Tribute

Just watched The 2007 Library of Congress Tribute to Paul Simon, with Joe-Henry cuddled next to me on the couch. It was so amazing to see all his songs covered by people like James Taylor, Marc Anthony, Lyle Lovett and Steven Marley. But a few of my favorites were these: Graceland, which was given a really haunting rendition by Allison Krauss and Jerry Douglas; Diamonds on the Soles of His Shoes sung by Paul Simon himself and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who totally rocked it and rolled it and kicked it outta the house with their amazing moves.

Here's just a snippet of what must have been the most amazing concert to see live in perhaps the history of the universe. Seriously - all that talent? Singing Paul Simon songs?

The Boxer sung by Shawn Colvin and Allison Krauss

I think this might be one of the best story songs ever written. So mournful and beautiful, and these two ladies brought out the best in it's soulful harmonies. Their voices are perfect together.



The best part of the whole night for me, though, was Bridge Over Troubled Water, sung by Simon AND Garfunkle, and me on the couch, to a sleepy Joe-Henry who told me I had the prettiest voice he had ever heard, right before he went to sleep in my arms.

For someone who used to love getting applause, this was better than a standing ovation.

So I leave you with this. 'Cause I love him like a rock.

HeadSong Friday: American Tune

Ya know, I thought about some Sousa, but I figured you'd all get enough of that without me piling more on your plate. I wanted to do something rousing and patriotic, but this one kept creeping through my head. And since it is HeadSong Friday, well, I knew what I had to do.

I have always loved this song. It gets me every time. It reminds me of my dad, it reminds me of people I've known that work so hard, and never give up. Even when they know that hard work isn't going to do anything but keep them busy until the shit hits the fan. They just plug along and do their best, and get ready for another day.

Words & music by Paul Simon

Many's the time I've been mistaken
And many times confused
Yes, and I've often felt forsaken
And certainly misused
Oh, but I'm all right, I'm all right
I'm just weary to my bones
Still, you don't expect to be
Bright and bon vivant
So far away from home, so far away from home

And I don't know a soul who's not been battered
I don't have a friend who feels at ease
I don't know a dream that's not been shattered
or driven to its knees
but it's all right, it's all right
for we lived so well so long
Still, when I think of the
road we're traveling on
I wonder what's gone wrong
I can't help it, I wonder what's gone wrong

And I dreamed I was dying
I dreamed that my soul rose unexpectedly
And looking back down at me
Smiled reassuringly
And I dreamed I was flying
And high up above my eyes could clearly see
The Statue of Liberty
Sailing away to sea
And I dreamed I was flying

We come on the ship they call the Mayflower
We come on the ship that sailed the moon
We come in the age's most uncertain hours
and sing an American tune
Oh, and it's alright, it's all right, it's all right
You can't be forever blessed
Still, tomorrow's going to be another working day
And I'm trying to get some rest
That's all I'm trying to get some rest


Take care of your families today. Stay safe. And remember to put your right hand over your heart on the left side when they play The Star Spangled Banner. Oh, and eat as much potato salad as you want. Because spuds will do right by you, every damn time.

Happy 4th, people.