Lyrical Morning

Driving in to work this morning, cavas top firmly latched in the up position and wipers occasionally pushing aside the liquid sunshine which has so far defined this summer, my iPod's music selection seemed determine to intrigue me with music positioned to play with immediate circumstances.  Van Morrison came first, languidly growling and rolling downstream with his rendition of Shenandoah (one of my favorite renditions of a song I seem compelled to collect versions of).  This song, at least, seemed aligned with the wetness of this morning's drive.  

Dylan came next, wishing me the ability to be Forever Young. That is fair; I am not feeling particularly old these days (though I do get to spend time with the grandsons later this afternoon, which is a delightful exercise that makes me feel both very old and very young all at once). On the other hand, the iPod seemed to be pulling songs from an era far enough back to make me realize at least some passage of time.  It's hard to feel forever young when you realize the song you are listening to and know so well first appeared 36 years ago (!).

Then the Byrds piped in to observe they were "...I'm still sleepy and there ain't no place I'm going to." Double negative aside, they got that bit half right. I was still a bit sleepy driving in this morning, but I certainly had someplace I was going to.  Friday mornings seem particularly suited to the beckon of a piper's tune (or, in this case, rattling tambourine) and the promise of simply drifting off someplace unthought of and with no particular plan or intention. Maybe not the stuff to listen to as you drive in to work, but a good reminder not to focus exclusively on the planned and knowable.

Finally, The Guggenheim Grotto offered up Rosanna (no, not that Rosanna) and at least brought me up the to last couple of years in music history.  This song is just very good music; it offered no particular link or contrast to my day, so was a fitting song to roll into my parking place with (it's a short drive). I do like this band's music (their new CD is their best yet, and I think that's saying something!). So, as the lyrics in this song suggest, I think I will now, "...give those dogs a bone and put them down," head into the office, and tackle the stuff in my inbox that hasn't been properly dealt with so far this week.

Happy fourth to everyone, when it rolls around this weekend.  Don't blow off anything you might want to use later, enjoy the sunshine (some might be coming our way this weekend), and listen to the lyrics when you listen to the music (just don't listen beyond them).   

- Kevin