The last page of My Ántonia was turned on Sunday. I am now between the pages of The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. I hoped to share some thoughts on the novel here today but run out of time to do a good job of it. Instead, I am sharing my new favorite singer and song with you.
My cousin referred me to Benjamin Clementine’s “Cornerstone,” late last year. I loved his deep confiding voice, the minimal use of instruments, and the refreshing poetic lyrics. I meant to find him again as I was then in the middle of things. I forgot. A few days ago, my wonderful Parisian client turned friend mentioned him, and in the middle of crocheting orders I tuned in and got hooked fast; especially to “Condolence.” His voice is soulful, encouraging, understanding, borderline melancholia, and the lyrics very insightful and beautiful.
Lyrics
I swear that you’ve seen me
Yes you’ve seen me here before
Before
And so don’t tell it
Don’t tell it otherwise
This voice
This particular voice
Yes you’ve heard it before
Before
And so don’t you dare tell it
Don’t you dare tell it otherwise
No wonder why the road seem so long
‘Cause I had done it all before
And I won
You felt
This feeling
Tell me, don’t be ashamed
You felt it before
Before
And so don’t tell me
Don’t tell me otherwise
I almost forgot
Foolish me
I almost forgot
Forgot
Where I’m from
You see the rain
Before the rain even starts to rain
Before I was born
There was a storm
Before that storm
There was fire
Burning everywhere
Everywhere
And everything became nothing again
Then out of nothing
Out of absolutely nothing
I Benjamin
I was born
So that when I become someone one day
I always remember that
I came from nothing
No wonder why you’ve been buggering me
‘Cause this walk
It’s a previous journey
And no wonder why the road seem so long
‘Cause I had done it all before
And I won
I’m sending my condolence
I’m sending my condolence to fear
I’m sending my condolence
I’m sending my condolence to insecurities
You should know by now
You should know by now that I just don’t care
For what you might say
Might bring someone down here
I’m sending my condolence
I’m sending my condolence to fear
-Benjamin Clementine
Have a blast,
Jane
