Higher Learning
William Blake gratitude and the rain
Hello everyone,
It is pouring in New York. Much needed and blessed rain as we have been entering drought conditions. Today is William Blake’s birthday and I thought to share an improvisation inspired by Blake’s Songs of Innocence. With Jay dee Daugherty on drums, Tony Shanahan on bass, Oliver Ray and Lenny Kaye on electric guitar and myself on clarinet, we performed it live at Electric Lady in 2002. It’s a very obscure piece but I have always liked it. Below are the lyrics and one of Blake’s images that I feel is somehow embedded within the song. I am spending the day with Jesse. Both of us are writing and will share a simple meal, thankful for one another. Hoping you all have a peaceful day, as we remember the suffering of others where peace and a warm meal is beyond their grasp.
Good wishes to all, thank you rain, happy birthday William Blake.
Little child lost in the world
Little boy, little girl
Little child lost in the Earth
The seed drags you down
Down deep into the Earth
Down deep
Each time, each time we give
Each time we add a word
We add a breath
We cast a note
We slide a bead
Upon the necklace of all human knowledge
In the world
Let it come down
Let it come down
Oh, my mother, father, sister, brother, children
Let it come down
In the heart, coming down
The Earth underground, they're waiting.
I visited his grave for the first time this morning. I didn't know it was his birthday, but I sang him a song!
Thank you so much for this, Patti, and thank you to everyone for the great comments. What a perfect place to come on Thanksgiving.
Patti, thank you for making possible the opportunity to express gratitude for you and for everyone who makes this space all that it is.
I spent this rainy day with my beloved Thames & Hudson edition of Blake’s Complete Illuminated Books and, before you even sent this post, Patti, I had listened to “Higher Learning” in celebration of Blake’s birthday. It is a brilliant piece performed brilliantly by all of you. Your clarinet playing is beyond belief. I am always telling people to listen to this song. I’m so happy you included it and hope that many more people are turned on to it.
Wishing everyone well and giving thanks for all of you.
As ever,
Robin