The title of this post is no direct reference to the last few weeks on this orb. I found a CD yesterday by Joe Cocker that came out in 2000. It was called “No Ordinary World”. The track by that name was written by Stephen Allen Davis and Lars Anderson.
I have always enjoyed listening to Joe Cocker sing. His raspy voice is so so unmistakable. He put his heart into his singing. Cocker died in December 2014 at the age of 70. Known more as an interpreter of songs than a writer of them, I am sure many a songwriter was overwhelmed by the treatment Joe Cocker gave their songs. “On My Way Home” is the song on this album I like the most.
35 years ago I was a fired up 13 year-old. My Cincinnati Bengals were playing the 49ers in the Super Bowl. Super Bowl XVI. I thought that one was down the line of roman numerals. That is what I got for thinking at 13.
Today I will be rooting for the Atlanta Falcons. I hope they make it to the Super Bowl and I hope they win the thing. I hate to root for the Steelers, but what is a man to do? I don’t want the New England Patriots to be there in a position to leave up to hear about how great Tom Brady is all over again. Pats fatigue. I think it may be mention in the Physicians Desk Reference.
Last night I was fortunate enough to witness a great happening in the gymnasium at North Harrison High School. The Cougars lost a heartbreaker…that was not great…but it was a wonderful effort…a great team effort. They went down at the hands of the Salem Lions 68 to 67. Salem came into the game with only one defeat on the season. NH hustled and hustled some more. It was an exciting performance. I was really proud of the team.
The gym was also filled with Cougar Readers! Elementary school students who earned recognition for reading a host of books and increasing their knowledge along the way. The gym floor was filled with them. Carrie used the camera last night. She did take some pictures. I don’t have them at the ready right now. Perhaps they will make their way onto the page another time.
Another CD I bought yesterday, it was a good day, is by a guy named Mark Schultz. He is a Christian artist. That is the best way I can explain that, I think. I must admit I don’t like to pigeon-hole musicians. I am of the belief that music is a spiritual experience for those who write it. There is a calling that either gets answered or it doesn’t. That calling is also not always at the behest of goodness. There is a great deal of evil music in the world in addition to the stuff that makes us happy. You know the old adage “misery loves company”? There are tunes for that too. And it is sad.
For me, I have always been a fan of music that I think is positive, uplifting, and makes folks feel good, save my occasional listen to Pink Floyd. What can I say? David Gilmore’s guitar is great and I would pay to listen to Roger Waters read the phone book…not much…but I would pay something. I won’t pay his price to see him in person. Plus, I doubt that would really do me much good.
As a songwriter myself, I take what I am given. I pray for guidance in word and music. Sometimes the story is not always sweet and rosy. Sometimes it makes me laugh. Sometimes it makes me pause and count my blessing. Always it is a joy to be able to play something that was not there ten minutes ago and keep it forever. That is the good stuff. Songs are the shortest of short stories. They are still worth it. Ever heard a little song called I Want to Hold Your Hand?
Or better yet the song I am listening to RIGHT NOW for the first time. Walking Her Home written and performed Mark Schultz. Unreal. Goose bumps. Similar in message to his great song I Have Been There. The images are amazing. A masterpiece. Sad as all get out. But beautiful.
Speaking of beautiful, my dear wife, Carrie, just showed up to offer a few pictures to me from last night. The Cougar Readers and The Cougar himself.
Ya gotta love the Cougar.
And just for fun, a pic of my Mother-in-law, Furl and Father-in-law, Michael, trying to impress us 1980ish types of their affinity for that era. The Bengals did make it to two Super Bowls that decade.
Speaking the rights.
Danny Johnson