Story Of An Artist

Every once in a while I hear a song that blows me away. It happened today as I was listening to Daniel Johnston for the umpteenth time in the past week. I was on the train to Baltimore and had the opportunity to really listen to the words. Wow.

Listen up and I'll tell a story
About an artist growing old
Some would try for fame and glory
Others aren't so bold

Everyone, and friends and family
Saying, "Hey! Get a job!"
"Why do you only do that only?
Why are you so odd?
We don't really like what you do.
We don't think anyone ever will.
It's a problem that you have,
And this problem's made you ill."

Story Of An Artist - Daniel Johnston

Story Of An Artist - M Ward

Comments

[Andrew Parker]

These lyrics remind me of one my favorite Low songs. (Saw them live on valentine's day, too ironic). Anyway, the song is "Death of a Salesman" and here are the lyrics:

So I took my guitar
And I threw down some chords
And some words I could sing without shame

And I soon had a song
I played it around
For some friends but they all said the same

They said music's for fools
You should go back to school
The future is prisms and math
So I did what they said
Now my children are fed
'Cause they pay me to do what I'm asked

I forgot all my songs
The words now are wrong
And I burned my guitar in a rage

But the fire came to rest
In your white velvet breast
So somehow I just know that it's safe

[Rich Hecker]

The BootStrapper

Why me as I slug away
Friends saying to join the fray
But I must raise my sail
Nothing to lose, only prevail

Cannot fail ones own calling
Otherwise depression leaves one balling
Tears and sweat poured on high
As I slug away and try

One day, dreams will be realized
That is the day I shall arise
Only time one cannot fail
Is the last time one casts' his sail

Drifting in the wind until that day
Not giving up nor joining the fray
Success is in the veins of life
Fighting through the BootStrappers strife