Across the Universe, by the Beatles (John Lennon) Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup They slither wildly as they slip away across the universe Pools of sorrow, waves of joy are drifting through my opened mind Possessing and caressing me Jai Guru Deva OM Nothing’s gonna change my world Nothing’s…
You’ve heard it, so many times…when George first came up with what became his most famous song as a solo performer (rivalling “Something,” with the Beatles), he was reluctant to record such an overt religious message-song: “I was sticking my neck out on the chopping block because now I would have to live up to…
Back to when it all started…here’s Joni on the CBC in ’68 with Both Sides Now & The Circle Game in the days when her star was rising, and people began to see & feel the way she gave voice to a generation. When she write it in 1967, she noted where it began: I was…
There’s a lot to like in this wonderful verse from Deborah Landau’s The Uses of the Body. I think the line that got me, on my first read – was “See how caught up we are/in our habitual flying pattern,” which reminded me of Pema Chödrön’s note: “No one ever tells us to stop running away…
Expect nothing. Live frugally On surprise. Become a stranger To need of pity Or, if compassion be freely Given out Take only enough Stop short of urge to plead Then purge away the need. Wish for nothing larger Than your own small heart Or greater than a star; Tame wild disappointment With caress unmoved and…
When you hear Briar’s Child (Cassie O’Sullivan and Jon Loyd)’s song “Love Song to Mother Earth,” it’s great – it weaves the images of a planet whose people are locked in a struggle to hurt it (some folks) and protect her from that (other folks). It offers a frank admission of wonder of her glory while…
One of the most beautiful songs on the planet is “Wonderful World,” by Louie Armstrong, and some of the most beautiful photographic reminders come from the BBC’s video archives… Put them together with David Attenborough sharing the words, and you have a quick two-minute reminder that we live in a pretty cool place.
John Lennon’s version of Across the Universe is a simple, plainitive acceptance of the impermanent world; Rufus adds some energy and wistfulness. See what you think…everybody sing along!
Got a moment for a song? This is “You Ask Me” which, while I wrote it years ago, seems new to me every time I get to sing it at a gig or event – I put it together with some pictures I took around the islands – let me know what you think! (And…
So, when you watch this, you’ll be wondering who everybody is – this might help. And it’s OK to sing along. Way better that way.
While it’s not clear if the guys in this remembrance of Adam Yauch (aka “MCA”, founder of the Beastie Boys) are actual minks, the mashup of hip hop & his love of the teachings of the Buddha in this video reflects what community organizers in New York have going on: A community arts celebration that…
Everyone has something they like about Jesus, the Christ, and I reckon I’m no exception. There’s a lot to like – the Sermon on the Mount, his lessons on love, his direction that we care for those with less – and one of my favourites is the story where he throws the money changers out…
You’ve wondered, and I have too, how in the world our Trappist brothers get things done when they have a vow of silence. (Pretty sure they get more of the important internal work done, without all that talking. Spirit within, you know.) Perhaps you’ve seen this before, but you get the idea. I especially like…
It’s a bit easier to read, if you click on it (make it bigger, hey – ) And here’s Woody’s “This Land is Your Land” with most of the words, with Pete, Arlo, Judy Collins & Fred Hellerman in 1976
You may remember Paul Simon’s foray into Brazilian accents for his music back in 1991 with “Rhythm of the Saints”….I’ve always loved the first song on the collection, called “The Obvious Child,” with its drums (recorded in Salvador, Brasil) and rhythm section (in Rio), as well as the words, in which there’s a drift into…
You might have heard the story behind Amazing Grace, but it still shares the chills that the story always gives….along with a moment to remember Steve Goodman. Here’s Arlo & Shenandoah:
This song’s royalties have gone to UNICEF since John Denver wrote it, which makes a good song a little bit better, hey – I’ve always been reminded of the part of “The Prophet” by Khalil Gibran called “On Children” when I hear it & sing it, so I’m offering a little mashup here of the…
