Back in October of 2004, I was coming home from riding my best buddy Raffon and listening to A Prairie Home Companion and a song came on played by Robin and Linda Williams and Their Fine Group. As it played, I couldn't see and had to pull over and wept like a baby for the first time in a long time.
The song was 50,000 names written by Jamie O'Hara.
50,000 Names
Words and music by Jamie O'Hara
There's Teddy Bears and High School rings
And old photographs that Mama's bring
Of Daddies with their young boys playing ball
There's combat boots - he used to wear
When he was sent over there
And there's 50,000 Names carved in THE WALL.
There's cigarettes and cans of beer
And notes that say: "I miss you, dear."
And children who don't say anything at all
There's Purple Hearts and packs of gum
Fatherless daughters and fatherless sons
And there's 50,000 Names carved in THE WALL.
They come from all across this land
In pick-up trucks and mini-vans
Searchin' for a boy from long a-go
They scan THE WALL and find his name
Teardrops fall like pouring rain
And silently they leave their gift and go.
There's Stars of David and Rosary Beads
And Crucifixion Figurines
And flowers of all colors, large and small
There's a Boy Scout Badge and a Merit Pin
Little American flags wavin' in the wind
And there's 50,000 Names carved in THE WALL.
There's 50,000 Names carved in THE WALL.
Because it is about my generation, it of course had a powerful impact on me. I find that as I grow older I am more apt to let the waterworks flow easier than when I was a young man. As the motto of my geezer band is; "We're too old to be embarrassed by whatever we do", weeping over a song doesn't cause me any problems, it gives me a sense that I haven't lost my humanity.
Its happened before and it will happen again. I was at a John Prine concert and he played "Sam Stone". Cried like a baby.
So today I'll have an extra hanky handy ready as I observe Memorial Day and listen to some music.
Here's a few.
BOHICA
RA18960500
Aging bitter Vietnam Veteran
Repentant ex member of Murder Inc.
Southeast Asia Division
Our motto, "Kill Anything That Moves"