Tags: Adam Clayton, Bono, Rodrigo, sam phillips, T Bone Burnett, Yo La Tengo
Tags: Adam Clayton, Bono, Rodrigo, sam phillips, T Bone Burnett, Yo La Tengo
April 7th, 2009 at 11:57 am
I live in Saskatchewan, Canada (which has many a clear, cold winter night!) and when I take time to look at that beautiful night sky, it reminds me how easy it is to get caught up in my own little world with its worries that, given the big picture, are quite insignificant. I wish I took more time to stop and look up!
Reading this “Walking in the Desert” blog item also made me recall a song by Mark Heard, so I hope no one minds if I post the lyrics.
Satellite Sky
Why do I lie awake at night
and think back just as far as I can
To the sound of my father’s laugh outdoors
To the thought of Sputnik in free-flight?
Before I could fashion my poverty
Before I distrusted the night
I must’ve known something
I must’ve known something
Those were the times I live for tonight
It can’t be easy for my children
I’m hollow before my time
It looks like a desert here to me
Where is the promise of youth for my child?
Where are the faraway kingdoms of dreams?
We’ve been to the moon and there’s trouble at home
They vanished in the mist with Saint Nicholas
They lie scattered to the ghettos and the war zones
I want to stand out in the middle of the street
and listen to the stars
I want to hear their sweet voices
I want to feel a big bang rattle my bones
I want to laugh for my children
I want the spark to ignite
before they find out what it means to be born
into these times
Why, Why, Why, I say Why, Mama, Why?
Why can’t I sleep in peace tonight
underneath the satellite sky?
Written by Mark Heard © 1992 Ideola Music
April 7th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
What a great song, Brent.
Sam, I’ve walked across that bridge several times during my annual adventures in New Mexico. It’s awe-inspiring in the hot sun. I can only imagine how breathtaking it must be under a clear night sky.