Sundown by Gordon Lightfoot. A few years ago I was lucky to be present at a live performance by Gordon Lightfoot at the Genesee Theater in Waukegan. The Genesee is a magnificent old theater, restored, perfect sight lines from any place in the house. The atmosphere is apt for music performance, particularly folk, or…
I have always liked this song, the simple piano intro, and the powerful voice of Elvis telling a universal human story. Durable relationships are hard. Both parties are challenged to go “all in,” to show the hand each is holding. This must be done if the relationship has a chance of enduring. We typically…
The time has come, push the pile of chips forward, to the middle of the table. Time to go “all in,” risking everything to gain a point. I like this song by Huey Lewis for several reasons. I have been fortunate to see Huey Lewis perform live. He is a prolific song writer. His…
What is required for greatness? Infrequently I ask the question silently, to myself in solitude. I’ve never answered out loud. But I know. Greatness is the achievement of a few lines of prose, a poem or two, a lyric or a tune of such quality that one recognizes “for this I was born.” I…
You will like this Tom Petty video. Into the Great Wide Open was the title song on the album by the same name released in 1991. It is a story song, the lyric “tells itself.” The music video for the single, directed by Julien Temple, starred Johnny Depp as the protagonist, Eddie Rebel, as…
The word surfaces to consciousness, something that seldom comes. It means “silence” in Japanese. I’ve not thought of that word for many years. Saturday morning early, — viewing the frost covered ground in the backyard. Nothing is moving. The frost is the remains of winter’s grasp upon the ground. There is little traffic…
Monday, the weather has turned, the ice melts, the brown earth appears. There is hope. Life returns. Living in the Midwest, one learns to take winter seriously. Severe, single digit cold is an effective teacher. Therefore, in the Midwest we celebrate the first hint of spring. Over the weekend I completed planting preparation for…
Sunday morning, the New York Times Weekend Briefing has again arrived in my iphone mailbox. Among the usual topics is an overview of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, an anticipated reinforcement in the push to immunize the population against accelerating transmission of the corona virus. The pandemic aid bill which has gained House approval…
Let’s start out with a song. This one by the Canadian band Rush, Closer To The Heart. The tune scarcely needs any comment. Closer To The Heart By Rush And the men who hold high places Must be the ones who start To mold a new reality Closer to the heart Closer to the…
Recently I considered the books piled upon my desk. I am fortunate to be able to purchase whatever I am inclined to read. I am happy in a strange way, — happy like a soldier departing on a mission, grasping a rifle with clip of full metal-jacket rounds, and plenty of spare ammo. I…
