Sorry for the lull and thanks to my guest writer, the Pink Streaker for this take on a true classic.
Did you ever meet a kid that for whatever reason just seems to have the spirit of a very old, mellow person? They're unconcerned with the noisy, attention-getting tricks of childhood and instead seem happy to watch the world and soak up experiences. This song is a bit like that in its simplicity. A cadre of instruments and flourishes of mixing-board magic would clumsily crush the simple dulcimer accompaniment and the rock-steady alto vocals. Today's song is by Laura Veirs, who recently released the EP Two Beers Veirs, with several covers that I loved (also check out Wasps of Rain and Spike Drivers Blues).
This song was recorded in the 50s by the Carter family, in the charming, old-school country style that's worth revisiting. But even they weren't the first to love this song: it was originally written in 1860 and since then versions of it have been tweaked and covered by Woody Guthrie, Joan Baez and others.
They lyrics are simple; about love, disappointment, relational neglect--things most of us have experienced to some degree, I guess. It's bluegrassy and folky and yeah, the song's maybe even bit girly. I don't care.
If you listen all the way through Laura Veirs' take, you'll get to hear some plucky bits of feedback that crop up like thorny little weeds thru the green flutter of the melody.
Song Breakdown
Best Time and Place to Listen:
After a picnic on a not-too-warm early summer day. Have another piece of peach pie and lie back on your grandmother's faded quilt while you look for animal shapes in the clouds.
If This Song Was a Celebrity It Would Be:
Drew Barrymore in E.T.
Click Below to Listen to Wildwood Flower
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