Kris Kristofferson once penned these lyrics that made many stand up and notice his wordsmanship.
“Well I woke up Sunday morning
With no way to hold my head, that didn’t hurt
And the beer I had for breakfast
Wasn’t bad so I had one more for dessert
Then I fumbled through my closet for my clothes
And found my cleanest dirty shirt
And I shaved my face and combed my hair
And stumbled down the stairs to meet the day.”
Now many of us likely don’t feel that hungover anymore, but I would wager many of us can relate to these lyrics at some time in their lives. Being a guy, the line “And found my cleanest dirty shirt” resonates as guys tend not to be the most diligent of laundry users. When I see a woman do the same thing in a movie, I think now that is equal opportunity slobbery. Yet, to generalize, most women are likely better at keeping clothes clean than the average dude.
Last night, the rain was coming down, So, as I awoke in the middle of the night, the rain was a soothing melody to put me back to sleep. Yet, for some reason, I am still tired.
It has often interested me in the number of great songwriters who are not the best of singers. But, many still try and pass muster, sort of. Kristofferson is one of those. His greatest hit was made popular when Janis Joplin changed the name and gender of Kris’ Bobby McKee to “Me and Bobby McGee.” Randy Newman, Paul Wiliams, and Jimmy Webb all come to mind, as great songwriters and poor singers.
Even Nobel Prize literature winner Bob Dylan was not known for being a great singer. Of course, that one statement caused an argument with my brother once. Dylan passed muster, but his songs are often better sung by others. Thank goodness Carole King eventually got around to singing her own songs and for a while her album “Tapestry” was the biggest seller of all time, but she felt others sang her songs better.
Like Dylan and King, four other songwriters come to mind who were quite prolific writers and singers. Roger Miller, Neil Sedaka, Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn all penned thousands of songs. I was watching a documentary on Loretta Lynn’s life and one songwriter noted that Lynn had a unique style where she would write two different choruses to many songs. And, then she would make them work.
To me, music is wonderful, but I love good lyrics. Together, they lift us up and make mileposts in our lives. There is nothing like a car trip when a favorite song comes on, even if you only know the chorus (or two in Lynn’s case).
musingsofanoldfart 
I played this one on the blog a few months ago. A great song, despite his voice!
Agreed. I forgot that you did.
I wouldn’t expect you to remember that! Anyway, we can all share in good music 😊
Clive, I am played those Noah Cyrus songs for my wife just now. She really liked them, especially the duet. Keith
Thanks for doing that, Keith. I’m glad she enjoyed them 😊
One of my absolute favorites Keith. Did you know he wrote this song for Johnny Cash when he was going through his struggles?
Dweezer, I knew Cash liked it, but did not realize Kristofferson wrote it for him. Thanks for sharing that. Keith
He mentions it in an intro to the song on, I believe, the Me and Bobby McGee album.
Thanks for letting me know.
Okay maybe you don’t believe in synchronicity but the minute I left your page this song came through my Spotify random playlist. No lie. Hugs, my friend.
Dweezer, that is either serendipity or someone spying on your moves. Keith
Well if they are (as I long suspected) I don’t mind this time. 😊
Note to Readers: Having lived with roommates in college, a beer breakfast is not an unusual event. They’re some who actually felt a beer on top of hangover was actually helpful. I will leave it to the reader to determine the veracity (or lack thereof) of this approach.
It was hot in Costa Rica. I spent many mornings making my way to the beach digs for a breakfast plate and a cold Bavaria.
Fully understand. Location matters. Nothing like a nice vista and ocean breeze to bring on a thirst.
🙂