Jim Adams is the man-whose-name-begins-with-a-“J” host of Song Lyric Sunday. Jim says:
This week we have the name prompts of Jack/John and hopefully this will fit everyone.
Here are the “rules”:
• Post the lyrics to the song of your choice, whether it fits the theme or not. If it does not fit, then please explain why you chose this song.
• Please try to include the songwriter(s) – it’s a good idea to give credit where credit is due.
• Make sure you also credit the singer/band and if you desire you can provide a link to where you found the lyrics.
• Link to the YouTube video, or pull it into your post so others can listen to the song.
• Ping back to this post or place your link in the comments section below.
• Read at least one other person’s blog, so we can all share new and fantastic music and create amazing new blogging friends in the process.
• Feel free to suggest future prompts.
• Have fun and enjoy the music.
When, “In My Tribe” was released, I could not get enough of it. It stayed on the player for what seemed like months. It’s one of those albums you pore over the lyrics sheet of until you’ve learned every word, every note and nuance of while listening, until it becomes a part of your being. The songs are important. They have something to say. They are a warm breezy afternoon, lying on a chaise lounger by the pool on vaca, drinking bottomless tequila sunrises.
10,000 Maniacs is an American alternative rock band that was founded in 1981. They have released nine studio albums, six EPs and five live albums. They achieved their most significant success between 1987 and 1993, when they released four albums that charted in the top 50 in the US: In My Tribe (1987), Blind Man’s Zoo (1989), Our Time in Eden (1992) and the live album MTV Unplugged (1993). After the recording but before the release of MTV Unplugged, original lead singer and main songwriter Natalie Merchant left the band to pursue a solo career.
In My Tribe was released on July 27, 1987., It was their second major-label album and their first to achieve large-scale success. John Lombardo, Natalie Merchant’s songwriting partner on previous albums, left the band in 1986. Merchant began collaborating with the other members of the band, most notably with Rob Buck.
Hey Jack Kerouac is the 2nd cut on the album.
If you want to learn more about who Jack Kerouac was, go here.
Hey Jack Kerouac, I think of your mother
and the tears she cried, she cried for none other
than her little boy lost in our little world that hated
and that dared to drag him down. Her little boy courageous
who chose his words from mouths of babes got lost in the wood.
Hip flask slinging madman, steaming cafe flirts,
they all spoke through you.
Hey Jack, now for the tricky part,
when you were the brightest star who were the shadows?
Of the San Francisco beat boys you were the favorite.
Now they sit and rattle their bones and think of their blood stoned days.
You chose your words from mouths of babes got lost in the wood.
The hip flask slinging madman, steaming cafe flirts,
nights in Chinatown howling at night.
Allen baby, why so jaded?
Have the boys all grown up and their beauty faded?
Billy, what a saint they’ve made you,
just like Mary down in Mexico on All Souls’ Day.
You chose your words from mouths of babes got lost in the wood.
Cool junk booting madmen, street minded girls
in Harlem howling at night.
What a tear stained shock of the world,
you’ve gone away without saying goodbye.
Songwriters: Natalie Merchant / Natalie A Merchant / Robert Buck
Tao Talk 
Thanks for introducing me to his music Li.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are very welcome, Jen. This album is worth looking up if you get a chance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will, thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was lucky enough to see them in the 80s… when I saw Natalie live I was in love lol.
Good song Lisa.
LikeLiked by 1 person
:) My old co-worker was ga-ga over her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can see why…it’s not just her looks its the way she carries herself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Completely new to me – loved it :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you enjoyed the tune.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was never a big 10K Maniac fan but my mister absolutely loved them. However, I became a fan of Natalie’s when she went solo. Nice share. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cool and cool :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I knew the band but this song is new to me. Very cool. Thanks for expanding my musical horizons.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad you enjoyed the song, J :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great song. Her voice reminds me a little of Stevie Nicks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you like the song. I agree, her voice has that gravel to it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am pretty sure that Allen is Allen Ginsberg and that Billy is William S. Burroughs, but I am puzzled about Mary down in Mexico on All Souls’ Day. Natalie Merchant should have put Neil Cassady in this song. She has a lovely voice and you picked a winner here today Li.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not sure about Mary. Maybe I’ll use this song again next Sunday (j/k) It’s funny you should mention Neil as I was thinking that exact thing last night. Did you ever see that doc where Neil and a bunch of hippies traveled around in a hippy bus?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes the Ken Kesey Merry Prankster bus and I read the book Electric Kool Aid Acid Test also.
LikeLiked by 1 person
p.s. I’m way late on SLS today as I played an online game with my kids from 11a-3p, got ready, then left for the cat shelter to volunteer. It’s the first time back at the shelter since mid-March. It’s nice to be getting back into a routine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sounds like you enjoyed your day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did. It was nice to be around people again. And I had forgotten just how many cats that place has :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
What song was 10,000 Maniacs famous for? I forgot it’s name.
But love “Hey Jack Kerouac”. I always loved Natalie Merchant’s vocals and 10,000 Maniacs’ way of playing alt rock tunes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The song about the weather. “The color of the sky as far as I can see, is cold grey. I lift my head from the pillow and then, fall again. Glad you like the tune, Ai.
LikeLike
This is a new one for me, though I’ve been aware of them for a long time. The song I remember most is “These are Days”. This one here has interesting lyrics, and as always I love her voice. :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad to introduce this one to you, Barbara :)
LikeLike
Great pick Lisa! I had t heard this one although I’m familiar with the band and of course Natalie Merchant. It’s a good one 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
:)
LikeLike
I have never heard this song before. How can that be? Nice tune! :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have to agree with you, Lisa :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I kind of like it. 10K Maniacs is a good band…
LikeLiked by 1 person
:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent choice. I never saw the band, but she does a great solo show.
Will we ever go to concerts again? (K)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would love to her in a small theater.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s really nice and smooth, Lisa.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you like it. The whole album is like this.
LikeLike
The unplugged album is amazing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haven’t heard it but sounds like I should.
LikeLike