American music: What a sad state

by Leigh Pomeroy

I didn't watch the Grammys last night, except for when my wife called me upstairs to watch Mick Jagger, a few years our senior, prance around the stage like a starving rooster croaking a tune that's three decades old.

In contrast, I turned on my iTunes this morning and am listening to songs, many of which are at least that age (e.g. Phil Ochs). Now, I'm not gonna knock Mick. Actually he's in great shape, except for his face, which looks like something off of Mt. Rushmore ... before it was carved.

To be honest, I collected all the Stones albums on vinyl up until about "Sticky Fingers". And I loved Keith Richard's autobiography, "Life". Yet....

So this morning on my random iTunes selections up popped Bill Staines' "Child of Mine", which on this cut he sings with Melissa Javors. And I have to admit I cried as I recalled that long ago when my twins were small and quite a handful I used to play this song to give me comfort and to remember that it was all going to be worthwhile in the long run ... and it was.

I wondered, how many of this generation's coterie at the Grammys — winners, losers and audience — have heard "Child of Mine"?

The answer came clear when I glanced at my iTunes sidebar, which is supposed to list comparable music I might like. It said, "iTunes sidebar could not find matches for your specific selection, but here are the Top Songs and Albums in the iTunes Store." Hot diggity. And the songs that were included?

• "S&M" by Rihanna
• "F**k You" by Cee Lo Green
• "Grenade" by Bruno Mars
• "What the Hell" by Avril Lavigne

What the hell? Indeed.

If you want to hear real music, I suggest you track down Bill Staines' albums "Going to the West" or "The Second Million Miles" and listen to "Child of Mine". And maybe you too will cry, if not for the fond memories of parenthood then perhaps for the state of what passes as music today.

Child of mine, you are the wildest wind
And the dearest dream I will ever know.
Love's lasting light shines out from deep
Within this father's heart as I watch you grow.

Child of mine, you are the break of dawn
and the brightest star I will ever know
Love's lasting light comes shining on and on
From this mother's heart as I watch you grow.

There is a road, and that road is all your own
But we are here, you need not walk alone.
To face, not fear each coming new unknown
Is the way to lift your wings.

Child of mine, you are the sweetest song
And the greatest gift I will ever know.

Child of mine, where spirits fly above
There is but one that belongs to you.
So let it grow and it will thrive on love
For it is love that sees us through.

You have hands that will open up the doors,
You may have the hopes this world is waiting for,
You are my own, but you are so much more
You are tomorrow on the wing, child of mine.

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