Did I tell you I’ve been to America?
After the last time I went in 2014 there were ripples… extra exhibitions, extra connections, for years after. And then remarkably the invitation from Debra and the pull back…
I’m starting to feel that happening again, and I’m so glad of it. An existing connection strengthened. I am a firm believer that these connections make the world a better place. It might just be little old me, doing a bit of art, but it is important. You’ll not convince me otherwise.
While Deb and I talked and worked together, and for the ten days lived together, a bond was strengthened.
While Colin and I rehearsed my Drawing Songs, and figured out new and exciting arrangements for guitar player with blisters, we swapped stories of bands and songs: those we had played and those we knew… some in common, and some new, a friendship formed. Hilarity ensued.
I casually dropped into the conversation that I might write some lyrics about my trip… and if I did, and if he was interested I would send them to Colin if he’d like to write the music.
Well I did. He did. And yesterday he sent me the first draft recording.
I love it… it actually sounds American. Whatever that means. I don’t just mean his accent. I don’t know what we will do with it, but we will probably record it properly, with some harmonies and maybe a violin.
What better way to document my stay?
TEN DAYS IN JAMESTOWN
I had ten days in Jamestown
To get to know myself
I saw my lives hung on the walls
My loves placed out on shelves
You built for me a small house
So I would feel at home
Flowers grew up all the walls
But I sat inside on my own
Every line I’d ever drawn
And every stitch I’d sewn
Laid out bare before me
My tears, my blood and bones
I sang songs that felt like family
You played songs I’d never heard
They sounded pretty and sweet to me
But I don’t remember the words
I owe so much to so many
I couldn’t pay it back in full
I could count out all my pennies
And I’d still owe you some more
Every line I’d ever drawn
And every stitch I’d sewn
Laid out bare before me
My tears, my blood and bones
If I had ten more days in Jamestown
I might stay till I die
Because every day I spend there
Is like I’ve only just arrived
Because every song I write there
I take liberties with rhyme
Because every friend I make there
Is like I’ve known them all the time
