We Will Survive!

It’s been 7 years. Obama’s talk tonight at the 9/11 Forum on Community Service reminded me of how united we were in the days following the events of 7 years ago. I would like a return to the feeling of one America, bound by our past, our heritage and most importantly by the laws and rules, based on the US Constitution, that have served us so well, so far.

Remember:

eternal vigilance by the people is the price of liberty … Andrew Jackson farewell address, March 4th, 1837

It also brought to mind, in a very visceral sense, this song of hope, humility and resolve:

We will get by, We will survive!

Update:

Nightjack, an English Detective, shared this song by Simon and Garfunkel, An American Tune. It seems to match the mood and feel of the day.

For over 10 years Jerry Garcia coaxed some sweet sounds from this guitar, known as Tiger. This was his primary guitar from 1979 through 1990, both with the Jerry Garcia Band as well as with his day job band, the Grateful Dead. The hours of musical pleasure he provided for thousands of people with Tiger created memories that will be treasured forever.

In honor of Jerry’s birthday, below are a few photos, first of the guitar alone, and then as played by the master. Technical details about the guitar, as well as more photos, can be seen here: Tiger guitar info.

“One day, the pain would be gone; but never the memory.”

That was the last line of a book that I read years ago; unfortunately I’ve forgotten the name of the book but that in no way diminishes the sentiment embodied by the statement.

UPDATE: As Ben correctly noted in the comments, the book is Arthur C. Clarke’s Songs of Distant Earth.

If I Had the World to Give
Words by Robert Hunter
Music by Jerry Garcia

If I had the world to give
I’d give it to you - long as you live
Would you let it fall
or hold it all in your arms?

If I had a song to sing
I’d sing it to you - as long as you live
Lullabye - or maybe a plain serenade
wouldn’t you laugh, dance, and cry
or be afraid at the trade you made?

I may not have the world to give to you
but maybe I have a tune or two
Only if you let me be your world
could I ever give this world to you,
could I ever give this world to you

But I will give what love I have to give
I will give what love I have to give
I will give what love I have to give
long as I live

If I had a star to give
I’d give it to you - long as you live
Would you have the time
to watch it shine - watch it shine
or ask for the moon and heaven too?
I’d give it to you.

Maybe I’ve got no star to spare
or anything fine or even rare
Only if you let me be your world
would I ever give this world to you
could I ever give this world to you
::

Happy Birthday, Sheryl!

You can listen to the song, If I Had the World to Give, performed by the Grateful Dead on 20 November 1978, by clicking the song title immediately preceding these words. I really like this song, and sadly it was only performed 3 times in concert, but thankfully, it was recorded so we can enjoy it years (almost 30!) later.

Ramrod was a familiar site to folks attending Grateful Dead concerts; he recently passed away following a bout with lung cancer.