Saturday, March 31, 2007

John Prine: Some Humans Ain't Human

I find John Prine to be one of the best songwriters around today. This song strikes a chord with me, first, because I know some less-than-human humans. One person in particular comes to mind. Also, how can you not appreciate the reference to the fool in the White House?!

Some Humans Ain't Human


Some humans ain't human
Some people ain't kind
You open up their hearts
And here's what you'll find
A few frozen pizzas
Some ice cubes with hair
A broken Popsicle
You don't want to go there

Some humans ain't human
Though they walk like we do
They live and they breathe
Just to turn the old screw
They screw you when you're sleeping
They try to screw you blind
Some humans ain't human
Some people ain't kind

You might go to church
And sit down in a pew
Those humans who ain't human
Could be sittin' right next to you
They talk about your family
They talk about your clothes
When they don't know their own ass
From their own elbows

Jealousy and stupidity
Don't equal harmony
Jealousy and stupidity
Don't equal harmony

Have you ever noticed
When you're feeling really good
There's always a pigeon
That'll come shit on your hood

Or you're feeling your freedom
And the world's off your back
Some cowboy from Texas
Starts his own war in Iraq

Some humans ain't human
Some people ain't kind
They lie through their teeth
With their head up their behind
You open up their hearts
And here's what you'll find
Some humans ain't human
Some people ain't kind

John Prine 2006

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Poem: Small Part

Small Part

Tick, tick, tick the clock will turn
With rapid pace a day might churn
Fears arise as moments wasting
Futures pass a present’s tasting
Life can flash before the eye
Blink, look quick, the scene is nigh
Wrap ourselves in frenzied worry
Focus dims to panicked hurry
Seek perfection; think us clever
World spins on its own endeavor
Still we feed the constant riddles
Just a spoke of larger middles
Try and try to find our niche
Exertions strain a tightening stitch
Tell ourselves, “Just ride the currents”
Stubborn wills are strong deterrents
Words provide no magic potion
Minor drops, and life’s an ocean

Copyright SGW 2007