30-day Challenge, Day 7
Jimmy LaFave: The Great Night
To me, a great driving song has a loping pace — urgent, but no emergency, an analog of the engine ahead of us propelling us somewhere, or maybe nowhere at all. (Not all who wander are lost, after all.)
My friend Brooks turned me on to Jimmy LaFave about 20 years ago, and this album, aptly titled Road Novel, kept me company on many drives. “The Great Night” is its last tune, and it keeps moving “into the closing of the day.” This is Americana with the tint of Springsteen (who admired LaFave), and the studied thoughtfulness of an old and wise soul.
There were other songs I had in mind for this day's description, but LaFave died about six weeks ago, making this selection a little bittersweet for me. He was a great, underrated songwriter (I see a pattern emerging here), and this tune is a great invocation to travel, to wander, to explore this amazing country without arrogance, superiority, or patriotism — but with wide eyes and a willing spirit.
There are many reasons to ramble 'cross this land
Do not make excuses, see it while you can
North, south, east, and west
Let the four winds blow
Their sweet breath upon your soul
There is no destination for those who like to roam
Restless through the night, following the song
In America, with grace and liberty
May your spirit always be