leonardcohenforum.com

Go Home by Merle Haggard

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtmHfBTvVDA

Hi Kush,

Of course, this song tells the kind of story that people still experience in their own lives.

Hi Steven,

Yes it still exists but far less than it did when he wrote it in the 60s. And it is/was prevalent in all communities (have you seen the movie 'Mississippi Masala'?). Merle Haggard wrote another song on similar lines. Perhaps one or both were loosely based on personal experiences and he is sensitive to it ? Dont know.

Irma Jackson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1N3CbOelYvI

Another one he wrote could be the prelude to Go Home

Seashores of Old Mexico
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPFlcZQH_FU

Yes it still exists but far less than it did when he wrote it in the 60s.

I suppose that statement needs a qualifier when you look at the headlines these days - it depends on the context.

Hi Kush,

You are correct. In the U.S. it has gotten better; people, in general, are more tolerant than they used to be. There
are regions of the world where it has gotten far worse. Watched Mississippi Masala after reading your mention of it. It's an enjoyable movie. The characters are wonderul and the acting is mostly natural and largely believable. In some ways, the movie tells a story similar to that of a number of groups that have gone through their own circumstances. Certainly many young people have faced and do face the kinds of difficulties experienced by the romantically involved couple in the movie. Lots to relate to in the movie, Kush. Thanks for mentioning it.

Glad you enjoyed the movie Steven. It is a nice mix of several tangential story lines woven together. The expulsion of people from their homeland is a recurring theme in many parts of the world. I have a close friend whose personal history closely parallels the Uganda story line in the movie. His parents were expelled from Uganda - given 48 hours to leave after having lived there for 3 generations, he was born in a refugee camp in UK and they eventually made their way to the US shortly after.
There is a documentary 'Return to Uganda' where a young woman visits Uganda to track down the very house where her family lived 40 years ago. The female lead in the movie has no interest in doing so and neither does my friend.

Hi Kush,

Janis Ian's iconic song "Society's Child" needs to be linked to in this thread:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW_rYLoIR08.

There's a movie that is based on a novel by John Fante called Ask The Dust. The subject matter,
in part, parallels some of what's been brought up in this thread (the affect that societal prejudice can
have on a couple). I enjoyed the movie.

Merle Haggard has always been a favourite of mine so thanks for posting the link, Kush. Thanks for your posts too, Steven, very interesting. Here is one of Hoyt Axton's songs which deals with the same subject. 'Geronimo's Cadillac.' I hope you enjoy it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSveqeRha_A

Thanks Steven and Tony. I enjoyed both tracks. Geronimo's Cadillac was reminiscent of Marty Stuart's album 'Badlands'.

I was just listening to Badlands - it is a terrific album. I have posted Three Chiefs before but its worth posting again

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5NwzNQFIYg

Another song and much more current (mentions President Clinton by name) on the album is Broken Promise Land but I could not find it on youtube.

This song is universal, makes me think of my mother.

Grandma Harp (Merle Haggard)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xs7kvRsum8E


Grandma's maiden name was Zona Villines
There's ninety years to tell about in a few short lines
Born in Newton County down in Arkansas
Then in nineteen-one she married Grandpa

We laid her soul to rest one Sunday mornin'
And everybody knew she'd done her part
Don't get set to hear no hidden family legend
Just a song about the life of Grandma Harp

Just think about the times that she lived through
And think about the changing world she saw
Now somehow she reared a decent family out of poverty
And for seventy years she loved the same old Grandpa

To me, her passing brought a closing chapter
To a way of life that I love within my heart
I just mean to say I think we owe her something special
It's just a song about the life of Grandma Harp

Grandma's maiden name was Zona Villines
There's ninety years to tell about in a few short lines
Born in Newton County down in Arkansas
Then in nineteen-one she married Grandpa

We laid her soul to rest one Sunday mornin'
And everybody knew she'd done her part
Don't get set to hear no hidden family legend
Just a song about the life of Grandma Harp

Hi Kush,

Yes, a universality achieved "in a few short lines." That's the glory of a good country song.

Hi Steven,

I would add integrity to that, by which I suppose I mean authenticity.