"Yes," he said, his voice becoming quiet, "if you're poor, it sucks." He added that being poor in the States "sucks a lot less" than for people in countries where the standard of living is dangerously low, where citizens have to contend with the daily worries of war tearing their nation apart and snipers in the streets.
"You have a couple of dates in California, I know, and in the fall you're going to Europe."
"England, yes, I'll be there in September, I think."
"How's the family?"
He smiled. "They're fine. I'll be home tomorrow and I'll see them."
"Ah, the tape is done..."
"Well, then, I'm going to go and look for my capo," he said, rising from his chair.
"Yes — oh, one more thing. Right now there's a thread [on the Al Stewart Internet Mailing List] about 'Merlin's Time;' people are wondering what it all means."
"Ah... 'Merlin's Time' was inspired by the writings of Robin Williamson, which dealt with medieval times," he said, adding that the song looks at the age of chivalry from the distance of a present-day dream.
We shook hands and he waved, saying he'd see me at show time. Shortly thereafter, the errant capo was found — one of the stagehands had it — and, as I told Al it would, the second show went off magnificently. Mother does know best.
Please see more on featured artist Al Stewart here.
![Al Stewart - The Best of MusikLaden Live [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21PXE1CZMXL._SL120_.jpg)
Article comments
1 - Michael J. West
Fascinating and beautifully written, Ms. Davis. I'm insanely jealous...I've always wanted to sit down and talk with Al Stewart.
2 - NR Davis
Check out one of his concerts; he is a very personable guy - and a dream conversationalist - who spends time after nearly each of his shows signing autographs and talking with fans.
3 - Alex
You are like, the luckiest person ever. Al is the greatest, and the most underrated person ever.