Homage to Black and Blue

From Joni Mitchell's album "Blue"

Blue songs are like tattoos
You know I've been to sea before
Crown and anchor me
Or let me sail away

Music has played such an integral part in my life that I know for a fact I would not be the same person without it. When I was young I remember going to church and my favorite part of the service was always the hymns. I could close my eyes and hear the power behind the song and (not to get too personal or prophetic) I can honestly say it was the basis for my spirituality. Throughout high school that love ventured into more secular tastes, and I discovered modern poets and the fact that people can get paid obscene amounts of money for having absolutely no talent at all.

I have to agree with the initial sentiment in Joni's lyrics. Songs are like tattoos. They seep into your skin and stick with you, like a comforting friend when you're blue, a joyful companion when you are happy, and a counselor when you don't know which way to turn. Music is why I started playing the oboe in 8th grade and was involved in band for more than half of my life.

Don't worry, I don't plan on sounding all "lord of the rings" (as my husband would say) but I do want to take a moment and illuminate an artist I think deserves a pretty good glance, or listen as the case may be.

Homage to Black

The Man in Black. Johnny Cash. Johnny Cash was one of the most versatile artists in the business. He could sing gospel and people would buy it, he could sing a song about shooting a woman and people would buy it, he could remake songs by Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, and Simon and Garfunkel and it went platinum. His range is something unmatched my any artist since, he is universally recognized, and dearly missed. Johnny Cash was no saint, this is true, but I think there is always something to be said for a man who tries to 'walk the line.' He is a great reminder that a person who gives effort can overcome anything by always trying to be better than they are. Adding humor and kindness can make a long-lived life an example to those who fight a constant struggle within themselves. Johnny Cash poured himself into his songs despite what judgement he might have received. He wrote songs, and performed songs written by others that (I believe) held meaning with him, especially later in life.

From "The Mercy Seat" written by Nick Cave, performed by Johnny Cash:

And the mercy seat is waiting
And I think my head is burning
And in a way I'm yearning
To be done with all this weighing of the truth.
An eye for an eye
And a tooth for a tooth
And anyway I told the truth
And I'm not afraid to die