Thursday, January 7, 2021

 

Many's the time I've been mistaken
And many times confused
Yes, and I've often felt forsaken
And certainly misused
 
Oh, but I'm alright, I'm alright
I'm just weary to my bones
Still, you don't expect to be bright and bon vivant
So far away from home, so far away from home
 
And I don't know a soul who's not been battered
I don't have a friend who feels at ease
I don't know a dream that's not been shattered
Or driven to its knees
 
But it's alright, it's alright
For we lived so well so long
Still, when I think of the
Road we're traveling on
I wonder what's gone wrong
I can't help it, I wonder what has gone wrong
 
And I dreamed I was dying
I dreamed that my soul rose unexpectedly
And looking back down at me
Smiled reassuringly
And I dreamed I was flying
And high up above my eyes could clearly see
The Statue of Liberty
Sailing away to sea
And I dreamed I was flying
 
We come on the ship they call The Mayflower
We come on the ship that sailed the moon
We come in the age's most uncertain hours
And sing an American tune
 
Oh, and it's alright, it's alright, it's alright
You can't be forever blessed
Still, tomorrow's going to be another working day
And I'm trying to get some rest
That's all I'm trying to get some rest
 
 

 

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well said, Mr. Simon. Well selected, Sal.

Far too many people drinking the DT kool-aid. Glad I've got a large ocean between me and the madness.

- Paul in DK

pmac said...

He's never recorded it, but John Boutte does an excellent version of it (even does it acapella).

Sal Nunziato said...

@pmac,
I remember one night at DBA, a very crowded and typically chatty crowd, and John Boutte started "American Tune." You could barely hear him, but he was rushing it. Could not find the feeling because the crowd was just not paying attention. He stopped the band and they just sat there, staring out. It felt like an hour, but was probably two minutes. Slowly, the crowd shut up and you could hear a pin drop. Then he started it again and it was as amazing as you could imagine.

cmealha said...

Nice!

pmac said...

Sal - that's why John quit the Sat night gig at dba and moved it to Mon night (before the pandemic shut it down). Sat night crowds were way too unruly. Mon night the crowds were still a decent size, and extremely respectful of the artists, and their fellow attendees. We loved his Mon night gig. Hopefully, next fall it will return.

Whattawino said...

Stunning choices...sob...

pmac said...

Thought you guys might enjoy this. Yesterday was 12thh night and per NO traditions, you can start to eat King Cake on that day. A local bakery (couple of blocks from me) used to do an all day block party to celebrate with constant live music. This year, they did a live stream. John Boutte is on it, together with a host of other stellar NO musicians. And, Bywater Bakery is fantatsic. Food is incredible and they are very supportive of our local culture. My grandmother used to have a sandwich shop at this same location back in the 50s.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=220239416351001&ref=watch_permalink

MB Walker said...

Not a cappella, but Boutte has recorded it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0GYpW06ESU

Couple of live versions on YouTube also, but none a cappella.

Always one of my favorite Paul Simon songs, but hadn't heard this version. Thanks for bringing it up. Sorry you had to.

pmac said...

You're correct, MB! Forgot about the duet album with Paul Sanchez. My bad.

Michael Giltz said...

Good if heartbreaking timing for this song choice

Dave McNally said...

Toussaint did of course record it - nearly titled an album after it - last track American Tunes released 2016. I'm quite partial to Crooked Still's version (on Friends of Fall 2011)