Songtime

"My Back Pages" was written by Bob Dylan and first appeared on his 1964 "Another Side of Bob Dylan"  album. It has often been said that the song is about Dylan waving goodbye to his former self  - a minstrel who preached and supported protest movements. Now a different artist is emerging - wiser and less naive - not interested in changing the world. I find the song rather obtuse and there's a sense in which Dylan is playing with words and images, enjoying the way they collide rather than setting out a clear agenda. Here the song is performed by The Byrds who recorded at least twenty Dylan songs. Only two of the original five members of that legendary band are still alive today - Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman...

Crimson flames tied through my ears
Rollin' high and mighty traps
Countless with fire on flaming roads
Using ideas as my maps
We'll meet on edges, soon, said I
Proud 'neath heated brow
Ah, but I was so much older then
I'm younger than that now

Half-wracked prejudice leaped forth
Rip down all hate, I screamed
Lies that life is black and white
Spoke from my skull I dreamed
Romantic facts of musketeers
Foundationed deep, somehow
Ah, but I was so much older then
I'm younger than that now

In a soldier's stance, I aimed my hand
At the mongrel dogs who teach
Fearing not that I'd become my enemy
In the instant that I preach
Sisters fled by confusion boats
Mutiny from stern to bow
Ah, but I was so much older then
I'm younger than that now

Ah, but I was so much older then
I'm younger than that now

My guard stood hard when abstract threats
Too noble to neglect
Deceived me into thinking
I had something to protect
Good and bad, I define these terms
Quite clear, no doubt, somehow
Ah, but I was so much older then
I'm younger than that now

from Yorkshire Pudding https://ift.tt/YjxUSot

@rkrsrue

 In an effort to grow, I’ve added an Instagram page devoted to the blog. It’s @rkrsrue. Thank you. I’m learning as I go. Thank you for your patience. I’m learning not all change is bad. 

from R's rue https://ift.tt/6ZF02mc

DC

 I’m home. Grateful and blessed for a week that taught me what strength is. I was in Washington, DC to see a friend. I walked and walked. I shopped. I ate so much good food. Let me tell you what I found. God gave me a peace I can’t explain. From the beginning to its conclusion today. I was in Nordstrom being prayed over. It was one of the most poignant moments I’ve had. The TSA screener offering me a hug. The grace given in the metro for me to find a seat. I was given mercy and love. The only thing I did was be myself. That was enough. 

I’ve spent a lifetime apologizing for how God made me, and this week I was asked to stop. Stop apologizing. Stop making myself small to make others feel their own humanity. I wasn’t asked to speed up. I was asked to just be me. I realize that is what I ask of you. Be yourself.

I’ve spoken multiple languages. I’ve greeted all I meet. I pet every dog I could. What I want to do is thank God for doing what I couldn’t do. I truly believe people can tell if your heart is pure. Most times I didn’t need to ask. It was offered. God will meet you where you are. This is what surrender looks like. And it’s a wonderful thought. 

Love yourself and one another

from R's rue https://ift.tt/Cdjv6ch