Funny how music works... or, Mahler and the pigs

Music Lane

It's all about the music, dude! Sit down, relax and listen to some tunes.

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That I can sit through Mahler's 8th symphony with it's sheer scale and splendor and wind up thinking, "Ok, that was nice, but didn't do much for me" (Granted I'm new to this and it will take time.) and then get choked up over a song about pigs going to a high school prom. Go figure!
After a hour and a half sesson with Mahler 8, I played John Gorka's "Land of the Bottom Line" (maybe my favoriet Gorka cd). The song "Promnight in Pigtown" is a bit silly on the surface, but it does strike a chord when you think about some of the lyrics. It is a bit of light-hearted fantasy about pigs going to their high school prom and their graduation, filled with a lot of swine references. However, it does get you to thinking of your own high school experiences. The main theme of the song is that these pigs were going to have a good time on their last night together, knowing what their ultimate fate may be.
"They ate with noise food by the plates-full
But on the dance floor they were so graceful
They'd glide without a care
Their snouts tucked in the air
It was a sight to see.
After desserts they bobbed for apples
All knowing soon they could be scrapple
Another packaged processed food
They bore no attitude
Or grudge aainst the world."
However, the part that hits home for me is:
"And after that the class would scatter
From Delaware to deli platters
All would lose a friend
They were noble till the end
And never asked for more."
Growing up in the 60's and 70's, I think back on my own graduation party and how we all would be scattered, after some of us spending up to twelve years together, as well as how many of the folks in that era would wind up losing a friend.
Damn, I like Joh Gorka's songs. They tend to be a bit dark, but many do have a touch of humor, and he can sure paint a picture with one or two lines.
Neil

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Topic - Funny how music works... or, Mahler and the pigs - Neil E. 20:05:29 02/20/00 (4)

I thought you were about to tell a story about cops not fining you because you had Mahler playing in your car. <nt> - Rob 06:54:26 02/21/00 (2)

Re: No fines - Neil E. 09:57:56 02/21/00 (1)

ROTFL - Rob 10:17:53 02/21/00 (0)

Re: Funny how music works... or, Mahler and the pigs - J.R. 22:01:31 02/20/00 (0)

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