Staying On Track – Detours Galore

I try to stay on track. But there is so much vying for my attention these days.

Flustered Mustard

My next album will be nine folk songs. A few of these will be new versions of songs you’ve already heard. There’s one “cover” song that I’ve already released to my VIP subscribers. And the rest are new songs never heard outside of my recording studio and rehearsal rooms.

That one cover song is actually a traditional song (in the public domain) named “Wayfaring Stranger“. You may have heard versions by dozens of singers over the years. It’s been tracked by everyone from Neko Case to Natalie Merchant to Johnny Cash.

I have no misgivings about the fact that my version is no match for all who have sung it. Instead, I have a simple love for this song and for all the myriad versions of it that have graced human ears for almost two centuries.

Tracking Songs

The lyrics of “Wayfaring Stranger” tell a story of staying on track. I suspect the songwriter saw life as a narrow road that often had challenges. On the other hand, I see life as having a very wide trail, filled with options and detours.

In my worldview, the challenges are at least as fraught with peril as that narrow road. We human beings have such a diverse set of choices. Things that were unimaginable a century or more ago are now commonplace or at least optional.

These days, we are seeing this peril first hand on so many levels. Dictatorships are rising in countries we never would have anticipated. People’s lives are being uprooted and thrown into chaos. In the face of this, I too often find it difficult to stay on track.

Track the Tracks

But I will indeed find my way back to my intended journey repeatedly and until I reach my goal. Oh, yes. I have goals for myself and goals I’d love to see humanity achieve.

At this point in my life, I may not see us reach those communal goals. But I will continue to relate with others and share in the best ways I am able. This is my integrity with myself and with all the people I love in this world.

One way I can aim for these intended outcomes is to share music inspired by this vision of our common humanity. And music that I hope will inspire you to help us reach a world of understanding and mutual care. This is how I intend to stay on track.