Wed 30 Aug 2006
My Back Pages
Posted by tom cottar under theology
I've tried to wait, but I can't.
For the last week, God has been refreshing my spirit in many different ways. God At War. Double-shot venti no-whip mochas. Last Monday's downpour of rain. And Eric Johnson.
EJ is one of the most amazing guitar talents to ever come down from Mt. Olympus and walk our little blue planet. Or any of the other 7 planets in our solar system. (Yes, I know 7 +1 = 8, not nine. But remember that Pluto got nixed as a planet last week or so.) Anyway….
On Eric's latest release, Bloom, which I've had since June 14, 2005, he puts together a phenomenal version of Bob Dylan's 'My Back Pages'. You need to go to iTunes and get it.(I'll send you $.99) Let the tone of his aural expertise wash over you and remind you that we take life way too seriously sometimes. Remember the words of Jesus, who said "let the little children come to me"….and something about 'faith like a child'.
Here are lyrics:
Crimson flames tied through my ears
Rollin' high and mighty traps
Pounced with fire on flaming roads
Using ideas as my maps
"We'll meet on edges, soon," said I
Proud 'neath heated brow.
Ah, but I was so much older then,
I'm younger than that now.
Half-wracked prejudice leaped forth
"Rip down all hate", I screamed
Lies that life is black and white
Spoke from my skull. I dreamed
Romantic facts of musketeers
Foundationed deep, somehow.
Ah, but I was so much older then,
I'm younger than that now.
Girls' faces formed the forward path
From phony jealousy
To memorizing politics
Of ancient history
Flung down by corpse evangelists
Unthought of, though, somehow.
Ah, but I was so much older then,
I'm younger than that now.
Too serious to fool
Spouted out that liberty
Is just equality in school
"Equality," I spoke the word
As if a wedding vow.
Ah, but I was so much older then,
I'm younger than that now.
In a soldier's stance, I aimed my hand
At the mongrel dogs who teach
Fearing not that I'd become my enemy
In the instant that I preach
My pathway led by confusion boats
Mutiny from stern to bow.
Ah, but I was so much older then,
I'm younger than that now.
Yes, my guard stood hard when abstract threats
Too noble to neglect
Deceived me into thinking
I had something to protect
Good and bad, I define these terms
Quite clear, no doubt, somehow.
Ah, but I was so much older then,
I'm younger than that now.
BTW, Bob Dylan turned 65 this year, just released his new album Modern Times, is scheduling an upcoming tour, and is on the cover of the September issue of Rolling Stone (got it in the mail today). Look for the media to blitz us with his genius.
6 Responses to “ My Back Pages ”
Comments:
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
August 30th, 2006 at 10:31 am
Tom,
All this time and I thought you were a polka man. My bad. I am wanting to get Allen a decent guitar for Christmas. He is 10, what would be a good “first” for a Rocker Child.
August 30th, 2006 at 12:39 pm
(whew..finally, an *easy* question…)
Electric: Fender Strat mini-3/4 size student guitar ($90 at Guitar Center or online at Musician’s Friend)
Acoustic: Baby Taylor or Takamine 3/4 student guitar ($100 or so…), or any other brand that puts out a ‘parlor’ guitar. (i.e. full 22-fret fingerboard, smaller body and good action).
Long live the oompah.
August 30th, 2006 at 5:15 pm
I had a takamine when I was in Deming. I loved the sound. Good deep sound with nice hgh end volume as well. Is the 3/4 as good of quality. I always wanted a Taylor, but could never force myself to drop the “big-bucks.”
I saw a black graphite composit that I really liked while in Deming. I did not have the $1200, but I got to go play it every few days. I have forgotten the name, but never the clearity of sound.
I even learned to play about 15 cords and had my fingers working correctly. Not bad for a very old dog learning new tricks.
What should I expect to pay for lessons or good lesson materials.
September 1st, 2006 at 11:44 am
Rainsong guitar, probably. They began in Hawaii. The graphite composite isn’t affected by the humidity…
Good lessons here run $15 on average. I can find you some good online resources to get started with if you’d like. (Riff Interative has some great, and free, stuff).
September 2nd, 2006 at 9:42 am
I like great and free
September 2nd, 2006 at 3:09 pm
Absolutley right about it being a rainsong. DR1000 6-string dreadnought non-cutaway acoustic-electric. What a sound and what a great feel. I loved it.
I was just pricing a Baby taylor and it is $259 - $299. I need to shop where you are shopping.