November 1996(E) Bloodlines Mailing List archive
Nov 27-Nov 30,1996
More on John & America and filling in those word gaps in songs... -REB
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Subj: Fill this gap
Date: 96-11-27
From: tae69@dial.pipex.com (Mark Austin)
I was listening to Fire in the Wind last night, the first time for
ages because I had to dig out the vinyl, and it reminded me that
I still can't make out one particular word. I don't know if I'm deaf
or what, but it goes:
The rain can't ....... no thunder, when you steal the devils kin,
What is this word? I've never been able to make it out. Maybe its the
poor sound on an old record. The recent mail from Folk Era would be
even better if this album could be on CD (and Signals).
Mark
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Subj: Re: Fill this gap
Date: 96-11-27
From: Angelbravo@aol.com
The rain can still blow thunder
when you steal the devils kin.
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Subj: Re: Fill this gap
Date: 96-11-27
From: folkera@loopback.com (Ian)
Hey all,
Mark Austin wrote
>The recent mail from Folk Era would be
>even better if this album [Fire In The Wind] could be on CD
>(and Signals).
Well at present we (speaking for Folk Era) have no plans to put out
either. Speaking personally, I know I too would love to see these
(especially Fire) out on CD. FWIW, whenever we're liscensing from
the biggies (Colombia, RCA, Warner Bros, Capitol, etc.), it sometimes
gets kinda complicated cause they say "We'll liscense you the album,
but only with the guarantee that you'll pay us for a minimum of
10,000 [or whatever] copies, whether you sell that many or not."
They are not quite so picky about overseas liscensing requirements
though, which is why Bear Family and Line have been able to do so
much better a job of bringing out John's stuff than any of the US
companies.
Maybe someday.
Oh - and I've always thought it was " The rain can sound like
thunder, when you steal the devil's kin," though it's been a while
since I heard the song. I'll try to remember to check on it this
weekend.
Best,
Ian
______________________________________
Ian Shaw Folk Era Records
Publicity & Promotion 705 South Washington
FolkEra@loopback.com Naperville, IL 60540
ph (630) 637-2303 fx (630) 416-7213
Now on the web! http://www.folkera.com
_____________________________________
please note our new area code (630)
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Subj: Jerry Brown (was Re: November 22)
Date: 96-11-27
From: delausa@mailbox.syr.edu (Del Lausa)
Patrick,
I worked on Jerry Brown's 1992 campaign. I thought I saw a connection, too.
He struck me as a man who cares, and who was willing to go way out on that
limb to move people. And, honestly, he did move me. Maybe I was scammed,
but I thought it felt right. And the soundtrack in my head that spring and
summer was all from John Stewart. Maybe people who lived under Brown's
governorship find this hopelessy foolish. Maybe we are past the point of
putting faith in political leaders. But it seemed to me like a note of
altruism in a cynical system of "democracy" where everyone seems to be out
for their own best interests. At the convention, i overheard Jerry say to a
friend that he never expected to win, just to make an impact. Beating his
arms against the sky?
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Subj: Re: Fill this gap
Date: 96-11-27
From: GregDenis@aol.com
In a message dated 96-11-27 08:15:37 EST, Mark Austin writes:
<<
I was listening to Fire in the Wind last night, the first time for
ages because I had to dig out the vinyl, and it reminded me that
I still can't make out one particular word. I don't know if I'm deaf
or what, but it goes:
The rain can't ....... no thunder, when you steal the devils kin, >>
I think it's "The rain can sure blow thunder, when you steal the devil's
kin."
-- Greg Dennis
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Subj: Re: Fill this Gap
Date: 96-11-27
From: Netennis@aol.com
As long as we are talking about lyrics you can't understand, I'll throw one
into the ring. I've seen John perform in person over 100 times and have
listened to his music for innumerable hours. I even play many of his songs
on the guitar. Eyes of Sweet Virginia is one of my top five Stewart songs -
I wouldn't even hazzard a guess as to how many times I've heard the song and
how many times I've seen him play it in person. Yet, there is one verse I
just can't make out. It goes "??????? and rock and roll's a sailor in port
for just a day." I've listened to it, had friends listen it, and noone can
shed any light on the matter. When I play it on the guitar I have to skip
that verse! John - please help!
Gordon Kent
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Subj: Re: Fill this Gap
Date: 96-11-27
From: GregDenis@aol.com
In a message dated 96-11-27 20:14:00 EST, netennis wrote:
<< Eyes of Sweet Virginia is one of my top five Stewart songs -
I wouldn't even hazzard a guess as to how many times I've heard the song and
how many times I've seen him play it in person. Yet, there is one verse I
just can't make out. It goes "??????? and rock and roll's a sailor in port
for just a day." >>
Is that the part that refers to "Taxi Dancer days"?
Also, ditto on it being an absolutely great song. I never get tired of
hearing it. Anbydoy got any tablature to this song, by the way? I had my
guitar teacher figure it out years ago, but I lost it.
-- Greg Dennis
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Subj: Re: Fill this Gap
Date: 96-11-27
From: Netennis@aol.com
Greg - Thanks for the help! It always sounded like"Taxi Dancer days", but
what in the world is a Taxi Dancer? I could probably write out a rough idea
of the tab if a get some spare time. I know it's in C (G chord and it's
capoed up five frets). The intro is just G, Em, C, D7 with the body of the
song taking a few twists here and there. Maybe John could help here!
Thanks again!
Gordon
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Subj: Re: Fill this Gap
Date: 96-11-28
From: Angelbravo@aol.com
A taxi dancer is a one who dances for money at dance halls and taxi ballrooms.
Most popular in thirties and forties. You're right on the chords.
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Subj: Re: Fill this Gap
Date: 96-11-28
From: MFinleyCS@aol.com
Well, as long as we're bringing up problems understanding lyrics: On "Rough
Sketches," in "Because of a Dancer," John sings, "Because of a dancer, there
is no" something. Sounds like "Boston Auto," or "bawstinato." Or some such.
Anybody got a clue?
Mitch Finley
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Subj: Re: Fill this gap
Date: 96-11-28
From: MFinleyCS@aol.com
Is "Fire in the Wind" available anyplace, anyhow? This is one I have never
heard!
Mitch Finley
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Subj: Re: Fill this Gap
Date: 96-11-28
From: Netennis@aol.com
The word is bastinado - it's a form of torture. I only know this because I
asked Dave Batti the same question. He only knew because he asked John the
same question. It's actually in the dictionary, if you care to look it up.
I can't imagine where John came up with that one!
Gordon Kent
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Subj: Re: Fill this Gap
Date: 96-11-28
From: MFinleyCS@aol.com
Gordon,
Thanks for the information. Good to know!
Mitch
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Subj: Re: Fill this Gap
Date: 96-11-28
From: cnewton@fyi.net (Christopher Newton)
David Lettermann once said of Warren Zevon: "I'm no linquist, but I
believe Warren Zevon may be the only man in the history of human
communication to use the word 'brucellosis' in a song."
I'm no linquist either, but I believe John Stewart may be the only man in
the history of human communication to use the word 'bastinado' in a song.
Does anybody know who -- or what -- "the Dancer" is in the song?
Kit Newton
<The Dancer in "Because of a Dancer" is Buffy - REB>
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Subj: Re: Jerry Brown (was Re: November 22)
Date: 96-11-28
From: PFARNAM@aol.com
Del -
Thanks for the imput. If you get a Pacifica Station, give him a listen.
Or you can go to http://www.wtp.org and download some of his shows.
Keep it flyin'
Patrick
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Subj: Fill This Gap
Date: 96-11-28
From: tae69@dial.pipex.com (Mark Austin)
Maybe it's time for the definative lyrics book?
Mark
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Subj: Re: Fill this gap
Date: 96-11-28
From: tae69@dial.pipex.com (Mark Austin)
>
> Is "Fire in the Wind" available anyplace, anyhow? This is one I have never
> heard!
>
> Mitch Finley
I don't think this is currently available anywhere. I picked it up
on vinyl, secondhand, many years ago. If you think it's worth the trouble
of sending a tape and postage to the UK, or just something to cover me for
buying a tape and postage, I'd gladly tape it for you, (it's a little
scratchy!).
Mark
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Subj: Re: Fill this Gap
Date: 96-11-28
From: cnewton@fyi.net (Christopher Newton)
At 12:25 AM 11/28/96 -0500, you wrote:
>Well, as long as we're bringing up problems understanding lyrics: On "Rough
>Sketches," in "Because of a Dancer," John sings, "Because of a dancer, there
>is no" something. Sounds like "Boston Auto," or "bawstinato." Or some such.
> Anybody got a clue?
>
>Mitch Finley
I haven't a clue. Yet here's another puzzler. In "Holly on My Mind," from
the "Signals Through the Glass" album, John and Buffy sing something that
sounds like" "Write old Roland so, Write old Roland so, He's the only one
who knows, Right old Roland, so."
Got a clue here?
Kit Newton
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Subj: Re: Fill this Gap
Date: 96-11-28
From: Angelbravo@aol.com
You're right old rolling stone
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Subj: Re: Fill this Gap
Date: 96-11-28
From: MButters@aol.com
OK, I have one, too.
What exactly is the text (if there is one) for the chant that Buffy does in
the background on the chorus to "Batswanna"?
I love this song. I think it should be on every radio station for about a
week before Thanksgiving, just to help us keep things in perspective.
Later.
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Subj: Re: Fill this Gap
Date: 96-11-28
From: Angelbravo@aol.com
Credo domino
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Subj: Re: Fill this Gap
Date: 96-11-28
From: MFinleyCS@aol.com
For those with no Catholicism or Latin in their background, "Credo domino"
translates into English as "I believe, Lord."
Mitch Finley
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Subj: Re: Fill this Gap
Date: 96-11-28
From: MFinleyCS@aol.com
Happy Thanksgiving, John and Buffy, and Happy Thanksgiving, All!
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Subj: Re: Fill this Gap
Date: 96-11-28
From: cnewton@fyi.net (Christopher Newton)
At 02:46 PM 11/28/96 -0500, you wrote:
>For those with no Catholicism or Latin in their background, "Credo domino"
>translates into English as "I believe, Lord."
>
>Mitch Finley
Gad, and I these years I thought in meant "I can beat anyone at dominoes!"
Kit Newton
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Subj: Re: Fill this gap
Date: 96-11-28
From: don-fish@msn.com (D. & F. R.)
OK, my turn. On the great ``Liberation Day'' from ``Bandera'':
``Out across ???? the angels came to play...''
(By the way, shortly before that line there is a place name that might be
stumping some of you too: I believe it's Nogales, an Arizona/Mexico border
town. I've been down that way a couple of times, and the sound of this song
really feels good amid the landscape down there.
(Also, a couple of months ago I saw a ``Today Show'' piece on Nogales, which
happens to have the youngest mayor in the United States: 23 or so if I
remember right. The piece said he was quite controversial and much disliked
by many of the older council members. The latest controversy was that that MTV
on-the-road show cast had gone through Nogales and the mayor apparently spent
the night with one of the women cast members. The council was not amused. Fun
facts to know and tell...)
-- Don/Peeveyroo
PS: MButters, your note about ``Botswanna'' and Thanksgiving was a great
thought. Sent me immediately scurrying for my copy of ``Punch the Big Guy,''
this Thansgiving morning.
And by the way, as much as I love the ``Botswanna'' version on ``PTBG'', I've
been all the more moved the times I've heard John sing it in concert. Somehow
there's more of a pleading soulful-sorrow Richie Havens-sound to his voice,
and the ``credo domino'' takes on a more of the feel of an African chant.
Amazing song either way.
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Subj: Re: Fill this gap
Date: 96-11-28
From: Angelbravo@aol.com
Out across the crazy, the angels came to play.
Nogales.
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Subj: Re: Jerry Brown
Date: 96-11-28
From: Ddumail@aol.com
I still have my "Brown for President" t-shirt from the 1992 campaign. I
worked for a small business at the time (there were only 5 of us) and when we
met for lunch on the day of the primary, we all went around the conference
table and divulged who we voted for ... 100% Brown! Amazing. I miss those
guys.
Michelle, freezing in CT for Thanksgiving
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Subj: Re: Fill this gap
Date: 96-11-28
From: Angelbravo@aol.com
[This message may have contained graphics created by a Magic Cap device on
America Online.]
Dear bloodlines@world.std.com,
I'm very thankful for all you wonderful folks out there who still enjoy my music.
All the best to all of you.
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Subj: Thanksgiving
Date: 96-11-28
From: lnhfbo@polaristel.net (Luke N. Havumaki)
It seems when one looks at this time of year as to what John Stewart
sings about that John's view of life is one that if it was embraced by
all would lead to a relatively sane society. thanks, John, for all the
great nuggets and no turkeys (but I could be biased)
Happy holidays!
Luke
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Subj: Re: Fill this gap
Date: 96-11-29
From: delausa@mailbox.syr.edu (Del Lausa)
My turn: How about just the first two lines of "Escape to Arizona"? (my
second all-time favorite song in the universe)
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Subj: "Shadows"
Date: 96-11-29
From: MFinleyCS@aol.com
Recently I noticed the different lyrics in the first verse of "Shadows of the
Angels Wings" on Escape to Arizona and Airdream Believer. In the earlier
version, on Escape, John talks about hearing his father talking to his mother
when he was a boy, saying that he and his brother were "less than zero."
John has to scurry to get all the words in, but I think this version is more
powerful than the newer lyrics in the Airdream version, which tells of being
on the receiving end of cruel words from other kids in the neighborhood.
It's a great song either way, but the earlier words "hit me in the chest"
more than the later ones.
Mitch
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Subj: Re: "Shadows"
Date: 96-11-29
From: cnewton@fyi.net (Christopher Newton)
I agree. Maybe John's mother objected?
Kit Newton
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Subj: Re: Fill this Gap
Date: 96-11-29
From: GregDenis@aol.com
Regarding the missing words from "Eyes of Sweet Virginia," Gordon wrote:
<< Thanks for the help! It always sounded like"Taxi Dancer days", but
what in the world is a Taxi Dancer? >>
I think this is a reference to the film "Taxi Dancer," which if memory serves
was one of those dark, Martin Scorcese flicks (was Jodie Foster in it?). I
don't generally go to movies like that, so my details are sketchy. And
thanks, too, Gordon, for the basics on chord structure for "Virginia." I'll
go fiddle with those chords tonight.
-- Greg Dennis
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Subj: Re: Fill this Gap
Date: 96-11-29
From: GregDenis@aol.com
In a message dated 96-11-28 15:53:53 EST, Kit Netwon writes (about "Because
of a Dancer":
<<
I'm no linquist either, but I believe John Stewart may be the only man in
the history of human communication to use the word 'bastinado' in a song.
Does anybody know who -- or what -- "the Dancer" is in the song? >>
I believe John confirmed in an earlier e-mail message that it is "yet another
song inspired by Buffy" or something to that effect. Thank god for
inspiration...
-- Greg Dennis
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Subj: Re: Fill this Gap
Date: 96-11-29
From: Ddumail@aol.com
Ahem. That was Taxi Driver.
Michelle
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Subj: Re: Fill this Gap
Date: 96-11-29
From: Ddumail@aol.com
<< I'm no linquist either...
^^^^^^^^^
Really?
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Subj: Re: Bastinado
Date: 96-11-29
From: DMotley@aol.com
I must admit that the first time I heard the song I thought they were
talking about an auto parts store in the Boston area. Upon consulting my
Webster's I found that the word "bastinado" is derived from the French
word "baston" (With an accent over the "O" ) which means "stick".
Webster's further defines the word as: 1. A blow with a stick or cudgel.
2a. A beating esp. with a stick. 2b. A punishment consisting of beating the
soles of the feet with a stick. 3. A stick or cudgel. ( I'd like to see
you use cudgel in a song!)
There you have it ....." The rest, of the story."
Keep it flyin' DMotley
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Subj: Re: Fill this gap
Date: 96-11-29
From: battery@teleport.com (battery)
Here's one I have been wondering about ever since I bought the album
years ago: In the first line of "Fire In The Wind," Found her out on a
?????? road. By the way, John opened his first performance in Portland
OR with his then brand new Taylor 12 string with this song. With the
high level of energy from John and Dave it sounded like a fresh new
song!
Mike
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Subj: Re: Fill this gap
Date: 96-11-30
From: Bluesy33@aol.com
After 20 plus years of dragging the Fire In the Wind album around the world
with me I think I have a bead on every word. I could be mistaken, but I
believe the word you are referring to is "canebreak" --as in "found her out
on a canebreak road." It's a southern thing.
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Subj: Re: Fill this gap
Date: 96-11-30
From: Angelbravo@aol.com
cane break
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Subj: AOL access from the net
Date: 96-11-30
From: ClackClack@aol.com
Sometime back there was a query about how to access AOL from an outside
provider, rather than a straight AOL dial-in. It is possible. Here's a tip I
picked up on AOL that may help (sounds like you would have to install AOL
onto your computer tho):
Suppose you have an AOL account and Internet access through a local college.
You can dial up the schools Internet connection number, establish a
connection, then launch AOL and have it use that connection.
Here's how to configure your AOL to run via TCP/IP:
Establish your Internet connection as you normally would (it must be SLIP or
PPP for AOL to work). Start AOL and click SET-UP on the Sign-on screen, then
click CREATE LOCATION. Call the location TCP/IP, then skip down to the
NETWORK box. Select TCP/IP and then click SAVE and exit Set-up.
Now you can click SIGN-ON and connect to AOL via your Internet connection.
If you've been dialing long distance to an AOL access number, this is a
great way of cutting your phone bill. If you pay for Internet access in
addition to regular AOL access, you may want to consider using this technique
as your standard connection to AOL - it would qualify you for AOL's $9.95
"bring your own access" monthly membership rate. Note, though, that while
your AOL time would be unlimited, any hourly rates charged by your Internet
provider would apply.
- Hope this helps, Ron
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Subj: Re: "Shadows, parents...."
Date: 96-11-30
From: PopWuj@aol.com
It is a powerful verse about the parents talking in "Shadows of the Angels
Wings". There is an old man near me who told me of just such a thing: his
parents talked at night thinking the kids in the cabin were asleep and he
said "Daw might make a muleskinner, but that's about it." It affected him
for life, he told me about it while he was drunk (I was a little less so).
Anyway the lines of that version sure seem real to me. -Jon Averill in
West (by God) Virginia
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Subj: Re: November 22
Date: 96-11-30
From: WardHorde@aol.com
I just went through almost two weeks of email and read everyone's missives on
JFK. Very moving. I was 10, and got the word while in my 5th grade
classroom. The principal came into each room with a terrible look of sadness
on her face. Said something terrible had happened. She sat on a chair in
the front of the room and looked at the floor for a moment, her shoulders
slumped over. She looked up and said someone had shot the President, it was
a terrible tragedy, and that we should go home for the rest of the day. At
10, there was a strange mix of elation at being released from school early
and the terror that comes to kids who don't know what the future holds.
Sure, we new about the Constitution and the Vice President and all that, but
would the system really work. I went home and watched the TV the rest of the
night with my mom and later my dad, who came home from work early. They
speculated on who might have done it, and then when we found out, speculated
on why he might have done it.
We also got the next day off and I was still glued to the TV when they
brought Oswald down that corridor and Jack Ruby shot him right in front of
me. At the time, I felt a sense of shock that someone would do such as
thing, and at the same time my 10 year old sense of justice said "All Right."
Four and a half years later I was staying at a friends house. It was late at
night, everyone else in the house was asleep and we were awake in his
basement bedroom, listening to the radio. The station was playing The
Tijuana Brass' "This Guy's In Love With You" when the DJ interrupted the song
to say that RFK had been shot and was dead.
I've often thought of those two events, coupled with Vietnam and Watergate as
all the nails that shut the coffin closed on the American Dream. All of the
maladies our country currently suffers seem to filter through those events.
But I now chose to believe that those are not the nails in the coffin. All
of us dreamers that are no longer on the rise are the nails. Those events
were the work of four people (or in the case of Watergate maybe 500 people)
and when we let ourselves use their actions as the reason for our inaction,
the WE become the nails in our OWN coffin. When we lose faith in ourselves,
then we've let the four groups of bastards that committed these acts win.
Over the years I've had plenty of opportunity to witness the basic goodness
of the American people. And after we waken from our time of slumber and take
back our faith in each of us, then we will once again be DREAMERS ON THE
RISE!!!
Marty Ward
A Dreamer On The Rise
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Subj: Re: myths
Date: 96-11-30
From: WardHorde@aol.com
In my view, the myth of America has always helped define the reality. When
our immigrant forefathers came to this land, they came out of desperation to
be sure, but they came HERE because of the American myth. And from that
myth, as a land of freedom and opportunity, came the reality as a place of
freedom and opportunity. It was then, it is now. We lose sight of the fact
sometimes, but we still have tons of immigrants enter this country every day,
and most come because they still believe in the myth and they come and make
it a reality.
God Bless America
Marty
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end of Bloodlines archive Nov 28-30, 1996
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