September 17, 2009
Dave was rich, poetic, layered – his usual metaphorical self. I was laughing one minute, crying the next. He took tons of requests and went with what felt right in the moment. We loved every song.
His new album, Open Hand, is full of great stuff. Give a listen.
A few years ago, the guy did this crazy thing. Sold all his belongings and bought a sailboat. Then set sail from Scandinavia for North Africa with no previous sailing experience. He took along his guitar and wrote a series of songs, the first of which is called Praying for Land. He said, “You think I’m joking. No. I really was…praying for land!” I bet!
He wrote a memoir of his journey called, The Sea Inside. He read from it last night and I liked his writing. So we bought it. I’ll tell you how it is.
Some of us shine bold like Beetlejuice [sic] is bright:
a few you’d barely notice in the early evening light.Some of us burn soft, like a lamp’s sweetest oil:
others sputter smoke and ash in lives of pain and toil.
Some try to hide it behind a suit and tie,
or do the best they can in the world of nine to five.
Maybe you were all of this and more,
borrowed light from those who came before.
And the children who haven’t yet been named
are stronger for your spark, stronger for your flame.Were you a blazing ball of fire, before you were even born?
Did you find the cure for Polio, invent the telephone?
Or were you disobedient at the age of thirty-three,
when some ol’ Roman soldier had you nailed up to a tree?Maybe you were black and tired, on the front seat of a bus,
or on a protest march in Bombay lying facedown in the dust.
Maybe you were all of this and more,
borrowed light from those who came before.
And the children who haven’t yet been named
are stronger for your spark, stronger for your flame.What if there’s no drama in the day to day?
Life a load of pots and pans, and diapers to be changed?
You’d rather climb a mountain, or walk to Timbuktu,
But the truest life burns just as strong, no matter what you choose.
You don’t need to burn up in a brilliant ball of flame,
we’ll be blessed, even if we never know your name.Maybe you were all of this and more,
borrowed light from those who came before.
And the children who haven’t yet been named
are stronger for your spark, stronger for your flame.
Mindy
Cath, I love David Wilcox! You and Deb introduced me to him years ago and I've loved him ever since. He definitely has a poetic gift that speaks to me. "Hold it up to the Light" is also one of my favorites. I can't wait to listen to the new music, so thanks for the post. I'm so glad you and Doug had a night out that filled your soul. You deserve it! XOXO.
cristie
so pleased you could have a night out! sounds like so much fun… plus i will give DW a try. xox
Emily S.
It has been years since I have seen DW, but I LOVE him and his music reminds me so much of college. His lyrics always hit home in some way or another. When I first saw your blog, I knew you were a fan. I will have to go check out his new album. I am so sorry I have not called recently. We have had such a rollercoaster ride with Olivia and kindergarten. She has struggled and I feel like it has drained me lately. Taylor and I also went to D.C last week and I thought of you being back there. Now that I am home, I would love to find a time to come over and help out in anyway. I'll call you soon. Love ya…
December
I love reading your blogs!!! They are wonderful! MISS YOU!