After an incredibly long break, the Random Shuffle is back. Each week (or whenever I darn well feel like it, apparently) I put my music collection on shuffle mode and talk about the songs that come up.
I'm less interested in giving a simple review of each song than I am in the personal emotions and memories these songs conjure. I prefer to talk about music as an experience rather than something to be measured scientifically.
“Wayfaring Stranger” – Natalie Merchant
From The House Carpenter’s Daughter
I don’t talk about my religious views much, if at all, in my writing. Partially, this is because of the old saying about never talking in public about religion and politics. Never has that adage been clearer than on the Internet. Rare is the blog that talks about either of those two topics without quick and severe muckraking from all sides of the sphere.
Look no further than the comments section of Blogcritics to see what I’m talking about.
But I also don’t talk about religion because matters of the heart and soul are so deeply personal to me. I simply can’t talk about them here. I can only share so much of myself in the random openness of the blogosphere. Religion and spirituality isn’t some commodity to haplessly toss about. It isn’t something I can fit onto a t-shirt, or inside a necklace or into a simple post.
It is too big. Too personal. Too important.
It is difficult, then, to write about a song with such spiritual significance. “Wayfaring Stranger” comes from a long line of old religious and spiritual songs. Songs from the hills and the plains. Songs from the people. Folk songs.
What I love about this song is how that even though it is a religious song, and even a specifically religious song, it is at the same time nearly universal.
Certainly there are words and imagery that people of the Christian faith hold dear. Words like “I want to wear a crown of glory” and “I’m going there to see my savior” seem to adhere to a certain brand of religion.
Yet other verses and words are more vague, and thus more universal. In the end, aren’t all of us wayfaring strangers? Aren’t we all simply wanderers on this world for a little while?
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
Poet: One who is especially gifted in the perception and expression of the beautiful or lyrical
This column certainly illustrates that.
2 - Mark Saleski
wow.
i mean, there's nothing left to say...
3 - Josh
Mat, you and I have harassed each other from afar and I've edited more than one of your pieces. I've always considered you a fine writer and a hell of a funny guy.
With this, you've bounded into BigBoy terrain. This is your finest hour as a writer and that's saying something.
Very moving, Sir Brewster.
4 - duane
Great writing, Mat.
I think the Desert Rose is used as a symbol for America as seen in the idealized hopes of a young man anticipating emigrating from Ireland (during the period of Irish immigration waves). As later revealed in the song, the dreams turn to disappointment in the face of the dominant materialistic culture, which is sort of ironic, since that culture is what provides the opportunity in the first place. Burned by the fire of love.
5 - Mary K. Williams
very nice Sir Mat.
You make me want more. That's always a good thing.
6 - Mat Brewster
Thanks everybody. I have to admit this isn't exactly a real "random" selection. I've been listening to a lot of songs about faith, life, and death since learning about my grandmother. I wanted this piece to reflect those songs. I wanted this to be something of a tribute to her.
7 - Aaron Fleming
Wonderful stuff Mat, the humanity flows from every reflection, spoken with impeccable eloquence. I knew that Oriental cuisine would have a positive effect at some point!
8 - Mat Brewster
Thanks sir fleming. I had a boastful Italian meal this evening, so who knows what prose will flow forth tonight. Probably pompous drivel as usual.
9 - save
Matt-
I too lost a few loved ones these past few years. Very spiritual stuff your words, give Dylans "Buckets of Rain" a quick listen. Or, try "Long Distance Love" by Little Feat. "Razor Love" by Neil
Young helps some. Finally, "This Weight" Van Morrisons lament on Healing Game will make your distance a little less daunting.
10 - Mat Brewster
Thanks save. Music definitely helps. I've got all those songs but the Little Feat one. I'll have to see if I can find a version of it.
11 - Holly Hughes
Beautiful stuff, Mat. So glad to have you back!
12 - Mat Brewster
Thanks Holly. There were lots of reasons for the long break, but I think I'm through them and am going to try hard to keep it going now.