a song is worth two prayers

This is a song to which I often turn for comfort in difficult times. I like to lead it at these times and it was one of the first songs I was able to lead.

I filmed this a couple of months ago, before my current bout with anemia, still in summery weather, still looking and feeling good.

Sometimes when I sing [what to me are] the most intense and deeply meaningful Sacred Harp songs, I smile a lot. This is not because I am necessarily feeling happy about an event or situation; rather because I feel free from the constraints of being human, because I love to sing with a free voice, and because I love to sing along with my compatriots.

Grab your book (if you are a reader here and don’t have The Sacred Harp yet, you really need to get one for your first New Year’s resolution) and sing along. Page 448 bottom. Let’s have at it.

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Music Monday–gimme little sugar

Dig that funky organ. Girl.

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Music Sunday–Robyn Hitchcock “Glass Hotel”

Yes, I already posted today because I want to see you at my upcoming poetry reading. But that was just an announcement.

How about another twinkly first? Music SUNDAY, like Music Mondays of old. Still wish I could see him in Chicago in October doing all of Eye.

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And if you liked yesterday’s post….

Here’s a song from the Harp of Ages (a 7-shape hymnal) and most of these folks sing regularly at the Tuesday night sing which yours truly frequents. And no, the altos don’t usually stand up, but they are having a bit of fun.

Don’t they sound fabulous?

video.php?v=1444908075096

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Gram Parsons kick

I can’t quite shake this listening since my recent re-delving into the Stones, especially their Gram Parsons’-influenced era. I can’t find my CD of Exile on Main Street either, though Hubby swears we own it. I am pre-iPod, it’s true, but I am not ashamed, more living in a state of bewilderment. I’m a dinosaur in my own time, a perpetual “woman of the last century.”

Though it may be sacrilege, I tend to like other people’s versions of GP’s work more than his own.

Here’s one. It’s on the slow side, but damn worth the wait. Gillian Welch melts me like butter hitting a hot cast iron pan (okay, that was really bad, but I couldn’t resist).

There’s no video, just the song.

In South Carolina there are many tall pines
I remember the oak tree that we used to climb
But now when I’m lonesome, I always pretend
That I’m getting the feel of hickory wind

I started out younger at most everything
All the riches and pleasures, what else could life bring?
But it makes me feel better each time it begins
Callin’ me home, hickory wind

It’s hard to find out that trouble is real
In a far away city, with a far away feel
But it makes me feel better each time it begins
Callin’ me home, hickory wind

Keeps callin’ me home, hickory wind

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