Jim’s brief for this week’s Song Lyric Sunday is to play “A song by someone who has died.” Blunt, but clear! His post Turn Me On, Dead Man tells us more. (I looked up the reference, and apparently it is a song by a band I’ve never heard of, The Tear Garden). Thinking about this I knew that I have posted several tribute posts after a favourite musician. has gone to join the ‘choir invisible’ but which should I play for this? And another candidate was someone who died nine years before I began blogging but who I have featured in my Listen To The Band series. In the end, I settled on that second case, but I’m also going with one of those from a tribute: two songs, then.
I’m leading with a song from one of the most underrated singer-songwriters of the past fifty years, in my view. This is an absolute gem of a song, which makes an important point:
Here are its lyrics:
I am a backseat driver from America They drive to the left on Falls Road The man at the wheel’s name is Seamus We pass a child on the corner he knows And Seamus says, “Now, what chance has that Kid got?” And I say from the back, “I don’t know.” He says, “There’s barbed wire at all of these exits And there ain’t no place in Belfast for that kid To go.”
It’s a hard life It’s a hard life It’s a very hard life It’s a hard life wherever you go If we poison our children with hatred Then, the hard life is all that they’ll know And there ain’t no place in (Belfast) for These kids to go
A cafeteria line in Chicago The fat man in front of me Is calling black people trash to his children He’s the only trash here I see And I’m thinking this man wears a white hood In the night when his children should sleep But, they slip to their window and they see him And they think that white hood’s all they need
It’s a hard life It’s a hard life It’s a very hard life It’s a hard life wherever you go If we poison our children with hatred Then, the hard life is all that they’ll know And there ain’t no place in (Belfast) for These kids to go
I was a child in the sixties Dreams could be held through TV With Disney, and Cronkite, and Martin Luther Oh, I believed, I believed, I believed Now, I am the backseat driver from America I am not at the wheel of control I am guilty, I am war, I am the root of all evil Lord, and I can’t drive on the left side of the road
It’s a hard life It’s a hard life It’s a very hard life It’s a hard life wherever you go If we poison our children with hatred Then, the hard life is all that they’ll know And there ain’t no place in (Belfast) for These kids to go
Nanci Griffith was born in July 1953, two months before me, so although we grew up in different countries we have shared our experience of the world and all its changes. In the song she references growing up in the 60s which, when we look back now, was a tumultuous decade, which in many ways has shaped our current lives: the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, the assassinations of JFK, Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King, the Cold War in Europe, student demonstrations, and the massive changes in popular culture. But what have we learned from all of this? Seemingly, precious little, sadly. She passed away in August 2021, at the age of 68, and there followed an outpouring of tributes from the many artists she had worked with, played with, and written songs for.
It’s A Hard Life was written, as it says, following a conversation Nanci had with the cab driver taking her round Belfast in the days before the Good Friday Peace Agreement, when ‘The Troubles’ still persisted. The video was recorded at the time the song was released, and shows the scars of that time in Belfast. The song expands the metaphor into a wider message about how we need to bring our children up without teaching them to hate, and I’ve loved it ever since I bought the album it is on, Storms, when it came out in August 1989 (UK #38, UK Country #1, US #99, US Country #42). It still speaks volumes today, sadly, and will always be relevant – if Nanci were only to be remembered for one song, this should be it.
[I’ve been advised that the video doesn’t have permission in the US, which is odd considering that Nanci was American and it is the official video! If you can find it, please do, as it has some poignant scenes, but if not this lovely live version does work over there: https://youtu.be/eCnAwkULI-4?si=wc3pQFfs8lQsjAbV ]
Today’s second tune is by someone whose music I have also loved for a long time, who was taken from us far too early in September 2003, at just 56. This is another gem of a song:
Shadows are falling and I’m running out of breath Keep me in your heart for a while If I leave you, it doesn’t mean I love you any less: Keep me in your heart for a while
Warren Zevon knew that he was dying: he had been diagnosed with a virulent form of cancer and had been given a year to live. He decided to spend his time making one final record, and called in favours from his many friends and colleagues in the music business to help him do it. Keep Me In Your Heart was written by Warren and his long time friend Jorge Calderón, who has worked with many artists, including the likes of Jackson Browne. The video is taken from a documentary that was made about the making of this final album which is, as you might expect, full of joy, laughter and tears. I won’t show the whole piece – it runs to around 43 minutes – but you can find it here if you wish to see more: It is a lovely watch: the guest list is stellar, and the comradeship and love between them all is incredibly touching to see. This is the closing track, and it is a perfect way to finish what he knew would be his final record. The album, The Wind, was one of his most successful, reaching #12 in the US and #57 here in the UK. It was released on 26 August 2003, and Warren died on 7 September, just twelve days later. This final album won him two posthumous Grammy Awards, plus a further three nominations. R.I.P. Warren. Thank you for the music.
Both beautiful selections! I didn’t know Nanci, but she had a remarkable voice and the song’s lyrics are so meaningful. As for Warren Zevon, my eyes tear up whenever I hear songs from his last album. (BTW, both videos work in Canada.) The music lives on! 💖
Thank you, I’m glad you liked them both. Nanci went under the radar for many, but I loved her records. And Warren was amazing. I’m pleased they worked for you – it must just be the States that are being deprived!
I have never heard of The Tear Garden and that reference was about the Paul is dead rumor found on Revolution Number 9. Your Nanci Griffith video is blocked over here, and I couldn’t find another one that worked, although I did listen to the one Christine posted. Warren Zevon should have had more hits, but his songs that didn’t become radio favorites are really good to listen to.
That must be where the band got their title from! I really don’t understand why a video I’ve played at least three times before, by an American artist, is now blocked in the US! I’m beginning to create my own conspiracy theory, that it is too close to the truth to be permitted! I added in a link to the one Christine gave: I’ve also played that one before. Same song, but without the powerful video making a political point.
Warren Zevon is a big favourite of mine, and this final song of his is beautiful.
The message says, “This video contains content from SESAC. It is not available in your country.”
YouTube had a license agreement with SESAC, but it expired and now many videos are blocked to protect copyrights. Fandango went with the same Warren Zevon song today.
Thanks for that info. It kind of makes sense now, but it’s always a shame when companies do that: you’d think they would benefit from wider viewing and potential sales. At least I can stop thinking that the dead hand of Ron DeSantis is behind it!
I haven’t seen Fandango’s post yet, but as he’s just liked mine and followed me I’ll be over there shortly 😊
What made “The Wind” so powerful are all of the Artists who joined him on the album for the purpose of helping it sell more, so his family would have money…his album sales had dwindled dramatically by that time sadly…some of that his fault and some due to changing musical tastes – and just how difficult it is to have a long career in music…I read the oral history is daughter wrote, with lots of insight from friends, family and lovers….he was a complicated individual to be sure…I met Zevon once at a party – very nice but hated going out…
Yes it was – everyone in the entertainment business seems to have some sort of demon and he was no different, but a look at some of his music shows a truly gifted artist and storyteller…and so much more than his mega hit “Werewolves Of London” which is always the first song mentioned
His whole catalogue is full of great songs. That is the one that most people will know, but there are many others. I featured him a while back in my Listen To The Band feature to show his range. Roland The Thompson Gunner is a favourite for me.
I love “Reconsider Me”, “Sentimental Hygiene” and love all of the cover versions of his songs that Linda Ronstadt performed…her voice really captured the beauty and emotion of his lyrics!
There are so many good ones, aren’t there. Excitable Boy is right up there for me too. Linda had the most beautiful voice, which was perfect for the covers she did – and not just of Warren’s songs 😊
Unfortunately, I faced the same problem as Christine and could not play your Nanci Griffith video. The vid that finally played for me was the same one Christine posted; it was nice but I have a feeling not as moving as the one you had chosen. Thanks for posting the Warren Zevon video, Clive. I didn’t know about his illness nor had I ever seen this video. It’s amazing to me how some people have the fortitude and grace to carry on despite facing death. I’m reminded of George Harrison who, while on his deathbed, offered to fly with Ringo to the hospital where his daughter was undergoing surgery for a brain tumor. The bond between friends is a beautiful thing; Ringo made a special stop to say goodbye to his dear friend before leaving to be with his daughter. Grace under fire. A marvelous and inspiring post today, Clive. Thank you. 😊
Sorry about that. As I’ve said to others I’ve played it before – at least three times! – with no problems. You’re right, the official video is very moving, especially given the backdrop to the history of that time. It’s a lovely performance in the one you found, which I’ve now added into the post as a link, but it doesn’t carry quite the same message.
The full Warren Zevon documentary, which I linked in the post, is both moving and uplifting and well worth a watch. Friendships are to be valued, aren’t they, as George and Ringo showed.
Sorry about that. I’ve played both before without problems so I’ve no idea what’s happening today. Thank you for persisting and I’m pleased you liked the songs.
I had trouble with the youtube link but after searching managed to finally find the song on a different video. I am familiar with Nanci Griffith, she was a wonderful folk singer Clive.
I’m sorry to hear that, and thank you for persevering! I’ve played it before and don’t remember any problems, but if you can give me the link, please, I’ll edit it into the post.
They are beautiful lyrics, aren’t they, especially when you consider how meaningful they were for him.
That’s weird, considering that she was American! Thank you for that link: not only can I open it but I’ve played that version before. It is played and sung beautifully and the only reason I chose the one I did today – the official one! – was because it features scenes shot in Belfast at the time. I’ll add the other one into the post, thank you.
Thank you, Willow. It was quiet but enjoyable. Not every artist knows that they are working under those conditions and not all of them do it Warren’s way: he left us with a great album to add to the many he had previously given us.
The choices were deliberate: complementary and meaningful.
Born in 53, you were just a touch too young to really experience the 60s — meant in only the best of ways. How much you were able to see, to understand, I cannot say, but the 60s were the years humanity looked into themselves, and found how much they were missing. Unfortunately, the powers-that-were took control, and did everything they could to stop what we were trying to create.
But what came once can come again, once we stop listening to all the conservative voices around us. We WOKE UP inthe 60s, all around the world. It will happen again. And we will stop teaching our children to hate — it is such a waste of time and energy!
I was sufficiently mature and intelligent to understand what was going on. We might not have had the same cacophony of voices shouting their viewpoints at us as we do today, but those that we had were, I think, more reliable than most of todays – across tv, radio and press. Nanci got it, and so did I 😊
People have changed, unfortunately mostly for the worse. Why think, when a fool like Trump or BoJo offers to do your thinking gor you? Humans sre bevoming a lazy lot — tevhnology is replacing our brains and minds!
The problem is, they need ho be better informed — humanity needs them to be better informed! They are the future of the human race! The way ghey are now, I’m glad I won’t be coming back to this space rock. Life will not be human anymore!
Take It Easy 
I like that Nancy Griffith song clive! Its good!
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It is, isn’t it! And so typical of much of her music – meaningful lyrics played beautifully.
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It’s a hard life wherever you go is beautiful and relevant. Hardship isn’t always financial either. Adversity comes in many shapes and forms.
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Absolutely! It is a superb song – lovely to hear and it has an important message.
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Yes, it does
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Both beautiful selections! I didn’t know Nanci, but she had a remarkable voice and the song’s lyrics are so meaningful. As for Warren Zevon, my eyes tear up whenever I hear songs from his last album. (BTW, both videos work in Canada.) The music lives on! 💖
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Thank you, I’m glad you liked them both. Nanci went under the radar for many, but I loved her records. And Warren was amazing. I’m pleased they worked for you – it must just be the States that are being deprived!
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Two lovely songs I’d never heard before. So sad when such talented people pass away. I’m glad their music is still here. 🙂
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I’m pleased you liked them both. As you say, we are lucky still to have their music to enjoy.
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I have never heard of The Tear Garden and that reference was about the Paul is dead rumor found on Revolution Number 9. Your Nanci Griffith video is blocked over here, and I couldn’t find another one that worked, although I did listen to the one Christine posted. Warren Zevon should have had more hits, but his songs that didn’t become radio favorites are really good to listen to.
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That must be where the band got their title from! I really don’t understand why a video I’ve played at least three times before, by an American artist, is now blocked in the US! I’m beginning to create my own conspiracy theory, that it is too close to the truth to be permitted! I added in a link to the one Christine gave: I’ve also played that one before. Same song, but without the powerful video making a political point.
Warren Zevon is a big favourite of mine, and this final song of his is beautiful.
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The message says, “This video contains content from SESAC. It is not available in your country.”
YouTube had a license agreement with SESAC, but it expired and now many videos are blocked to protect copyrights. Fandango went with the same Warren Zevon song today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for that info. It kind of makes sense now, but it’s always a shame when companies do that: you’d think they would benefit from wider viewing and potential sales. At least I can stop thinking that the dead hand of Ron DeSantis is behind it!
I haven’t seen Fandango’s post yet, but as he’s just liked mine and followed me I’ll be over there shortly 😊
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yes, it has nothing to do with Ron DeSantis or being woke and maybe they will work out a deal, as you said it would be beneficial to both parties.
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Fingers crossed. It’s a superb song and the video – which we can still view here – is very poignant.
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What made “The Wind” so powerful are all of the Artists who joined him on the album for the purpose of helping it sell more, so his family would have money…his album sales had dwindled dramatically by that time sadly…some of that his fault and some due to changing musical tastes – and just how difficult it is to have a long career in music…I read the oral history is daughter wrote, with lots of insight from friends, family and lovers….he was a complicated individual to be sure…I met Zevon once at a party – very nice but hated going out…
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It was a tribute to how much his peers rated him, wasn’t it. I’m impressed that you met him.
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Yes it was – everyone in the entertainment business seems to have some sort of demon and he was no different, but a look at some of his music shows a truly gifted artist and storyteller…and so much more than his mega hit “Werewolves Of London” which is always the first song mentioned
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His whole catalogue is full of great songs. That is the one that most people will know, but there are many others. I featured him a while back in my Listen To The Band feature to show his range. Roland The Thompson Gunner is a favourite for me.
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I love “Reconsider Me”, “Sentimental Hygiene” and love all of the cover versions of his songs that Linda Ronstadt performed…her voice really captured the beauty and emotion of his lyrics!
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There are so many good ones, aren’t there. Excitable Boy is right up there for me too. Linda had the most beautiful voice, which was perfect for the covers she did – and not just of Warren’s songs 😊
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Unfortunately, I faced the same problem as Christine and could not play your Nanci Griffith video. The vid that finally played for me was the same one Christine posted; it was nice but I have a feeling not as moving as the one you had chosen.
Thanks for posting the Warren Zevon video, Clive. I didn’t know about his illness nor had I ever seen this video. It’s amazing to me how some people have the fortitude and grace to carry on despite facing death. I’m reminded of George Harrison who, while on his deathbed, offered to fly with Ringo to the hospital where his daughter was undergoing surgery for a brain tumor. The bond between friends is a beautiful thing; Ringo made a special stop to say goodbye to his dear friend before leaving to be with his daughter. Grace under fire.
A marvelous and inspiring post today, Clive. Thank you. 😊
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Sorry about that. As I’ve said to others I’ve played it before – at least three times! – with no problems. You’re right, the official video is very moving, especially given the backdrop to the history of that time. It’s a lovely performance in the one you found, which I’ve now added into the post as a link, but it doesn’t carry quite the same message.
The full Warren Zevon documentary, which I linked in the post, is both moving and uplifting and well worth a watch. Friendships are to be valued, aren’t they, as George and Ringo showed.
Glad you enjoyed it 😊
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I also had problems with the videos but could view them by searching. Both are very nice songs. I have never heard of either one of your choices 😦
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Sorry about that. I’ve played both before without problems so I’ve no idea what’s happening today. Thank you for persisting and I’m pleased you liked the songs.
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I had trouble with the youtube link but after searching managed to finally find the song on a different video. I am familiar with Nanci Griffith, she was a wonderful folk singer Clive.
Beautiful lyrics on the Warren Zevon song ☺️
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I’m sorry to hear that, and thank you for persevering! I’ve played it before and don’t remember any problems, but if you can give me the link, please, I’ll edit it into the post.
They are beautiful lyrics, aren’t they, especially when you consider how meaningful they were for him.
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It was a permissions problem so we couldn’t open it in our country.
Here you go Clive …
Let me know if you can open it. Thanks
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That’s weird, considering that she was American! Thank you for that link: not only can I open it but I’ve played that version before. It is played and sung beautifully and the only reason I chose the one I did today – the official one! – was because it features scenes shot in Belfast at the time. I’ll add the other one into the post, thank you.
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Sure thing Clive. Shame I would have liked to have seen the one you chose.
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It’s a beautiful film, but I understand from Jim that YouTube’s licence to play it expired. You’ll have to come over here to see it!
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Ha, yes I am so overdue for a visit back home.
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🤣
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Hi Clive I hope you had a great birthday!
two very poignant choices. It’s strange that some many artists like to make that last Album to leave for posterity.
sorry not been around much hopefully back soon. 🌞
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Thank you, Willow. It was quiet but enjoyable. Not every artist knows that they are working under those conditions and not all of them do it Warren’s way: he left us with a great album to add to the many he had previously given us.
The choices were deliberate: complementary and meaningful.
Hope all is well with you 🤞
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I meant the artists that know eg. Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, Frank Zappa, George Harrison among many . I just meant it gives them focus 💜
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I get you. Those all knew, and did something good with it.
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Yes indeed that’s what I meant
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That Warren Zevon song gets to me every time. I imagine it is played at funerals often.
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I suspect it is – it’s on my own short list!
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Born in 53, you were just a touch too young to really experience the 60s — meant in only the best of ways. How much you were able to see, to understand, I cannot say, but the 60s were the years humanity looked into themselves, and found how much they were missing. Unfortunately, the powers-that-were took control, and did everything they could to stop what we were trying to create.
But what came once can come again, once we stop listening to all the conservative voices around us. We WOKE UP inthe 60s, all around the world. It will happen again. And we will stop teaching our children to hate — it is such a waste of time and energy!
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I was sufficiently mature and intelligent to understand what was going on. We might not have had the same cacophony of voices shouting their viewpoints at us as we do today, but those that we had were, I think, more reliable than most of todays – across tv, radio and press. Nanci got it, and so did I 😊
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People have changed, unfortunately mostly for the worse. Why think, when a fool like Trump or BoJo offers to do your thinking gor you? Humans sre bevoming a lazy lot — tevhnology is replacing our brains and minds!
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Absolutely! I think the typical 14yo these days is much less well-informed about the world than we were.
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The problem is, they need ho be better informed — humanity needs them to be better informed! They are the future of the human race! The way ghey are now, I’m glad I won’t be coming back to this space rock. Life will not be human anymore!
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