Song of the Day 14 : Emmylou Harris : Boulder to Birmingham

Gram Parson Memorial : Joshua Tree

Boulder to Birmingham was a hit and almost destroyed by the Hollies for me when an awful version was a hit in NZ in the early 70's (and I quite like the Hollies).  Lacking all the emotion of the original's original tribute to Gram Parsons and the bizarre happenings around his death and burial are completely lost.  Emmylou's version is now recognised as the classic it deserves to be. 

There is some dispute as to whether the "canyons are on fire line" is a reference to Gram's unusual cremation at Joshua tree or the fires raging around Los Angeles at the time.  Something that adds to the songs mystery and allure.  

PS - I gave the Hollies version another listen tonight and it is perhaps even worse than I remembered.  For those brave souls willing to give it a go here it is.  urrrrggghhhhhhh!!!!!

"Boulder To Birmingham"

I don't want to hear a love song

I got on this airplane just to fly

And I know there's life below

But all that it can show me

Is the prairie and the sky

And I don't want to hear a sad story

Full of heartbreak and desire

The last time I felt like this

It was in the wilderness and the canyon was on fire

And I stood on the mountain in the night and I watched it burn

I watched it burn, I watched it burn.

I would rock my soul in the bosom of Abraham

I would hold my life in his saving grace.

I would walk all the way from Boulder to Birmingham

If I thought I could see, I could see your face.

Well you really got me this time

And the hardest part is knowing I'll survive.

I have come to listen for the sound

Of the trucks as they move down

Out on ninety five

And pretend that it's the ocean

coming down to wash me clean, to wash me clean

Baby do you know what I mean

I would rock my soul in the bosom of Abraham

I would hold my life in his saving grace.

I would walk all the way from Boulder to Birmingham

If I thought I could see, I could see your face.