On this Memorial Day, let us set aside a
few precious moments to reflect and hope for the day when people the world over
lay down their swords and shields and study war no more.
Some love songs are merely pretty ornaments only transformed into mature, sublime expressions of the heart when performed by master musicians. Kisses Sweeter Than Wine is one of those songs. Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Jimmie Rodgers and Pete Seeger and the Weavers, who wrote it, are among such masters.
Debbie
Reynolds, in consort with the Dippity-Do Dancers, desecrates Pete Seeger,
proving in the process that either she didn't have a friend in this world or a
brain in her head.
There are so few true champions among us. For
reminding so many for so long to be less afraid to carry a hammer, ring a bell, or simply
sing a song of freedom - and for doing it with compassion, dignity and courage
- Pete Seeger is such a champion. Thank you, Pete Seeger.
HL January 2009
Bringing down the house with A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall 1963