Uncertain Hour

Yikes. I'm sorry, readers. I fell into a rabbit hole and ended up in Electionland, and haven't been able to do much but read and watch and worry. Just a few minutes ago, the little town of Dixville Notch, New Hampshire cast its votes -- traditionally Republican -- 15-6 for Obama. It will be a momentous day tomorrow, and I don't know any more than anyone else what the outcome will be.

Someone recently accused me of wanting everything to be profound and meaningful and truthful. I guess I'm guilty as charged. This time in America feels like all of the above, but not easy. There's an Obama ad that's been in heavy rotation here in the last few days, with only Paul Simon's beautiful and world-weary American Tune as the audio. It's a moving song. It got to me today, after a solitary day and another job interview that ended with "you're not what we're looking for." I've attached the lyrics. 

This blog will be back on topic soon, I promise. If you haven't done it yet, go vote the way your conscience tells you to vote. I'm going to try to stitch my way through tomorrow, and wait to exhale.

American Tune
  
                 Words and music by Paul Simon

Many’s the time I’ve been mistaken
And many times confused
Yes, and often felt forsaken
And certainly misused
Oh, but I’m alright, I’m alright
I’m just weary to my bones
Still, you don’t expect to be
Bright and bon vivant
So far away from home, so far away from home

I don’t know a soul who’s not been battered
I don’t have a friend who feels at ease
I don’t know a dream that’s not been shattered
Or driven to its knees
Oh, but it’s alright, it’s alright
For we lived so well so long
Still, when I think of the
Road we’re traveling on
I wonder what’s gone wrong
I can’t help it, I wonder what’s gone wrong

And I dreamed I was dying
I dreamed that my soul rose unexpectedly
And looking back down at me
Smiled reassuringly
And I dreamed I was flying
And high up above my eyes could clearly see
The Statue of Liberty
Sailing away to sea
And I dreamed I was flying

We come on the ship they call the Mayflower
We come on the ship that sailed the moon
We come in the age’s most uncertain hours
And sing an American tune
Oh, and it’s alright, it’s alright, it’s alright
You can’t be forever blessed
Still, tomorrow’s going to be another working day
And I’m trying to get some rest
That’s all, I’m trying to get some rest.

Comments

[Heather]

Wow. What great lyrics. I know lots of us are on pins and needles about this one.