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A Cool Day On the Road

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Off the southern coasts of Iran, there is a strait bordered by the sea on one side and mountains on the other. A narrow road leading towards this strait encounters the formidable and majestic Mountain, locally referred to as the Mountain of God. Although this mountain lies in the middle of my annual travel route, reaching it somehow marks the pinnacle of the journey, and the experience becomes complete, especially in terms of its beauty.

 

 

Blues, music at its best

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Summertime

Song by Janis Joplin

Summertime, time, timeChild, the living’s easyFish are jumping outAnd the cotton, LordCotton’s high, Lord so high
Your daddy’s richAnd your ma is so good-looking, babyShe’s a-looking good nowHush, baby, baby, baby, baby, babyNo, no, no, no, don’t you cry, don’t you cry
One of these morningsYou’re gonna rise, rise up singingYou’re gonna spread your wings, childAnd take, take to the skyLord, the sky
Until that morningHoney, nothing’s going to harm you nowNo, no, no no, no no, no, no, no, no, noNo, no, no no, no no, no, no, no, no, noNo, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, don’t you cry

My introduction to this song came about while reading James Michener’s novel, “The Drifters.” As the characters in the book arrived in Portugal, they encountered a music enthusiast who played Janis Joplin’s “Summertime” for them. According to Michener, this song echoed through bars across Europe and America. Intrigued by the novel, I sought out the song and have been captivated by it ever since. Janis Joplin’s voice may not possess the purity of an opera singer, but it exudes a raw emotion and a unique depth that resonated deeply with me. Her music delved into themes of pain and the individuals who caused it, and her delivery drew me in completely. I admire the way she poured her heart and soul into her music. Alongside her, I would place Amy Winehouse, who similarly channeled and transcended that pain.

Initially, when my friends hear Janis Joplin, they may not immediately appreciate her. However, I hope that as they mature and broaden their musical tastes, they will come to recognize and value her artistry.