Lyrics

I’m currently listening to: Bob Dylan - Lily, Rosemary, And The Jack Of Hearts

I have, for a while now, respected great storytelling. A band called The Weakerthans reminded me of this last week. I am always amazed when I listen to a song and hear well thought out ideas. If I could work such imagery into my stories, I would be grateful. To fit it within the bounds of a song is even more impressive. Without the prowess of John K Sampson (The Weakerthans), Craig Finn (The Hold Steady), or Joanna Newsom modern music would be much less interesting (and intelligent).

I feel that this entry would be incomplete if I did not mention my favorite narrative song. “Lily, Rosemary, And The Jack Of Hearts” was originally sung by Bob Dylan in 1975, and to this day, people on NPR still debate its actual meaning. Before I heard this song, I thought Dylan was cool. After I listened to this, I understood the hype.

The cabaret was empty now a sign said. “Closed for repair”
Lily had already taken all of the dye out of her hair
She was thinking about her father who she was rarely saw
Thinking about Rosemary and thinking about the law
But most of all she was thinking about the Jack of Hearts.

Bob Dylan

I’m afloat. A float in a summer parade, up the street in the town that you were born in. With a girl at the top wearing tulle, and a Miss Somewhere sash, waiving like the queen. Beauty’s just another word I’m never certain how to spell.

John K Sampson, The Weakerthans

the priest just kinda laughed. the deacon caught a draft. she crashed into the Easter mass, with her hair done up in broken glass. she was limbing left on a broken heel when she said “father, can I tell your congregation how a resurrection really feels?”

Craig Finn, The Hold Steady