88 Comments

thank you for introducing us to more wondrous songs. I saw Tracy Chapman in Austin around 1969 and she silenced the crowd. pauper's dough by king creosote is beautiful and haunting.

Expand full comment

I'm still thinking on mine. I am taking this assignment very seriously, much answering, "What's your favorite book?" Or what one album would you choose to have with you if you were stuck on a desert island? I've actually experienced the second scenario (ish), living out of a tent, in the Kalalau valley, on Kauai. I had a tiny Mp3 player that could hold about 22 songs (this was before creation of iPods, etc. that hold thousands of songs), and it was an eleven mile hike and at least one hitch-hike back to civilization - where I could go online at the library and get different songs.

So... While this is not my final answer, my wife put on a "Happy Birthday, America" playlist and when American Pie just came on, I thought of you. For my more considered answer, I'm still pondering/narrowing down my own question! Like I said, I take this task seriously. I'm vacillating between what I would love to hear you sing "because it would be 'totally different' from the original" (like Cake covering Gloria Gaynor's 𝐼 𝑊𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑆𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑖𝑣𝑒), a song you would find creatively challenging and thus want to do, and a song that I love. Ultimately, I want to select a song that 𝑐𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠 (😉couldn't help myself) all of these.

PS A late Happy Birthday to Jessie! *And happy 𝐵𝑖𝑟𝑡ℎ-Day to you, mama! I hope you both have an amazing trip around the 🌞 this year - filled with love, laughter, light (and lightness, as we re-enter life in this post-covid "new normal"), creativity and, of course, great music!🌞🌈🖤♾🌻🐞🎵

*After I became a Mama, 8½ years ago, I realized that our kids birthdays are probably more meaningful to us than they are to them. In my case, my daughter's birthday is definitely more cause for celebration than my own. So I now make a point to also celebrate the mom's and pops on birthdays.

That said, I just turned 50 (June 15th) and it was a milestone I'd been looking forward to so it had an equivalent elevated enthusiasm for me.

Expand full comment

I can hear both these songs in your 74-year old voice, Patti.

Expand full comment

I think "Pauper's Dough" can be the perfect choice to cover. The lyrics are so powerful and inspiring! I'm listing to this song and it seems I already hear Patti's voice.

Expand full comment

I just heard 'Pauper's Dough' for the first time ever and fell in love with it instantly! Thank you to the person that suggested that one. Majestic and Magical❤️

Expand full comment

You’re welcome 😊

Expand full comment

Magical indeed!

Expand full comment

MFFT ON THE LEDGE/FAIRPORT CONVENTION W/SANDY DENNY

Expand full comment

IKNOW YOU RIDER/TRAD

Expand full comment

WHITE BIRD/ ITS A BEAFUL DAUTI

Expand full comment

THE SOUND OF SILENCE/ PAUL SIMON

Expand full comment

The film and soundtrack is sooo gorgeous. Women in the workforce and all of the human endeavors are beautiful inspiration.

Expand full comment

Just love that song by King Creosote he has so many great songs that have yet to be heard by most people. I glad I have been able to listen to most of them now, well over 50 albums.

Expand full comment

Tracy Nelson, such a fantastic choice. Thank you!

Expand full comment

I just loved your first choices! Amazing songs. I believe that anything you choose will be perfect in your voice. Love you💖🇧🇷

Expand full comment

"so many new songs, each being a world." Exactly. I will soon turn 65. Every day I hear music that I missed growing up and I ask myself, you missed this! How? But there is the beauty of music. I may have missed it in 1967, but I can explore its world in 2021. Thank you!

Expand full comment

It’s wonderful to feel your sweet appreciation

Expand full comment