Tim's Library

Editor’s Note: Alright, picture me at 19 years old still in the college angst of “what’s the meaning of my life?” The song will make more sense that way as I can still remember singing along with my friend, Bobby Jackson, on the deck of our apartment when it was playing. I’m a pure child of the 60s electronic rock and roll and as such I loved Edgar and Johnny Winter as much or more than their more famous brethren. This song features a simple, haunting keyboard and strings behind Edgar’s bluesy, pleading voice – yep I’m a sucker.

]Favorite verse: “So I’ll keep fighting to live until there’s nothing to fight, and I’ll keep trying to see until the end is in sight, you know I’m trying to give so come on, give me a try.”

Editor’s note: Okay, it’s soupy, but I selected it because I played and sang it to my wife, Alice, some 37 years ago at our wedding. Through a lot of thick and a lot of thin, she’s still my best friend.

Favorite lyric: “I want to show you the peaceful feeling in my heart”

Editor’s Note: After a difficult day with a delusional friend I took a run and this song came on my iPhone. As I listened to the words, I came to realize it was not my job to make him tell the truth; rather, I only need to know my own truth.

Favorite Lyric: "My head is hanging heavy with the thoughts of him in mind. ‘Tis sacrilege for us to take advantage of the blind."

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om9gj2Cb9n4

Editor’s Note: Probably one of the most oft-covered songs in history, this was originally a French ballad, by the same name, written in 1942. This version is my favorite, covered by Natalie Cole. In terms of meaning, I see it as more than a love song. That is, I see it as the blessing of something more than forgiveness; wishing others well, even after we disagree.

Favorite Lyric:

“My breaking heart and I agree,
 That you and I never be,
 So with my best,
 My very best,
 I set you free.”

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXULRJWGViw

Editor’s Note: The Rastafarian thing always threw me off (religion in which Hailee Salasee was considered the Almighty) but I’ve enjoyed a number of Marley’s pieces, particularly this and Redemption Song. The song also relates to our chicken finger concept, whose honor is carrying on the theme of “one love.” Finally, a dear friend who is struggling right now is a big Marley fan, and so I dedicate this song to him.

Excerpt: “One love, one heart, let’s get together and feel alright.”

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

Editor’s Note: I never “got” the Grateful Dead as so many of my friends did. But since the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is opening a new exhibit to them this month, I’ll share my favorite of their many songs. Maybe it has more meaning but to me it’s just a light, good melody and harmony and fun lyrics.

Excerpt: “Aint no time to hate, barely time to wait Wo, oh, what I want to know, where does the time go?”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSIajKGHZRk&feature=related

Editor’s Note: I recently saw to my surprise that 71 year old Baez is still performing and very active in rights movements and so I dedicate this, one of her most famous early performances from 1963, as this month’s song.

Excerpt:

“Truth forever on the scaffold,

Wrong forever on the throne.

Yet that scaffold sways the future,

And behind the then unknown”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yId_ABmtw-w

Editor’s Note: It's hard to believe it’s been over ten years since George Harrison, my favorite Beatle, passed away. Hearing his solo stuff, especially this song, always puts me in a good place.

Excerpt: “Daylight is good at arriving at the right time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qAM7qZQyIg

Editor’s Note: An oldie for this month since I’ve had some grey clouds the last few months. Then we spent last week celebrating my son Kevin’s love for his new wife, Chiara, reminding me that “it’s all right.”

Excerpt: “It seems like years since it’s been clear”