The arrival of the Dog Days of summer have gotten me thinking about my childhood – in particular, playing Kick the Can, a popular after-dinner pastime in my old neighborhood. Each night, kids who lived within a two-block radius of our house would slowly gather, like itinerant moths drawn by the first flickering flame of a Lone Star lightning bug display. I grew up during the 1950s in far West Texas, about 30 miles from the New Mexico border, where it was crucial to wait until nightfall to … [Read more...]
Musical Memories: Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You into Heaven Anymore
I’ll never forget the first time I heard John Prine’s ugly, horrible song “Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You into Heaven Anymore.” It was in 1971, shortly after I had left the Menninger Clinic to begin my life as a single mother of a young child. My husband Larry had been recently killed in the Vietnam War and my heart was still tender. Larry died on February 19, 1971, and when I first heard the song, I was furious with Prine and his provocative lyrics. But, I was intrigued enough to buy a copy … [Read more...]
Musical Memories: I am Woman
Two unrelated events that evoke the image of strong women in America took place this past week and got me thinking. First, on Saturday, America was witness to the spectacle of at least 3 million women, children, and men marching for women’s rights across Washington, D.C. Around the country and the world hundreds of thousands of others marched in similar “sister" marches across at least 650 cities and small towns. The sight made me proud to live in a country in which freedom to gather and … [Read more...]
Musical Memories: I Can See Clearly Now
Memories of songs are often connected in our minds with a specific emotional event or close person in our lives. For example, I’ve always been attracted to reggae music for its upbeat tempo and beat, and to this day am reminded of my daughter Laura when I hear the music of Bob Marley. It was she who first introduced me to his unique style, and his song “Three Little Birds” remains one of my all-time favorites. Another reggae song I love is Jimmy Cliff’s version of “I Can See Clearly Now,” … [Read more...]
Musical Memories: Blowin’ in the Wind
Since the founding of our Republic, musicians and entertainers have reflected America’s complex and ever-changing culture. They hold up a mirror that inspires us and evokes pride in our accomplishments as a nation, and they help us heal in the midst of national sorrows. They also can serve to challenge us to change course about aspects of our society that we’re less proud of. A recent example of this has been the rapid ascent of the #metoo movement, and the passionate calls for change which … [Read more...]
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