Arlington

Hi

Every year, NPR sponsors a contest for original-music videos – pretty much the only requirement for the shoot is that a desk be visible. My entry this year was shot in my studio in my new hometown of Ashland, Oregon. I wrote this song a few years ago and the lyrics were read on The Writer’s Almanac by that guy….what was his name?

Arlington – Tiny Desk Video

Arlington

High school band Memorial Day.
Country cemetery marched all the way.
We stood in formation took off our caps.
Stood with the nation we played taps

Year before Kennedy year before King.
Last year I cared about anything
But for that moment, we were one
Honoring soldiers

At Arlington.

Notes drifted across the plains
Swallows signaled oncoming rain
Station wagons, pickup trucks
Rescued us then turned to rust

We put on new uniforms
Crisp creased tattered well-worn
Some forget where we come from
Some come to rest

In Arlington

When he was twelve took my only son
Lost ourselves in the Smithsonian
Then Abraham above the Mall.
Then raised our hands touched the wall.

Headstone horizon, eternal flame
Unknown lie with familiar names
Sacrificed daughters and sons
So I could cry

At Arlington.   

 

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