SOMETHING OLD IS SOMETHING NEW

You know how it is. You hear an old song on the radio, TV, or internet, a tune very familiar to you, but it’s been years since you heard it last. It stirs up old memories of a place, a time, or a special person.

Last week, I was channel surfing and landed on PBS. An old rerun was playing of The Johnny Cash Show. Joni Mitchell and Johnny sang a duet which immediately drew me in. It was a familiar tune but it was as if I were hearing it for the very first time. The song is about a man who was suspected of murder. He refused to provide an alibi because he was having an affair with his best friend’s wife at the time and he would rather be hanged to death than reveal their secret. The chorus hauntingly tells of how his lover visits his grave in a long black veil and cries over his bones. The song is sung from the perspective of the dead man.

The last time I heard the song was just a year ago. My best friend’s husband is a musician (vocals and guitar) and he sang it to me. Bob’s soulful rendition brought tears to my eyes.

Oh, the scaffold was high and eternity’s near
She stood in the crowd and shed not a tear
But late at night, when the north wind blows
In a long black veil, she cries over my bones.

She walks these hills in a long black veil
She visits my grave when the night winds wail
Nobody knows, nobody sees
Nobody knows but me.

The ballad is titled "The Long Black Veil" and after a little research I learned it was first recorded in 1959 by Lefty Frizzell. The list of popular artists who have recorded the song is long and impressive. I have added it to my list of all-time favorites.

I heard another song which was made popular in the 1970's by Captain & Tennille. It’s a ballad but more on the quirky side. And for anyone who knows me, I lean toward quirkiness. The song is "Muskrat Candlelight"and was written in 1971 by Oklahoma native, Willis Alan Ramsey. I was actually listening to the original version on Ramsey’s CD and believe I like his bluesy, moody style more than the Captain & Tennille version called "Muskrat Love". This is another tune I have added to my list of favorites.

And they whirled and they twirled and they tangoed
Singin’ and jingin’ the jango
Floatin’ like the heavens above
It looks like muskrat love

I do love the ballad whether it is sung by Marty Robbins, The Eagles, Red Steagall, or my friend, Bob. As long as there are stories to be told, I’m sure someone will put their words to music and create a ballad for people like me to enjoy.