“Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town” by Pearl Jam
I’m not feeling the writing muse today. Up too early this morning, and then spent two hours at the doctor being poked and prodded, and having too many vials of blood drawn. It must be feeding day for vampires. I’ll be back writing new content tomorrow, with a brand new song of the day for you.
But for today I’m looking back at an old posting, and a poem I wrote in 2015 while listening to this song. Back when every song of the day was accompanied by a piece of art and either poetry or prose. I may go back to that style at least a few times a week. I do miss the music and art muses, just like I miss writing poetry. As the lyrics in this song say, “my god, it’s been so long.”
“Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town” is in my Top 5 favorite Pearl Jam songs. The last part of the song often makes me cry.
It is the tenth track on the band’s second studio album, Vs. Although the song is credited to all members of Peral Jam, it was primarily written by singer/frontman Eddie Vedder. Despite the lack of a commercial single release, the song reached #17 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. An acoustic version appeared on the “Go” single. (from Wikipedia)
“Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town” by Pearl Jam
from the album, Vs. (1993)
Song of the Day
Songs and Poetry
“I just want to scream hello,
my god, it’s been so long,
never dreamed you’d return,
but, now here you are,
and here I am;
hearts and thoughts they fade,
away.”
Keep Art Alive – “It Was You” – Art by Audrey Kawasaki
Again (& Again)
(by me)
Your presence still swirls in the air
a breathing out of unheard turns of phrase
words and melodies collapsing
turning tricks in my bloodstream
in my self-esteem
in my fading protests
You live in my muscle memory
existing in the space between
forget and forgive
you stay longer than I ever said you could
tripping all my steps
as I try to turn away
I can hear the ocean in the distance
feel my hair tangling in the open window salty air
early morning coolness that will burn away in an hour
because Summer is a cruel mistress
heating up the city like a lover’s touch
she tempts me to turn up at your door
But last time was the last time
The “its really over this time”
with or without your big fade away
all the planes, trains, and unanswered calls
I know this game by heart
the closer we get
the further you run
leaving me to clean up the rubble and ruin
I’m too worn to start over
even if I hesitate on the sand
wanting to scream your name
wanting to say just one more time
wanting to ask where have you been
and what the hell do you want
from me
again
