I appreciate Randy Newman singing "God's Song," in which the deity expresses his amusement at the worshipful reactions of his subjects to all the misery he inflicts on us.
But that's not the whole story. Often times, life is sweet, though we don't notice it.
Down here on the farm, this has been about the most beautiful, perfect June in 2004 that I've had the privilege to experience. We didn't get much of the cicadas, but that's ok. It's been mostly in the 70s and modest humidity. Even the insects haven't been bad. You couldn't have asked for anything nicer.
Which has me listening again to an old favorite by Grandpa Jones. "The Air, the Sunshine & the Rain" was recorded live in Cincinnati in 1969 - if memory serves, within a few days of the Rolling Stones's infamous Altamont concert (for contrast).
This is a simple gospel song of appreciation for the simple things that you get for free from the Lord. Not really being a believer, I'll take it metaphorically - but you should take it to heart just the same.
The lyrics make the point nicely on the printed page, but the simple joy of the tune, and his wife's harmony vocals, and the simple beauty of the guitar make this a meditation that would repay daily listening.
THE AIR, THE SUNSHINE & THE RAIN
So you think you paid the baker for the bread you ate today
And he thinks he paid the miller for the grain
But nobody paid the maker for the things that made it grow
Like the air, and the sunshine, and the rain
Now, you don't grumble when you pay your room and board
When the landlord comes around, you don't complain
So the least that you can do is thank the Lord
For the air, and the sunshine, and the rain
Article comments
1 - Nyx
I was looking around on the net, trying to find a transcript of Grandpa Jone's "What's for Supper" bits. There don't seem to be any other than one line that was in his obiturary. I'd like to read some of those.
2 - Harmon
Would somebody please research and publish ALL the "Grandpa, What's for Supper" menus?
PLEASE, before it slips away!