Time Alone Is Healing, As Long As There's Bleeding

My trusted and honored accomplice Claire lost a family member today. Beyond the fact that she probably wouldn't want me to address it on a site that's otherwise devoted to un-serious purposes, the greiving process is something that can't be accelerated or muted in any way. Regardless, I'm posting a video from an artist I've been fortunate enough to see live several times and is one of less than three singers to actually bring tears to my eyes live.

Chuck Ragan's later songs in his amazing band Hot Water Music reflected unspeakable pain as he was losing his wife of several years, and his new post-Hot Water Music solo album shows the progression from pain to optimism, while still remaining one of the most real and touching lyricists I've ever encountered.

Since this live video has really iffy (not bad) sound quality, I'm putting the lyrics below. It's worth watching to see one of the most passionate vocalists I've ever had the pleasure of seeing live, particularly as this video crosses the 90-second mark.



Downright hopelessness
When the wrath of consequence comes knocking
On that old front door
And we count the ways,
The seconds have fallen into place with the emptiness
Don't hold the phone

I know some are counting on
God above or methadone to kill the way
And to take away the pain
I feel for the lost
And empathize the cost for calamity
For what I've seen

Open up and wail, open up and cry
We are not the type for young to die
In a rattle cage, heads against the wall
Through dangerous nights
No more lullabies
Open up and wail

We've got what it takes
Everything that needs to make a fighting chance
At carrying the load
Of fallen day to day
Of gruesome cold reality, square in the nose
Bleeding to the toes

Open up and wail, open up and cry
We are not the type for young to die
In a rattle cage, heads against the wall
Through dangerous nights
No more lullabies

Open up and wail, open up and cry
We are not the type for young to die
In a rattle cage, heads against the wall
Through dangerous nights
No more lullabies
Open up and wail

I pour my beer out for your family tonight. Send my thoughts.