The Band's music has always resonated with me, and there's just something about Levon. My favorites are "The Weight," "Ophelia," "Up on Cripple Creek," "The Night They Drove Ol' Dixie Down," and "Long Black Veil." Their songs have been covered by so many whose versions touch me in all kinds of ways. As always with music that's been part of the soundtrack of our lives, the memories and emotions came pouring in. Also the wish that I could sing and play an instrument. Oh well.
While listening to "The Night They Drove Ol' Dixie Down," I was struck with the mixture of feelings many of us have about the South. It's like family and can be love/hate, but it's our past, our history, our reality, and we don't want outsiders to criticize us. We get defensive even if we know it might be true or agree with them. It's the way it's done that bothers me. For example, when I traveled out of the South and spoke, the perception of my IQ dropped by at least 40 points. They also assumed I was a racist. As you know, I'm as socially liberal as possible. Anyway, that song dredges up resentment toward Gen. Sherman and his devastation of homes, farms, and spirit. I won't go into my full rant on all this, but I do have one!!
Just want to mention all the music that originated in the South as well as the outstanding authors. It's a fertile place for storytelling.
4 comments:
It isn't all rednecks and hillbillies is it?
There have been some great things to come out of the South .... like me for instance! =)~
While I was not born in the South, I am definitely a product of the South.
Is there any form of American music that cannot trace its roots back to the South?
Loved our visits to the South when my parents were transferred there for three years.
Same thing happens if you have ties to Northern Idaho. The Racist Compound Which Shall Not Be Named was right around the corner from a lake cabin my in-laws owned. A couple nephews took their grandmother's Cadillac and decided to go see the evil doers and give them a piece of their minds but high centered the car on the dirt road leading to the compound. Luckily the police rescued them before the compound members got to them. Their hearts were in the right place, just not their brains...
I'm guilty. I've so many times done this very thing but with folks in other regions. I was unaware that Fargo was democratic stronghold in North Dakota until a fellow Fargonian explained it to me.
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