot on that band was! Amazing!

https://youtu.be/R5NdcWGrnjw

Try this one. Tone is perfect!

Man, that came out when I was 6.

It's a good song though. I probably haven't heard it is 25-25 years. That's what makes these kinds of threads cool though.

Randy Newman has written a bunch of great songs this is one.

In America you'll get food to eat
Won't have to run through the jungle
And scuff up your feet
You'll just sing about Jesus and drink wine all day
It's great to be an American

Ain't no lions or tigers ain't no mamba snake
Just the sweet watermelon and the buckwheat cake
Everybody is as happy as a man can be
Climb aboard little wog sail away with me

Sail away sail away
We will cross the mighty ocean into Charleston Bay
Sail away-sail away
We will cross the mighty ocean into Charleston Bay

In America every man is free
To take care of his home and his family
You'll be as happy as a monkey in a monkey tree
You're all gonna be an American

Sail away sail away
We will cross the mighty ocean into Charleston Bay
Sail away-sail away
We will cross the mighty ocean into Charleston Bay

Songwriter: Randy Newman

My favorite Randy Newman composition is actually an instrumental called "Dexter's Tune". It's a very pretty song he composed for the movie, "Awakenings" with Robin Williams and Robert DeNiro.

Randy Newman is really unique to the business of music. He has carved out a niche in music and filled it with songs that are part story and humor.

A way to look at ourselves under a different light.

Love stories of a different kind. History told in a humorous way.

But within that context there maybe a message.

I have been a fan of his from the start.

j/c

I shared a set of lyrics that are deep, introspective, emblematic of clinical depression... and now missing from this thread.

Shame, really... especially since they were penned by a Cleveland native.

Sometimes, this website mystifies me.

On occasion I have tried to contact them with a why?

Got nothing.

I have come to the conclusion of ehh.

I've had posts jettisoned before, and only once ever asked why. On all those occasions, I pretty well knew why.

This one?
Who knows.

BTW, the tune was "Hurt" by Trent Reznor.
Great song/chilling lyrics.

I won't bother asking why.
I'd have to care more before I'd make the effort.
Just thought Dawgs should know.

Found this today. Thought it was great. The film is bad but the sound good.

But I never heard of these two playing together.
And on this song it so good.

Everybody has favorites. One of mine is Steely Dan. Been a fan since 'Can't Buy a Thrill.'

Beyond their catchy tunes, sophisticated charts and top-shelf players, they also specialize in sardonic, world-weary lyrics that artfully paint gritty real-life vignettes.

Haitian Divorce
Don't Take Me Alive
Glamour Profession

...and then, some are just fun, clever, cynical romps through relationship hell. Bonus: this one bumps an infectious groove that has your head bobbing from start to finish.

Lunch With Gina

That must be her again
She's leaning on my bell
That cold psychotic brain
The one I know so well
So I'm nailed to the floor in the no-option zone
There's about zero chance she'll give up and go home

This endless afternoon
It started on the day I met her
Lunch with Gina is forever

She's coming round the corner
Her body's just a blur
I peel out like The Flash
It don't mean boo to her
So I duck into Nino's—she's barred from the place
The minute I walk out she's right in my face

She's got nothing but time
No use in trying to be clever
Lunch with Gina is forever

Now I'm in my apartment
The blinds down the lights out
The phone rings God help me
There's nobody home

I crouch on the carpet
Not breathing just being
Like meat on the bone

(...adn don't this synth solo sound just like your crazy ex-girlfriend? )

I'm in a cozy booth
Maybe my watch is fast
Another Tanqueray
I'll wait till twenty past
I'm about to go postal when she waltzes in
I guess she's a knockout—hey where have I been?

The waiter never comes
God knows the service could be better
Lunch with Gina is forever

Coffee and a kiss
Maybe later maybe never
Lunch with Gina…

"Everything Must Go" is an album I still put on from time to time (but not as much as "2 Against Nature").

Walter Becker's passing was a big loss when you think of the body of their lyrics over the years.

I guess Donald Fagen is trying to make an attempt (through litigation) to continue the music through something called, "Donald Fagen and the Steely Dan Band." I hope he is able to do so, as long as it holds that moniker.

"Haitian Divorce", "Babylon Sisters" and so many others: masterful lyrics and songs with reggae, jazz and funk.

Another that comes to mind: "Third World Man." Really beautiful song with brief, profound lyrics. I'm too lazy to post them, but Steely Dan fans will know what I'm talking about.

I'll do it for you. Folks need to know this stuff. I got you, Dawg.

Third World Man

Johnny's playroom
Is a bunker filled with sand
He's become a third world man

Smoky Sunday
He's been mobilized since dawn
Now he's crouching on the lawn
He's a third world man

Soon you'll throw down your disguise
We'll see behind those bright eyes
By and by
When the sidewalks are safe
For the little guy

I saw the fireworks
I believed that I was dreaming
Till the neighbors came out screaming
He's a third world man

Soon you'll throw down your disguise
We'll see behind those bright eyes
By and by
When the sidewalks are safe
For the little guy

When he's crying out
I just sing that Ghana rondo
E l'era del terzo mondo
He's a third world man
He's a third world man
He's a third world man




Oh, dude. Choking up a little bit tonight because Walt is gone.
Brothers always brought it Real.
So glad I saw them a few years years back.

I saw them in '94 at the Hollywood Bowl for their "Alive in America" reunion tour.

"Third World Man" was played right before the encore break.

re: Becker - looking strictly at their solo works (Fagen's 4 and Becker's 2), Fagen's are richer musically (IMO), but Becker's are more "Steely Dan-ish" and poignant lyrically. "Circus Money" is a great record.

Keeping on topic with lyrics - Can't go too far wrong with "Any Major Dude......" or "Pearl of the Quarter".

Love this talk.

It's reminding me just how deep and rich the Steely Dan vein is.

____________________________



Somehow, this joint has totally escaped my notice [makes mental note: 'Circus Money']

THANK YOU.
DEEP THANKS.

I now have a new mini-project to jump-start my Summer session.

When you get into a Steely Dan mood it is all groove.

Great band musically and lyrically.

One of my favorite albums.

There's some stuff I like to listen to on Final Cut. Good lyrics (as always ), a few great guitar solos and the theme.

In my mind , I sort of considered it Waters' first solo album. Not really Pink Floyd. At least "Animals", by most accounts , was a bit more collaborative.

Claire de lune(English translation from French):
Moonlight:

Your soul is a select landscape
Where charming masqueraders and bergamaskers go
Playing the lute and dancing and almost
Sad beneath their fantastic disguises

All sing in a minor key
Of victorious love and the opportune life
They do not seem to believe in their happiness
And their song mingles with the moonlight

With the still moonlight
sad and beautiful
That sets the birds dreaming in the trees
and the fountains among marble statues



Patience... never rushed, flowing.

What forms our lasting memories of the people we love?

I remember Grandma Joan's horrified expression as I licked the bottom of a bowl of mint-chocolate chip ice cream; such manners. I remember her giving me my first hard bound book; Swiss Family Robinson. We'd walk around the block to go "puddle jumping" when a rainbow appeared after a hard rain, wade the creek to cool off on a hot summer day. You could tell how bad her heartburn was by how much baking soda she put in her soda bread; sometimes it was inedible. She used to tape quotes on her bedroom mirror. My signature came from there, "We are not called on to be successful, we are called on to be faithful."

At their 65th anniversary party, she didn't know who any of us were. She just smiled. There was a big picture of the best man and maid of honor holding umbrellas for them as they walked out into the rain on their wedding day, so many years ago. Grandpa gave a speech and started to sing:

Moon River
wider than a mile
I'm crossing you in style
Someday

Oh dream maker
You heart breaker
Wherever you're going
I'm going your way

Two Drifters
off to see the world
There's such a lot of world to see
We're after the same rainbows end
Waitin round the bend
My huckleberry friend
Moon River and me

I see those two drifters setting out on their wedding day and look at the legacy they left behind. It seems cruel that at the rainbows end the most fantastic parts of the journey were forgotten. It makes me think about the parts of my life that I never want to let go, and realize, there is no guarantee; no matter how fulfilling. Guess I'll just try to love harder and hold on tighter.

How on God's green earth did I forget this?



I'm countin' on you
to carry me through

GIVE ME THE BEAT BOYS AND FREE MY SOUL
I wanna get lost in your Rock and Roll
and drift away

When my mind is free
you know a melody can move me
When I'm feelin blue
That GUITAR'S COMIN' THROUGH to soothe me

Thanks for the joy that you've given me
I want you to know I BELIEVE IN YOUR SONG
Rhythm and rhyme a harmony
You've helped me along
Making me strong

OH GIVE ME THE BEAT BOYS AND FREE MY SOUL
I wanna get lost in your rock and roll
and drift away

I refuse to let this thread die.

I don't hate country music. I like Johnny Cash kind of country music. What I do hate is country music that is nothing more than background noise. It seems that every rocker I know that turned 30 decided to play country in the background of their backyard bar-b-Q because, I don't know, it's the most unobtrusive forgettable thing that they could play. So vanilla, so lame, so disappointing.



Straight out of Nashville, here's your next big star
He don't write the songs he sings, but he knows the words by heart.
Wears a cowboy hat, and some tight blue jeans,
And he struts around the stage like he's the coolest thing you've ever seen.

Oh you gotta love him!

He looks like a super model, knows how to strike a pose
And he don't mind the makeup, as long as no one knows.
And he's got that crooked grin, and talks with a southern drawl,
Acts like Toby Keith, but sounds a lot like Tim McGraw

But if he's country I'll kiss your ass,
And throw all my Willie Nelson records in the trash.
He's the same old junk in a slightly different bag,
But if he's country, well then country's pretty bad.

I don't watch CMT
Naw that junk makes me sick.
And that ole Kenny Chesney,
What a hypocrite.

He'll swear he's country,
But he lives in the Caribbean.
Sings all about the islands now,
What happened to the Tennessean

Aw if he's country ill kiss your ass
Throw all my Johnny Cash records in the trash
He's all about image cuz image pays the bucks,
Aw but if he's country, well then country really sucks.

What happened to the outlaws,
Who weren't afraid to cross the line.
What happened to the workin' man,
Who sang the truth about their troubled lives.

I was raised in Georgia, in a one red light town.
And my daddy picked guitar in every honky tonk around.
And he taught me all the good stuff,
That solid country gold, but now I love it all from hip-hop to rock and roll

And if I ain't country, well I don't give a damn
My daddy taught me to be own kinda man
He said "Son you don't have to go along with the crowd"
So if I ain't country then I'm pretty frickin proud
Oh Well I don't need their labels anyhow

Not a really well known song of Dylan's but a song I have always loved.
==========================================================

I hate myself for lovin' you and the weakness that it showed.
You were just a painted face on a trip down Suicide Road.
The stage was set, the lights went out all around the old hotel.
I hate myself for lovin' you and I'm glad the curtain fell.


I hate that foolish game we played and the need that was expressed.
And the mercy that you showed to me, who ever would have guessed?
I went out on Lower Broadway and I felt that place within,
That hollow place where martyrs weep and angels play with sin.


Heard your songs of freedom and man forever stripped,
Acting out his folly while his back is being whipped.
Like a slave in orbit, he's beaten 'til he's tame,
All for a moment's glory and it's a dirty, rotten shame.


There are those who worship loneliness, I'm not one of them.
In this age of fiberglass I'm searching for a gem.
The crystal ball up on the wall hasn't shown me nothing yet,
I've paid the price of solitude, but at last I'm out of debt.


Can't recall a useful thing you ever did for me
'Cept pat me on the back one time when I was on my knees.
We stared into each other's eyes 'til one of us would break,
No use to apologize, what diff'rence would it make?


So sing your praise of progress and of the Doom Machine,
The naked truth is still taboo whenever it can be seen.
Lady Luck, who shines on me, will tell you where I'm at,
I hate myself for lovin' you, but I should get over that.

Songwriter: Bob Dylan

Screw Bob;

I hate myself for loving you: Joan Jett

j/c

Joni Mitchell knows how to tell a story.
This one is an up-tempo 12-bar blues. The band cooks this jam like it's a guest on Food Network.

The Dry Cleaner From Des Moines

I'm down to a roll of dimes
I'm stalking the slot that's hot
I keep hearing bells all around me
Jingling in the lucky jackpots
They keep you tantalized
They keep you reaching for your wallet
Here in fools' paradise!

I talked to a cat from Des Moines
He said he ran a cleaning plant
That cat was clanking with coin
Well, he must have had a genie in a lamp
'Cause every time, I dropped a dime, I blew it
He kept ringing bells
Nothing to it!

Well, he got three oranges
Three lemons
Three cherries
Three plums
I'm losing my taste for fruit
Watching the dry cleaner do it
Like Midas in a polyester suit
It's all luck!
It's just luck!
You get a little lucky and you make a little money!

[instrumental solos happen here]

I followed him down the strip
He picked out a booth at Circus Circus
Where the cowgirls fill the room
With their big balloons
The Cleaner was pitching with purpose!
He had Dinos and Pooh Bears
And lions, pink and blue there
He couldn't lose there!

[more solos happen here]

Des Moines was stacking the chips
Raking off the tables
Ringing the bandit's bells
This is a story that's a drag to tell
(In some ways)
Since I lost every dime
I laid on the line
But the cleaner from Des Moines
Could put a coin
In the door of a John
And get twenty for one
It's just luck!

j/c

"Revelation (Mother Earth)"

[Daisley - Osbourne - Rhoads]

Mother please forgive them
For they know not what they do
Looking back in history's books
It seems it's nothing new
Oh, let my mother live

Heaven is for heroes
And hell is full of fools
Stupidity, no will to live
They're breaking God's own rules
Please let my mother live

Father of all creation
I think we're all going wrong
The path they're taking
Seems to be breaking
And it won't take too long
Children of the future
Watching empires fall
Madness, the cup they drink from
Self destruction, the toll

I had a vision, l saw the world burn
And the seas had turned red
The sun had fallen, the final curtain
In the land of the dead
Mother, please show the children
Before it's too late
To fight each other, there's no one winning
We must fight all the hate

Have always thought that this was brilliant.


My friend assures me, "It's all or nothing."
I am not worried
I am not overly concerned
My friend implores me, "For one time only,
Make an exception."
I am not worried
Wrap her up in a package of lies
Send her off to a coconut island
I am not worried
I am not overly concerned with the status of my emotions
"Oh, " she says, "you're changing."
But we're always changing
It does not bother me to say this isn't love
Because if you don't want to talk about it then it isn't love
And I guess I'm going to have to live with that
But I'm sure there's something in a shade of gray
Or something in between
And I can always change my name
If that's what you mean
My friend assures me, "It's all or nothing."
But I am not really worried
I am not overly concerned
You try to tell yourself the things you try to tell yourself
To make yourself forget
I am not worried
"If it's love, " she said, "then we're going to have to
think about the consequences."
She can't stop shaking
I can't stop touching her and
This time when kindness falls like rain
It washes her away and Anna begins to change her mind
"These seconds when I'm shaking leave me shuddering
for days, " she says
And I'm not ready for this sort of thing
But I'm not going to break
And I'm not going to worry about it anymore
I'm not going to bend and I'm not going to break
And I'm not going to worry about it anymore
No no no no no,
It seems like I should say, "As long as this is love"
But it's not all that easy so maybe I should
Snap her up in a butterfly net
Pin her down on a photograph album
I am not worried
I've done this sort of thing before
But then I start to think about the consequences
Because I don't get no sleep in a quiet room and
The time when kindness falls like rain
It washes me away and Anna begins to change my mind
And every time she sneezes I believe it's love and
Oh Lord, I'm not ready for this sort of thing
She's talking in her sleep
It's keeping me awake and Anna begins to toss and turn
And every word is nonsense but I understand and
Oh Lord, I'm not ready for this sort of thing
Her kindness bangs a gong
It's moving me along and Anna begins to fade away
It's chasing me away
She disappears and
Oh Lord, I'm not ready for this sort of thing

Clem, in different threads you've introduced me to Shadows and Light, highlighted the Mingus album, and now you've focused in even further. Thankyou. I have a soft spot for Joni Mitchell, but grew up with her more strummy stuff. I've been listening. I guess sometimes it goes over my head, but that Mingus album is pretty darn good. I really like Goodbye Pork Pie Hat. I like the line, "Love is never easy, it's short of the hope we have for happiness."

One thing I'm confused on. Mingus was a bass player right? Did he play on the album and Pastorius played the tour, or did Pastorius also appear on the album?

Finding old articles. You might have read it back in the day, but thought you might enjoy it. Here's the intro; the body is linked.

https://jonimitchell.com/library/view.cfm?id=95
Joni Mitchell Makes Mingus Sing
by Leonard Feather
Down Beat
September 6, 1979

The career of vocalist and songwriter Joni Mitchell has, within the last year, developed to emphasize her associations with jazz music which have been evident at least since Tom Scott's L.A.Express joined her on on Court and Spark. Mingus, her acclaimed collaboration with the late bassist/composer, and her Playboy Jazz Festival performance with Herbie Hancock, Don Alias, Gene Perla, and Randy Brecker are indicative of her latest direction.

In conversation, Joni states her longtime involvement with jazz - the sound of Annie Ross is clearly discernible in some of Joni's phrasing, and sure enough—Lambert, Hendricks & Ross was an early favorite.

Born in McLeod, Alberta, Canada, Joni Mitchell enrolled at an art school in Alberta but soon drifted into folk singing. She took an increasing interest in songwriting, graduated from ukelele to acoustic guitar, and after working at coffee houses in Toronto, moved to Detroit in 1966.

Her career moved into top gear after she signed with Reprise Records in 1967. During the years that followed, her own personal success as a singer was at times partially subjugated to the impact of others' versions of her songs (Both Sides Now provided a hit for Joni and a gold record for Judy Collins). Since 1972 Mitchell has been with Asylum Records.

A natural musician rather than a schooled one, over the years her close association with sophisticated musicians has led to an ever more sensitive awareness of the fundamentals of jazz.

Last year, it became known that she was embarking on an album in collaboration with the ailing Mingus, the sidemen including Wayne Shorter, Jaco Pastorius, Peter Erskine and Herbie Hancock.

By late April, the project had been finally mixed and the album was previewed at a private party. The interview below took place a few days later, when Mitchell still had not decided on a final title, which she discusses here.
https://jonimitchell.com/library/view.cfm?id=95

Dang Bone, Dirge was a hard song to find. I tried on youtube, but only found covers and a robot voice that recited the lyrics. Finally found it on something called Vimeo. I like it, thanks for sharing.

As far as lyrics go, I've always loved Last Thoughts on Woodie Guthrie. I won't post all the lyrics 'cuz they'd take a while. At the beginning of the song Dylan says he was asked to summarize his thoughts in 25 words or less. He said he couldn't do it, so "I wrote 5 pages." There are so many lines that cut to the bone, but what always stands out to me are the lines, and I'm remembering the best I can, "Look at my skin glow, look at my skin shine. When you can't even sense that they got any insides. These people all pretty with there ribbons and bows."

Dirge was on the album "Planet Waves."

Of course "Forever Young" was also.

Anyone who loves song lyrics should at least one time get a copy of all the lyrics of Dylan's songs.

A true poet. They are great to read.

Lyrically he has influenced so many people. Understandable.

The dude can turn a phrase.

"Buckets of Rain" was always my favorite lyrically and melodically.

Well, there's certainly some straight up no nonsense lyrics in this Bob Seger classic.

"Sunspot Baby"

She packed up her bags and she took off down the road
Left me here stranded with the bills she owed
She gave me a false address
Took off with my American Express
Sunspot Baby
She sure had me way outguessed

She left me here stranded like a dog out in the yard
Charged up a fortune on my credit card
She used my address and my name
Man that was sure unkind
Sunspot Baby
She sure has a real good time

I looked in Miami
I looked in Negril
The closest I came was a month old bill
I checked the Bahamas and they said she was gone
I can't understand why she did me so wrong

But she packed up her bags
And she took off down the road
Said she was going to visit sister Flo
She used my address and my name
And man that was sure unkind
Sunspot Baby
I'm gonna catch up sometime
Sure had a real good time

Right from the start when he first came out you could tell this guy was different.

Woody was a major influence on Bob. But he took things to another gear.

I remember walking around Kent and hearing Dylan coming from rooms out to the street. At a time when you are young and awaking to the world. Dylan was like a light bulb.

Now all these years later he is a beacon to all in music.

j/c

Probly Knot

I went to college at age eighteen.

Then I earned my degree.

It seems that guaranteed success,

Surely would come to me.

Could wealth untold be mine?

No blue collar overtime.

Could life really be this fine?

Probly Knot!


Politicians say they'll save the world.

I'm confused can't you see.

They just need to look on our own city streets.

There's hungry, homeless and diseased.

Ain't this the promised land?

I've seen all I can stand.

Uncle Same won't you lend them a hand?

Probly Knot!

Probly Knot!