Just…wow! I could see it play out, just the way he described it. The street scene of him avoiding his grandfather and the notion of yet another dressing down.
I could see this little man, tough as nails looking…but also looking quite frail and vulnerable at the same time (well, Jim’s only clue on how his grandfather looked was to say he was short…my mind’s eye filled in the rest). Also on the road walking along from the opposite direction, a young punk – not the traditional sense of a punk. Just, a roguish teen. Seeing that boy spot the older man ahead, his face turning ashen with a mix of anguish and despondency. Quickly taking evasive action not to be seen – hastily crossing the road. The older man walks on, deep in his own thoughts, none the wiser the young man just avoided him.
The first tragedy.
The second being the return back to the young punk and the expression on his face now being one that is forlorn, regretful. Fleeting the expression is, though, for he then moves on.
Jim…you write so beautifully. Not just lyrics…but in every way you express yourself. If your grandfather can (as we all love to take solace in believing) see you from wherever his soul or spirit exists…he will definitely be proud of…not just the career you made for yourself, but of the beautiful person you are. No hyperbole.
The YouTube clip is for the Bowie song Win…which I have always taken to be a melancholic piece. Maybe it’s the sound of it…the way David sings it…in a remorseful, regretful voice…it’s not until towards the end of the track, with those emphatic “ALL YOU’VE GOT TO DO IS WIN…ALL YOU’VE GOT…IS ALL YOU’VE GOT!” And that final fading backing vocal sweep of “ain’t overrrrrrrr” where it finally becomes uplifting.
“Secret thinker sometimes listening aloud
Life lies dumb on its heroes
Wear your wound with honor, make someone proud”
